The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • 2027: Southwest PDP rejects Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai coalition

    2027: Southwest PDP rejects Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai coalition

    • Osun chair dares three Senators, eight Reps to defect; rains curses on those who leave

    The South West Caucus of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, insisted that it would not be part of the coalition being put together by some politicians, including prominent members of the party such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    The caucus, comprising Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Taofeek Arapaja, among others, reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to the PDP and commitment to its unity, stability, progress and success at all levels.

    Governor Makinde dismissed the coalition as incapable of constituting any threat to PDP.

    Chairman of the party in Osun State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, warned PDP federal lawmakers from the state against dumping the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The PDP Caucus, in a communiqué at the end of a meeting in Ibadan, said the party remained intact in the Southwest.

    It urged all its organs and relevant bodies to remain focused and continue to work assiduously toward the successful conduct of the scheduled National Convention to further strengthen and reposition the PDP for the task ahead.

    “The Caucus states in that it is not part of the reported coalition and urges all members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast and continue to stand behind our leaders in the Zone in navigating through all issues at the zonal and national levels,” it said.

    But it expressed support for the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) that “our Party remains open to working with other well-meaning like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

    It also resolved to intensify efforts to ensure “the victory of our great Party in the upcoming bye-elections in Oyo and Ogun States as well as Local Government Council election in Lagos State. The Caucus is confident that the PDP as a party of choice in the Southwest and Nigeria at large will record a sweeping victory in the coming elections.”

    It demanded the immediate release, by the federal government, of “the withheld Osun State Local Government allocation. The withholding of the Osun State Local Government allocation by the Federal Government is unconstitutional, unwarranted and a violation of the rights and wellbeing of the people of Osun State.

    Fielding questions from reporters at the end of the meeting, Makinde said the brains behind the coalition have always been known as people with antecedents of moving from one party to another.

    He said any serious party leader should address whatever challenge is facing his party head on, instead of jumping ship at the slightest opportunity.

    He said the question people should be asking is what such defectors have to offer.

    On the caucus meeting, he said: “We want the whole world, the entire country to know that the PDP in the Southwest is united, we are together.

    “Coalition is not a threat to PDP. Who are these people in this coalition? They have been in some parties before, whether PDP or APC. What are their antecedents? Does it mean that every time they move from one party to the other, they repented or changed or they have something new to offer the people?

    “Those are salient questions. If this building here, the roof is leaking, as leaders of PDP in the Southwest, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? We will stay inside here and fix it and let the people know that we are responsible leaders and we have the interest of the people at heart. That will be my own expectation for anybody that has anything against this party.”

    On the threat by some members of the coalition that they will remain in the PDP but work for the coalition, the governor said people were entitled to their opinions but the party as an institution with laid down structure has its own way of dealing with such issues at the right time.

    His words: “People can say whatever they like. But in a party like PDP, that is an institution, we have our own ways and means of dealing with such issues. And when we get to the point where we have to deal with such issues, I give you the assurance, we will.”

    Addressing the delegates earlier, the governor recalled how the refusal of the party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to allow the office of the party’s national chairman to go to the South resulted in the formation of the G5.

    The meeting had in attendance leaders, delegates and stakeholders of the party from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos State.

    Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleken, was represented at the meeting by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.

    PDP dares Osun Senators, Reps over dumping party

    Hon. Sunday Bisi, in a video which has gone viral, warned PDP senators and Reps to be careful of their actions as the 2027 elections draw near.

    Bisi who spoke in Yoruba at a gathering of party stakeholders said: “those of us who are close to our senators and Reps, let’s advise them; their mandate is for four years. You did not mandate them to spend two years and cross to another political party.

    Read Also: 2027: Southwest PDP rejects Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai coalition

    “Whoever does that is a betrayer and he will also be betrayed. And it will not be well for such a person.

    “I am saying this because we built this party with our sweat and tears and got them elected. Now that the party’s flame is shining, anyone who tries to extinguish it will have his own flame extinguished instead.

    “Talk to them because some of them are acting like they will not return home again and need the party again. We’re monitoring their every move in Abuja. Help us warn them seriously to desist from any untoward action.

    “We worked for this party, and we want to warn Wole Oke; he wants to destroy the PDP finally after he used the platform for 24 years. He forgot God and the future, I won’t say more than this.”

  • Presidency: No link between Shettima’s statement, Rivers crisis

    Presidency: No link between Shettima’s statement, Rivers crisis

    • Debunks reports linking VP’s remarks to emergency rule
    • Says Shettima remains in ‘loyal concert’ with Tinubu

    The Presidency yesterday drew a distinction between the Thursday remarks of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the public presentation of a book by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), and  the recent political developments in Rivers State or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s constitutional actions in that regard.

    It labeled as gross misrepresentation online reports suggesting that the Vice President had drawn a comparison between his experience as Governor of Borno State under President Goodluck Jonathan and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Tinubu.

    Responding to the online reports in a statement yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said the VP’s remarks were distorted.

    “Certain online news outlets and individuals have distorted the Vice President’s comments in pursuit of a mischievous agenda,” Nkwocha said.

    Continuing, he said: “They twisted his account of how the administration of former President Jonathan considered removing him from office during the insurgency in the North East, to draw false equivalence with current events in Rivers State.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional measure implemented was a suspension, not an outright removal.

    “This action was taken in response to the grave political crisis in Rivers State at the time, with the Governor facing a looming impeachment and the State Assembly complex under demolition.”

    The Presidency insisted that the action taken by President Tinubu in declaring a state of emergency and suspending the Governor was fully in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which authorises such measures when there is a breakdown of public order requiring extraordinary intervention.

    Read Also: First Lady hails Lagos Local Govt chairman over four legacy projects

    It said the President’s proclamation invoking Section 305(2) was subsequently ratified by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the National Assembly, confirming the legitimacy and constitutional propriety of the decision.

    “The action of President Tinubu in suspending Mr. Fubara and others from exercising the functions of office averted the Governor’s outright removal. To conflate suspension with removal is misleading,” the Presidency noted.

    It also stressed that Vice President Shettima’s comments were delivered extemporaneously and intended to underline the importance of public accountability and historical documentation.

    He referenced the Vice President’s mention of past public servants, including Adoke and former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to illustrate principled leadership.

    “His remarks were not in any way a criticism of President Tinubu’s actions, which the Vice President and the entire administration fully support and stand by without reservation,” the spokesman stated.

    The Vice President, the statement added, remains in “loyal concert” with President Tinubu and is committed to implementing all constitutional measures necessary to safeguard democracy and uphold order across the country.

    The Presidency asked media organisations and political actors to desist from misrepresenting public remarks for sensational or partisan purposes.

    “We urge media organisations and political actors to desist from the destructive practice of wrenching statements from context in order to fabricate nonexistent conflicts,” Nkwocha said.

    However, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed the Presidency’s statement as “a mere attempt at political correctness.”

    The party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the truth must not be lost in the fog of political correctness.

  • NNPCL may sell Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna refineries – Ojulari

    NNPCL may sell Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna refineries – Ojulari

    • Says all options are on the table

    The group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has hinted on the possibility of selling the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.

    The NNPC disclosed this in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the 9th OPEC international seminar in Vienna, Austria.

    He said: “So refineries, we made quite a lot of investment over the last several years and brought in a lot of technologies. We’ve been challenged.

    “Some of those technologies have not worked as we expected so far. But also, as you know, when you’re refining a very old refinery that has been abandoned for some time, what we’re finding is that it’s becoming a little bit more complicated.

    “So we’re reviewing all our refinery strategies now. We hope before the end of the year, we’ll be able to conclude that review. That review may lead to us doing things slightly differently. But what we’re saying is that sale is not out of the question. All the options are on the table, to be frank, but that decision will be based on the outcome of the reviews we’re doing now.”

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    Ojulari also said the operating cost of oil production in Nigeria ranges between $20 and $30 per barrel.

    “For the cost of crude production, there’s a capital cost and there are the operating costs,” he said.

    “The operating cost right now in Nigeria is hovering over $20 per barrel, which is quite high.

    “Part of that is because of the investment we’ve had to make in terms of security of our pipelines, which as you know, today we have 100 percent availability of our pipelines. That came out of significant investment.

    “So we believe with time, with stability, that cost will start going down, but for now it’s somewhere between $25 and $30 a barrel.”

    Ojulari added that by the end of the year, the country plans to increase oil output to 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd).

    President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote,   had on Thursday expressed skepticism  about the refineries working again.

    The business mogul disclosed this while hosting members of the Global CEO Africa from the Lagos Business School, after a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos.

    The billionaire said more than 50 percent of his refinery’s production — which was built after late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration blocked his bid to buy state refineries — now goes to petrol.

    “The refineries that we bought before, which were owned by Nigeria, were doing about 22 percent of PMS. We bought the refineries in January 2007. Then we had to return them to the government because there was a change of government,” he said.

    “And the managing director at that time convinced Yar’Adua that the refineries would work.

    “They said they just gave them to us as a parting gift or so. And as of today, they have spent about $18 billion on those refineries, and they are still not working. I don’t think and I doubt very much if they will work.”

    Dangote emphasised that the turnaround maintenance of the refineries “is like you trying to modernise a car that was built 40 years ago, when technology and everything have changed”.

    “Even if you change the engine, the body will not be able to take the shock of that new technology engine,” he said.

    The NNPC had on November 26, 2024,  announced that  the Port Harcourt refinery had officially commenced crude oil processing, but the refinery shut down in May for maintenance.

    The national oil firm said the Warri and Kaduna refineries were still undergoing rehabilitation.

    The federal government approved $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers state in March 2021.

  • Sanwo-Olu urges huge turnout as Lagos holds LG poll

    Sanwo-Olu urges huge turnout as Lagos holds LG poll

    • 139 candidates fight for 57 chairmanship seats
    • 842 slug it out for 376 councillorship positions
    • Security beefed up, vehicular movement restricted
    • Chief Judge inaugurates election petition tribunals

    Lagos State governor, Babajide  Sanwo-Olu has urged all eligible voters across the state to go out in large numbers to participate  in the local government elections holding across the state today.

    The governor, in a statement personally signed by him, said the election offers Lagosians an opportunity to shape the leadership of their local councils by voting for chairmen and councilors who will represent their interests and drive development at the community level.

    His words: “This election is not just a constitutional process; it is a powerful expression of your voice and your civic responsibility; it is your right. I urge every registered voter to go out peacefully tomorrow, cast your vote, and be a part of the democratic process that strengthens our communities and our state.”

    To ensure a safe, orderly, and credible election, Gov Sanwo-Olu said he has directed that security agencies be strategically deployed across all polling units and communities, adding that law enforcement officials will be present to protect voters, electoral officials, and election materials.

    “The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has assured me that they are ready for the election.

    I urge all political stakeholders, party agents, and candidates to conduct themselves with decorum, and to uphold the principles of peace, fairness, and respect for the rule of law throughout the election.”

    No fewer than 139 candidates across 10 political parties are contesting to fill the 57 council chairmen seats in the election.

    Also, 842 councillorship candidates from 14 political parties will be battling for 376 legislative seats during the election.

    In all, 15 out of 19 political parties that showed interest in the poll submitted names of their candidates for the election.

    A document obtained from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) yesterday showed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is the only political party fielding candidates in all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 57 councils and 376 wards.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) followed with contestants in 45 local councils and 259 wards.

    The Labour Party (LP) fielded 22 chairmanship and 130 councillorship candidates, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has six chairmanship candidates and 21 councillorship candidates.

    Other parties that scaled through the registration of candidates’ deadline released in LASIEC guidelines for the election are Accord; African Action Congress (AAC); Action Alliance (AA); Allied People’s Movement (APM); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Social Democratic party (SDP); National Rescue Movement (NRM); Young Progressive party (YPP); Youth Party (YP); Action Peoples Party (APP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Meanwhile, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd), on Thursday said over six million Lagosians are to elect 57 council chairmen and 376 councillors in the local government election.

    Read Also: First Lady hails Lagos Local Govt chairman over four legacy projects

    Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile said the election would be held in all the 13,325 polling units across the state.

    “The total number of registered voters stands at 7,060,195. The number of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collected is 6,214,970 while the number of PVCs uncollected is 845,225.

    She expressed optimism that the commission is fully prepared to conduct a peaceful, fair and transparent Local Government election.

    She stated that the distribution of sensitive materials to all councils would be done a day before the election in the presence of security agencies and agents of political parties to ensure security and transparency.

    According to her, non-sensitive materials had already been deployed.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile informed the gathering that councillorship results would be collated at the ward collation centres while the chairmanship results would be collated at the local government collation centres.

    “The commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a successful, free, fair and credible election that is devoid of violence, intimidation, or harassment. My appeal to all the contestants is to uphold democratic values and conduct themselves with decorum, maturity, and respect for the rule of law. The commission remains non-partisan and will not condone any form of electoral malpractice or violence,” she said.

    She appealed to journalists to ensure unbiased and balance reportage of the exercise.

    Chief Judge inaugurates election petition tribunals

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, yesterday inaugurated two panels of the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal to adjudicate on petitions that would arise from the council elections.  .

    The election petition tribunals would sit in Lagos Island and Ikeja.

    Each tribunal comprises four Chief Magistrates and chaired by respected retired High Court Judges.

    Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (rtd) will head the Lagos Island Panel, which also includes Chief Magistrates Micheal Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.

    The Ikeja Panel is chaired by Justice Sherifat Solebo (rtd) and comprises Chief Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.

    Inaugurating the tribunals, at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba said that the panels would receive petitions from today’s election within 21 days and complete adjudication within 45 days.

    Justice Alogba charged the tribunal members to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, fairness, and fidelity to the law.

    Justice Alogba specifically drew the panel’s attention to the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, particularly as it relates to the time frame for determining election petitions.

    He emphasized “any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect.”

    He urged the members to remain guided by the principles of law and evidence, reminding them that the success of the election dispute resolution process depends heavily on their impartiality and professionalism.

    “You must act strictly within the purview of the law. The confidence I have in your character, experience, and sense of judgment informed your appointment. I urge you to uphold justice without fear or favour, and resist all forms of bias or intimidation,” Alogba stated.

    Also addressing the panel members, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) described their appointment as a call to service in defence of democracy and the rule of law.

    “This is not just a legal duty, but a moral obligation to the state and humanity.

    “You are expected to ensure credibility in the electoral process by eliminating any perception that the courts are used to determine winners outside the will of the people,” Pedro said.

    The panels are expected to commence sittings immediately following the conclusion of the local government elections.

    Responding on behalf of the panel members, Justice Oyinkan-Abdullahi expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them.

    Oyekan-Abdullai said they hadalso have accepted their appointment as a service to the nation by the dictate of their oath.

    “Trust is very uncommon these days.That you have reposed so much trust in us means a lot, and we will not disappoint you”, she assured.

    Police deploy air assets, special forces

    The Lagos State Police Command says it has deployed air assets for surveillance and rapid response ahead of the election.

    The Commissioner of Police, (CP) Olohundare Jimoh disclosed this yesterday evening.

    He said the command also deployed special forces including Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadrons, Explosives Ordnance Disposal units, Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Marine Police, Eko Strike Force (ESF) and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) who would station at close radius to each polling units in case of any eventuality.

    His words: “We have already deployed air assets. Equally, marine operatives for this election. Fortunately, the police hangar is here in Lagos. They have been going round for surveillance and will be involved in this election. Also, our waterways have been properly policed. We have put measures in place for adequate security and to ensure things go well.

    “There has not been any flash of incidents of violence anywhere throughout the state…We will not tolerate overzealousness and over-dramatization from any group. Nobody will be allowed to take us into his hands.”

    The CP said the restriction of vehicular movement was in the utmost public interest, adding that it would ensure that nobody conveys prohibited firearms, objects or things that could cause harm anywhere in the state.

    Addressing the operatives, CP Jimoh charged them on professionalism, warning that they should not allow miscreants and hoodlums to hijack the exercise.

    “We should be very professional, polite and firm. We should be strict in carrying out our responsibility. This is to ensure that there is safety everywhere across Lagos state.

    “As residents go out to vote, they should go without fear or apprehension. They should not be afraid that they will be attacked or that anybody will snatch ballot boxes or cause disturbance of public peace. Is that clear?” He stressed, assuring them that their welfare would be adequately sorted out.

    “You shouldn’t be afraid that your welfare will not be taken care of. No, your welfare will be taken care of properly and directly. So you go out there and make us proud,” he added.

    The police boss reminded them of their roles as provided by the guidelines on election security, reiterating the need to adhere to best practices.

    “This is not the first time we are coming for election duty and this will not be the last time. This will not be an exception in giving the maximum and ultimate performance in ensuring that the election is secured, safe.

    “So, I welcome you to the Lagos State Police Command. There are a lot of expectations on us as the lead agency for internal security. We have put a lot of resources into this planning for the security of the election.

    “In terms of material resources, in terms of time for lectures and meetings and in terms of deployments. The Inspector General of Police equally provided us with all the equipment that we needed to ensure adequate security for this election. He gave us additional four armored personnel carriers to ensure we protect ourselves while deterring criminals so that we don’t suffer bodily harm.

    “He has equally provided us with water cannons so that if there is any disturbance anywhere we can promptly put it under control….

    “I want you to shun any act of indiscipline, shun any act of corruption. Don’t allow anybody to embarrass you with issues of corruption. I know very well we are professional officers, we are not corrupt and we make sure that we do as is expected of us to make the Nigeria Police Force and the IGP very proud,” he concluded.

    Akiolu to politicians: play by the rules

    The Oba of Lagos,  Oba Rilwan Akiolu has appealed to political parties contesting in today’s Lagos State council election to ‘play the game of politics according to the rules’ by ensuring the election is peaceful and devoid of any forms of violence.

    Akiolu spoke on Thursday at his Idunganran palace, Lagos Island when he hosted representatives of the C & S Unification of Nigeria, who paid him a visit to intimate him of the forthcoming centenary celebration of the church in Nigeria.

    Speaking on the council election, Akiolu urged electorates, candidates and parties to be calm and vote for candidates of their choice irrespective of party affiliations.

    “My special appeal to all residents in Lagos irrespective of party alleviation is to be calm and play the game according to the rules.  Politicians do not quarrel, they only disagree. If one party has something profitable for the people, they should meet with other parties and iron it out,” Akiolu said.

    “For a very long time, we have been enjoying peaceful coexistence in Lagos State. We noticed from the first civilian government of Lateef Jakande to Bola Tinubu as governor, even during the military leaders in Lagos, they all did well and Lagos has been progressing.

    At this particular time, we have the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the governor of CBN. I appeal to the traders not to look for excessive profits. They should not put high prices on their goods.  The naira is stabilizing and I have the belief that God will help the country,” he added.

    The leader of the delegation that visited him, Archbishop Apanisile Olufemi who is also the Coordinator of Holy Mount Sinai Conference Worldwide said the church founded in 1925 in Lagos Island clocked 100 years this year and they find it necessary to carry Oba Akiolu along in their preparation.

    He said the church is praying for the election to be peaceful, and urged the people ‘to obey the rule of law and do everything with contentment.’

  • Tinubu backs AFRIMA 2025 as FG inaugurates LOC

    Tinubu backs AFRIMA 2025 as FG inaugurates LOC

    • Minister pledges partnership with Lagos

    Africa is set for another unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and creativity as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has officially backed and endorsed the 2025 edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which will take place in Lagos from November 25-30.

    The President’s endorsement came in response to a letter from the African Union Commission (AUC) requesting Nigeria’s collaboration for the next edition of the prestigious awards show.

    To follow up on the President’s nod, the Federal Government has immediately swung into action through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs by setting up an inter ministerial Local Organising Committee (LOC) to work with the official Host City, Lagos, African Union and International Committee of AFRIMA to plan and deliver an historic event under the theme, ‘Unstoppable Africa.’

    Speaking during the inauguration of the federal government’s LOC at her office conference room in Abuja on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the ministry is fully ready to work hand-in-hand with the Lagos State Government and the International Committee of AFRIMA to host what she described as the best AFRIMA yet.

    According to the Minister, AFRIMA perfectly aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth, national development, and social re-engineering.

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     “This is more than just an awards show,” Musawa said. “It is a major platform to create jobs, promote tourism, celebrate African talents, and tell our positive stories authentically through music to the world. We are excited to work with the Lagos State government, the AFRIMA team, and the African Union to deliver a world-class event.”

     Also, speaking at the event, Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, the Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy in the ministry, conveyed the official message of President Tinubu’s approval and praised his support for the industry.

    “On behalf of the Honorable Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and our agencies, we appreciate the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for granting us the opportunity, Nigeria opportunity, to host this historic event during this administration, and we also thank the Honourable Minister for providing a platform for us to collaborate with AFRIMA for this event to come true in November this year, and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs as well, that is co-chair with our Honourable Minister, to make this dream come to pass,” she said.

    The newly inaugurated federal government‘s LOC for AFRIMA 2025 includes representatives from key federal ministries such as Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Information and National Orientation; Foreign Affairs; Interior; Youth; Education; and Aviation, among others.

     Also represented are top government agencies, including the Nigerian Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Council for Arts and Culture. Delegates from the AFRIMA International Committee and the African Union are also on board.

     President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, expressed deep appreciation to the federal government for its swift response and full support.

    “We thank President Tinubu for his quick and visionary approval and backing of AFRIMA 2025,” Dada said. “This is not just an event approval. It’s a loud statement that the Nigerian government values the culture and creative industry (CCI) and its power to promote unity and prosperity across Africa.”

    He also thanked the Lagos State Government for accepting to be the official host city and for its valuable partnership, as well as its deliberate investment in the creative industry.

     “Nigeria has always been a creative and cultural powerhouse,” Dada said. “With this support, we are confident that this year’s AFRIMA will be an unforgettable celebration of African talent and creativity for the whole world to see. It is fantastic that the Federal Government has come on board, and we are happy that the Minister has mentioned that all of us are going to work together with the Host City, Lagos state, to deliver the best AFRIMA in history.”

     The awards returned to Nigeria after a successful event held in the city of Dakar, Senegal, hosted by President Macky Sall, and the 2025 edition is scheduled to be held from November 25 to 30 in Lagos.

    Broadcast live to 84 countries and in partnership with the African Union since 2014, AFRIMA is a global music awards aimed at developing, rewarding and promoting African music and talents globally via its seven core pillars of; Awards Ceremony, Music festivals, The AFRIMA kreative Academy, Business Music Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, Policy debate and Advisory; and Advocacy.

    The main AFRIMA events week will feature star-studded and world-class activities from November 25 -27 (Diamond Showcase), November 26 (Welcome Soiree), November 27-28 (Africa Music Business Summit), November 28 (AFRIMA Music Village-an evening of non-stop music and live performances from African artistes and nominees), November 29 (Nominees and Industry Party), November 30 (Award ceremony).

  • Edo farmers lament as flood takes over Benin-Akure road

    Edo farmers lament as flood takes over Benin-Akure road

    Flood has taken over a section of Benin-Akure highway leaving many motorists stranded.

    The flood sacked many farming camps in Uhiere, Owan and Agbanikeke communities.

    Some houses were also submerged even as several farmlands were destroyed.

    Farmers were seen using canoes to harvest their cassava and maize.

    Youths in the community used canoes to help stranded passengers cross the Flood water by charging as much as N3000.

    Many motorists said they have spent four days waiting for the Flood to recede.

    One of the farmers Musa said he was expecting to make over N1m from his maize farm.

    Read Also: Tinubu is working hard to rebuild Nigerian —Idimogu

    One of the boat operators Amos said they were only saving lives by helong passengers cross the Flood water.

    This is a normal federal road. We have been here for over three days. This is the boundary between Owan and Agbanikaka. We don’t know where the water comes from.

    “My community has been flooded. No lives have been lost.”

    Another farmer Raymond Pemu, said flood sacked his entire farm.

    He said he invested over N2m and has lost all his harvest. 

    Pemu was seen alongside his wife trying to salvage cassava from his farm.

  • Presidency debunks online reports linking Shettima’s remarks to Rivers crisis

    Presidency debunks online reports linking Shettima’s remarks to Rivers crisis

    …says Shettima remains in “loyal concert” with Tinubu

    The Presidency has firmly dismissed claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments were directed at the political situation in Rivers State or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s constitutional decisions on the matter.

    In a statement on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the Presidency described the reports as a “gross misrepresentation.”

    The statement clarified that Vice President Shettima’s remarks at the public presentation of a book by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), were misconstrued by some online platforms and individuals.

    “These reports have distorted the Vice President’s comments in pursuit of a mischievous agenda,” it stated. “They twisted his account of how the administration of former President Jonathan considered removing him as Borno Governor during the insurgency to falsely link it with current events in Rivers State.”

    The Vice President, who spoke at the launch of OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block in Abuja on Thursday, was said to have referenced the past solely to commend Adoke’s professionalism while in office, and to reflect on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution regarding federal and state relations.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional measure implemented was a suspension, not an outright removal. 

    Read Also: Shettima urges public officials to document their stewardship

    “This action was taken in response to the grave political crisis in Rivers State at the time, with the Governor facing a looming impeachment and the State Assembly complex under demolition”, Nkwocha clarified.

    The Presidency insisted that the action taken by President Tinubu in declaring a state of emergency and suspending the Governor was fully in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which authorises such measures when there is a breakdown of public order requiring extraordinary intervention.

    According to the statement, the President’s proclamation invoking Section 305(2) was subsequently ratified by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the National Assembly, confirming the legitimacy and constitutional propriety of the decision.

    “The action of President Tinubu in suspending Mr. Fubara and others from exercising the functions of office averted the Governor’s outright removal. To conflate suspension with removal is misleading,” the statement further noted.

    Nkwocha also stressed that Vice President Shettima’s comments were delivered extemporaneously and intended to underline the importance of public accountability and historical documentation. 

    He referenced the Vice President’s mention of past public servants, including Adoke and former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to illustrate principled leadership.

    “His remarks were not in any way a criticism of President Tinubu’s actions, which the Vice President and the entire administration fully support and stand by without reservation,” the spokesman stated.

    The Vice President, the statement added, remains in “loyal concert” with President Tinubu and is committed to implementing all constitutional measures necessary to safeguard democracy and uphold order across the country.

    Concluding, the Presidency called on media organisations and political actors to desist from misrepresenting public remarks for sensational or partisan purposes.

    “We urge media organisations and political actors to desist from the destructive practice of wrenching statements from context in order to fabricate nonexistent conflicts,” Nkwocha said.

  • FULL LIST: 31 African countries affected by 3-month US visa validity

    FULL LIST: 31 African countries affected by 3-month US visa validity

    The United States Department of State on Tuesday announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians and other African citizens.

    According to a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”

    The new visa restrictions take immediate effect.

    Read Also: Visa restriction: Fed Govt rejects United States’ claim on reciprocity

    However, the embassy clarified that “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”

    Here 31 African countries affected by 3-month US visa validity

    1. Angola

    2. Benin

    3. Burkina Faso

    4. Burundi

    5. Cabo Verde

    6. Cameroon

    7. Chad

    8. Congo Brazzaville

    9. Congo DR

    10. Cote d’Ivoire

    11. Equatorial Guinea

    12. Eritrea

    13. Ethiopia

    14. Gambia

    15. Ghana

    16. Libya

    17. Madagascar

    18. Malawi

    19. Mozambique

    20. Niger

    21. Nigeria

    22. Sao Tome and Principe

    23. Sierra Leone

    24. Somalia

    25. South Sudan

    26. Sudan

    27. Tanzania

    28. Togo

    29. Uganda

    30. Zambia

    31. Zimbabwe

  • Visa restriction: Fed Govt rejects United States’ claim on reciprocity

    Visa restriction: Fed Govt rejects United States’ claim on reciprocity

    • President didn’t stop five-year visa for Americans

    • Nigeria won’t accept Venezuelan criminal deportees

    The Federal Government yesterday rejected the United States’ reciprocity reason for imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians.

    The Presidency denied that Nigeria halted the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, describing such claims as false and misleading.

    On Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja announced that with immediate effect, non-immigrant visas for Nigerians will only be valid for three months and a single entry.

    Previously, frequent travellers on visits or for tourism could be granted visas valid for up to five years.

    Also, Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the policy might be connected to Nigeria’s resistance to accepting 300 prisoners from Venezuela.

    He said Nigeria would not bow to pressure to accept the prisoners.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Tinubu Administration reaffirmed that it had not altered its visa policy toward American citizens.

    It said the Federal Government continues to grant five-year non-immigrant visas in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.

    “Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens.

    “Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” the statement read.

    READ ALSO; Russia offers to increase scholarships for Nigerian students 

    The Presidency stressed that the U.S. government’s reference to reciprocity in its current policy does not reflect the facts.

    “The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting U.S. citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the U.S. has continued to grant the same to Nigerians,” the statement affirmed.

    According to the Presidency, a 90-day single-entry visa validity period applies only to the newly introduced electronic visa (e-Visa), which is distinct from the traditional visa categories and was designed to streamline entry for tourists and short-term business travellers who prefer not to undergo the standard embassy application process.

    “The e-visa replaces the now obsolete visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often abused for extortion.

    “The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to visit the embassy.

    “Applicants receive the e-visa within 48 hours of submitting their application,” Onanuga explained.

    He added that the e-visa initiative is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to promote investment, tourism, and the ease of doing business in Nigeria while aligning with global best practices.

    Many countries around the world, he noted, have adopted similar digital visa systems.

    However, he noted that while Nigeria currently offers an e-visa option to U.S. citizens, the same gesture has not been reciprocated by the U.S. for Nigerian applicants.

    Despite this, the Presidency emphasised that it remains committed to diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with Washington.

    “In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with U.S. authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments.”

    Tuggar: Nigeria won’t bow to pressure

    Explaining the undercurrents of the visa policy, Tuggar said in an interview on national television: “You have to also bear in mind that the US is considerably mounting pressure on Africa to accept Venezuela’s prisoners into Africa. It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept that.

    “We have problems of our own, and we can’t accept Venezuela’s deportees for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people.

    “These are some of the ongoing discussions, not just with Nigeria but with some other countries.

    “We’re talking to the Americans and reminding them that we will also issue them the same way they issue five-year multiple-entry visas.

    “What Nigeria has done that differs is simple. We used to have a visa at the point of entry that wasn’t running efficiently.

    “We introduced online electronic visas that save time. With that, you don’t need to go through the challenge of time. On my laptop, I can apply for and get a Nigerian visa.

    “First-time travellers, such as tourists, may find it easy, and they’ll want to come again.

    “America is not correct to say their decision on the visa was based on reciprocity.

    “Honestly, I don’t think Nigeria will be able to accept prisoners from Venezuela.

    “And, I think it will be unfair to insist that Nigeria accept 300 deportees from Venezuela. This might just be the beginning.”

    Like Nigeria, like Ghana

    The United States government has also restricted most non-immigrant visas issued to Ghanaian nationals to a three-month validity period with a single-entry limit.

    According to a circular from the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, which was circulated to selected media outlets in Ghana, the new rule affects business, tourism, and student visa categories, drastically shortening their validity and entry privileges.

    Under the new terms, Ghanaians applying for B-category visas, typically issued for business and tourism, will now receive visas valid for just three months and only usable for a single entry into the United States.

    Student visa holders, particularly those under the F1 category, are also subject to the revised restrictions.

    Diplomatic visa categories, however, remain exempt.

  • Mustapha gets knocks for downplaying Tinubu’s role in Buhari’s 2015 triumph

    Mustapha gets knocks for downplaying Tinubu’s role in Buhari’s 2015 triumph

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha yesterday received more knocks over his frantic attempt to disparage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contributions to the victory of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, in the historic 2015 poll.

    A presidential aide, Tope Ajayi, berated the lawyer and politician from Adamawa State for distorting history. He said that he got it all wrong.

    Mustapha, who spoke during the presentation of According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience,  a memoir by Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Wednesday, said no single individual made Buhari president.

    Although, he did not mention any name, the remark was generally linked to President Tinubu.

    The 2015 election marked a watershed in national history, being the first time an incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was defeated at the poll.

    The APC’s victory was largely attributed to the strategic merger of major opposition parties — including Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and factions of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    However, Mustapha said the merger which birthed the APC contributed only 3.2 million votes to the 15.4 million total votes that secured Buhari’s victory.

    READ ALSO; Russia offers to increase scholarships for Nigerian students 

    Mustapha said Buhari already had an established support base of 12 million votes before the fusion of legacy parties.

    But, Shehu who hosted the event, clarified yesterday that Mustapha’s remarks were blown out of proportion, adding that a lot of mischief and sensationalism went into its reporting.

    It’s a disservice to history, says President’s aide

    Criticising the highly controversial remarks, Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President, said in a statement that it is a deservice to history.

    The aide, who refuted the claims on his verified X handle, @TheTope_Ajayi,  said President Tinubu’s influence was pivotal to Buhari’s emergence not only as the APC presidential candidate, but also as president.

    Ajayi said Mustapha’s comment  paled into revisionism, stressing that he elevated falsehood over truth.

    He also said that Buhari would never have stood as the APC’s presidential candidate without the intervention and influence of President Tinubu, the National Leader of the party.

    Ajayi added: “There is no way he (Buhari) would have won the election to be president without first becoming the presidential candidate of his party APC.

    “General Buhari would not have won the APC primary at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, in 2014 without President Tinubu, who mobilised the APC governors and the Southwest delegates to move Buhari’s way.”

    He pointed out that despite Buhari’s strong base in the North, which routinely gave him 12 million votes in previous contests, he failed in three presidential elections — in 2003, 2007, and 2011 — until the 2015 coalition galvanised a new national appeal.

    Ajayi said “every effort and support that made it possible for President Buhari to win should never be diminished”, insisting that President Tinubu’s role in achieving that milestone should be recognised because it was decisive.

    Tinubu played a vital role, says Shehu

    Shehu, speaking on a television programme, clarified the statement made by the former SGF. He said Mustapha never mentioned Tinubu’s name.

    He said the former SGF was only explaining the statistical distribution of votes in 2015, adding that he never downplayed Tinubu’s role in Buhari’s victory.

    Shehu admitted that although Buhari had large votes in previous contests, he lacked the national spread required to win until the merger that gave birth to the APC.

    He explained that Buhari had contested three times without success because he could not secure the constitutional requirement of 25 per cent of votes in enough states.

    Shehu said the 2015 merger brought in Southern states that enabled him to meet the condition and ultimately secure victory.

    He added: “There was a lot of mischief and sensationalism in reporting. Mustapha did not mention Tinubu, and Buhari himself had always said it was the merger that brought them together to win. Boss Mustapha was only explaining the statistics of votes, not downplaying Tinubu’s role.

    “Buhari had contested three times and, though he had large numbers, he did not have the national spread needed to win. The merger brought states in the South that helped him achieve 25 per cent as prescribed by the Constitution.”

    How Tinubu assisted Buhari, by Onoh

    Former campaign spokesman of President Tinubu in the Southeast, Dr. Josef Onoh, said that the former SGF had limited knowledge of President Tinubu’s influence.

    He recalled: “Buhari’s political vehicles, such as the ANPP and CPC, lacked the national structure and southern alliances needed to challenge the PDP’s dominance. President Tinubu, as the leader of the then ACN, a party with a strong base in the Southwest, spearheaded the merger of many opposition parties.

    “This merger created a formidable opposition platform capable of rivaling the PDP’s national reach at that period.”

    Onoh said Buhari, in spite of his core 12 million northern votes, could not win previous elections due to lack of national spread as provided by the Constitution.

    He said it was Tinubu’s strategic vision and political acumen that saw the APC’s formation to fruition, thereby providing Buhari a broader electoral platform that enabled him to leverage his voter base by gaining access to the Southwest, where Tinubu had unparalleled influence.

    Mustapha wrong, says Aliyu

    An associate of Buhari, Farouk Aliyu, disagreed with Mustapha, saying that his account was inaccurate.

    Aliyu, who spoke on television, said while Buhari’s 12 million votes were consistent, they were not enough to secure victory until the 2015 alliance with Tinubu.

    He said: “My senior brother, Boss Mustapha, certainly got it wrong because I can’t even remember where he was at that time.”

    Aliyu accused some functionaries of the Buhari administration of trying to rewrite history despite not being present during the formative and decisive political struggles of the time.

    He said: “Unfortunately, there are many of these Buhari converts who were not with Buhari. I don’t want to mention names, but most of them happened by accident or fate to become what they became, and they are now trying to deconstruct history. It is not true.”

    Aliyu said Tinubu played a vital role in Buhari’s emergence, both as the APC presidential candidate and winner of the 2015 election.

    He said: “Tinubu assisted, contributed, and helped Muhammadu Buhari to get the ticket and by extension win the election, because he followed us to campaign all over the country. So, I don’t want issues to be created between Buhari and Tinubu, because there are no issues.”

    Aliyu, who was the Returning Officer for Buhari during the APC primary in Lagos, highlighted the behind-the-scenes support that Tinubu provided during that process.

    He rejected claims that Buhari did not repay Tinubu’s support in the lead-up to the 2023 election, saying that if Buhari wanted to sabotage the APC’s victory, he had several tools at his disposal to do so.

    Aliyu stressed: “If Muhammadu Buhari did not want APC to win the election, he would have done several things to ensure that they don’t win.”

    Aliyu assured that Buhari would once again support Tinubu’s candidacy in 2027, clarifying that there was no rift between the two leaders.

    On the coalition of opposition parties seeking to unseat Tinubu in 2027, Aliyu acknowledged that it was their constitutional right to contest elections.

    However, he said the APC is fully prepared to resist any threat to its dominance.

    ‘Mustapha’s acount not detailed’

    The former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, picked holes in Mustapha’s remarks, saying that it was a misrepresention of facts.

    He said in a statement that President Tinubu laid the foundation for the premium golden victory votes which made Buhari president.

    Okechukwu said: “May I hereby plead that there is no need for controversy because my friend, Boss Mustapha, should be excused as he was not with us in 2003 when Buhari began the presidential race.

    “He was in ACN and did not know the water which passed the realpolitik bridge. This is why he relied only on mathematical calculations of votes in 2015 and not on realpolitik.

    ““Then, in 2007 general elections one of the worst, Buhari was rigged out, which made the famous beneficiary, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to graciously admit that the election that brought him to power was flawed.

    “In 2011, when our merger with Tinubu’s ACN failed Buhari lost and we rekindled the ACN merger once again, luckily this time, it produced the premium golden victory votes that propelled our principal to Aso Rock.

    “I am witness of how this scenario played out when we, the delegates of the defunct CPC, were instructed to negotiate only with the ACN. And when we arrived at Chief Tom Ikimi’s Maitama house, we refused to negotiate with ANPP and Co. It took pleadings and adjournments before we all sat together to hatch the APC merger in July 2013. The rest they say is history.

    “Truly, without Asiwaju’s premium supplementary votes, no two/third spread and no victory.”