Category: Featured

Declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saved Rivers State from “looming anarchy”, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara said yesterday.

He said the President’s swift intervention shielded the state from the consequences of the festering political crisis.

Calling on his supporters, Rivers people and Nigerians to commend Tinubu for acting with wisdom at the right time, Fubara noted that the peace and reconciliation process required to restore all executive and legislative institutions and offices in the state was underway.

He assured that democracy and good governance would soon return in the state, with both arms working together for the good of the people.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the suspended governor spoke at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement as part of activities to mark his two years in office in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Fubara said: “I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the executive arm, but also legislative arm.

“And, I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the state. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”

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Fubara urged his supporters and the entire Rivers people to show unreserved appreciation to the President for his bold action to halt the degenerating political crisis in the state.

He asked them to totally subject themselves to the peace process to enable the state move forward.

He said: “We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr. President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr. President, the story today would have been different.

“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank.

“And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.

“We have to come down from our high horses, and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you, the interest of the State is paramount.”

He noted that but for the political situation, orchestrated by the crisis, the second year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by the administration in various sectors across the state.

Fubara assured that the government would bounce back stronger, more united and engineered to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people.

Admitting that those angered and aggrieved had the right to be, the governor noted that the time has come for all to embrace peace, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness for the development and progress of the state.

Fubara pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasizing that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the President for the steps he had taken as a father to restore peace, stability and good governance in the state and assured of speedy reconciliation with his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

He added that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.

He said: “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga (in reference to the former governor). There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”

Fubara said that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve and promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.

“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them. I’m with you completely,” he said.

He thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.

‘Difficult decisions will be made’

Earlier, Fubara hinted of plans to make difficult decisions in the interest of the state and residents.

Although he did not explain what he meant by “difficult decisions,” he enjoined his supporters to embrace the path of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.

“Despite the turbulence that erupted in the state shortly after he became governor in 2023, time has come to rebuild the state,” the suspended governor said in a statement.

Fubara told residents that peace, reconciliation and forgiveness were essential to restoring normalcy and transforming infrastructure in the state.

The statement reads: “We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.

 “Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the state.

“As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a state we can all be proud of: a Rivers State that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.

“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.

“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first.

“I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.

“While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress.

“I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.”

“These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State.”

“For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.

“As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our state.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday received a pat on the back for impressive performance in the last two years.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the National Assembly, ministers, governors and other leaders rated him high for accomplishing much for the country through the implementation of bold economic reforms.

President Tinubu, who assumed the reins on May 29, 2023, yesterday celebrated his two years in office without funfare.

Last week, he was endorsed for a second term by the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; APC  federal lawmakers, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the party leadership, led  by National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

In a statement on Wednesday, the President reflected on the reforms, saying they have set Nigeria on the path of growth and stability.

Tinubu has restored hope, says Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the president for restoring hope for a viable and sustainable nation through transformative and courageous leadership.

He said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, that the president has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal, with the Renewed Hope Agenda as his policy thrust.

Akpabio said the torrents of endorsement for a fresh term is not a fluke, but an expression of delight at the President’s score card.

Akpabio said: “Mr. President, your bold initiatives and reforms, particularly in  economic and fiscal policies, demonstrate your undying dedication to transforming Nigeria to its deserving greatness.

“You have received torrents of endorsements to return to office in 2027 just two years into your first tenure. These endorsements are certainly not a fluke but founded on verifiable performance in good governance and delivery on campaign promises and undiluted national consciousness.”

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Tinubu averted gloom, says APC

The ruling party lauded President Tinubu for averting gloom, stressing that he rekindled public confidence in government.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka told reporters in Abuja that the economy has been rejuvenated.

He said: “We make bold to say that our vehicle of state, under the able, capable, safe and steady hands of our executive driver, leader, president and Commander-In-Chief Chief is on the move.

“Our leader, Mr. President, is not the first president of our dear country.  But he is the first to break with what had become a stagnating culture of presidential inertia.

“Like a confident surgeon, he has enacted and continues to enact policy reforms skillfully designed to give our country not just a chance of urgent resuscitation, but a real shot at rejuvenating wellness.”

Wike: It is unprecedented feat

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike,  who inspected some on-going projects in Abuja, said President Tinubu’s performance in two years is unprecedented.

He praised him for the infrastructural development and rapid transformation of the FCT, adding that the feat is acknowledged by Nigerians, irrespective of their political leanings.

Emphasizing the significant progress made under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Wike said: “From the FCT where I superintend by his mandate, you will know that Mr. President has done very well. It’s unprecedented”.

He added: “All of us were critics that Abuja has not been working and now Abuja is working. Who has made it to work? It’s Mr. President. So, Mr. President has done very well”.

The minister, who was greeted by the enthusiastic “four plus four” chants from FCT residents during the project inspection, interpreted it as a clear mandate for President Tinubu to serve another term.

He stressed: “What they are saying is that Mr. President has done four years and we should give him another four years.”

Urging Abuja residents to pay their taxes, Wike said: “The people of Abuja deserve the best and the contractors are doing their best. I can assure you that. For me, there cannot be anything less.

‘One good term deserves another’

Hailing President Tinubu for living to expectation,  Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said: “One good term deserves another.”

He said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, that the president had laid a formidable foundation for national renewal and sustainable progress.

Okpebholo also lauded the relationship between the federal and the sub-national units, saying that it has fostered accelerated development in Edo.

He said: “It is evident that President Tinubu possesses the clarity of vision, the political will, and the patriotic zeal required to steer Nigeria to its rightful place among the comity of nations.

Nigeria is making progress, says Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised President Tinubu for providing a courageous leadership, stressing that the country is recording progress across the sectors.

He said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the visionary leadership and conscientious pursuit of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda have yielded dividends and strengthened the polity.

Oyebanji also praised the President for his economic reform, which is making more resources available to the sub nationals, thereby enhancing growth and development across the states of the federation.

He expressed gratitude to the President for assisting Ekiti with empowerment initiatives, capital projects, appointments of deserving indigenes into prominent positions and siting of a new Federal University in Iyin-Ekiti.

‘He is repositioning Nigeria‘

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the President is repositioning the country through the implementation of viable social and economic reforms.

The governor felicitated  the President and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of their second in office.

Yahaya, in a statement by his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, said: “President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to reposition Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth.”

The governor, who chairs the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), added: “The Northern region is already feeling the ripple effects of Tinubu’s policies through the improved Federal Government collaborations, increased access to social investments, and targeted empowerment programmes for youths, women and vulnerable”.

Nigeria on path of greatness, says Omo-Agege

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege said President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies are gradually making Nigeria a choice investment haven and destination for investors.

He said in a statement: “Our dear President picked up the gauntlet and took the tough decisions that have charted a new trajectory that is bringing Nigeria on the cusp of greatness again. He has cleaned up the Augean stable and more.

“I heartily congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the transformation he has brought to the polity and economy. It may seem challenging, but it is just what the doctor needed to revive his patient.

‘Tinubu has shown exemplary leadership’

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, said  President Tinubu has shown exemplary leadership.

He said the President had demonstrated striking leadership and worked assiduously to strengthen unity and peaceful co-existence, deepen good governance and enrich democratic practice in the country.

Otuaro said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, that the president had displayed uncommon courage in confronting the economic challenges, adding that his bold decisions and well-thought-out reforms had brought about national rebirth.

How female doctor abandoned certificate for carpentry, by Bugaje

The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, stressed the importance of promoting inclusivity  for women and persons with disabilities in technical education.

Reflecting on the impact of President Tinubu’s administration, he narrated an inspiring story of a female medical doctor who abandoned her medical career to pursue carpentry.

Bugaje said: “There is a story I want to share with you, about a girl who was interested in becoming a carpenter. The father was a carpenter and they were four children in the family, three boys and herself.

“Whenever she joined the boys to the workshop, the father would send her away, saying, ‘you are a girl, go back to the house, you are not supposed to be a carpenter’’.

“Without giving considerations to the passion of the young girl, the father sent her to a medical school. She graduated with the MBBS, went and did the one-year internship after graduation, and chose a role as a medical doctor.

“After that, she came back to the father, returned the MBBS certificate to him, and thanked him.

Afterward, she told the father that her passion is in carpentry, not to practice as medical doctor.”

He added that after spending seven years on medical training, the father had no option but to send her to Turkey to learn how to make furniture.

Addressing cultural and societal barriers often faced by young women in technical fields, Bugaje appealed to parents to support their daughters’ interests in trades like plumbing, electrical installation, and carpentry.

He also called on policymakers to prioritise passion and skill development among youth, especially girls, noting that such encouragement could lead to greater innovation and self-reliance.

Bugaje added: “If they want to become carpenters, ICT experts, or POP artists, allow them. In skills’ training, passion is very important. That’s what motivates children and helps them innovate.

“We need to harness these innovations if the country is to move forward and rise beyond being a third-world nation.”

Reforms have heralded fiscal stability, say experts

A Gombe-based economic analyst, Carneleus Moses, said the economic reforms have begun to yield results, thus positioning Nigeria for long-term fiscal stability and economic resilience.

Moses, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe,  commended the administration’s efforts in strengthening tax administration and public finance management.

He said these measures had significantly improved the fiscal outlook of both the federal and sub-national governments.

Moses added: “The administration’s bold steps are already reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. The increase of over N6 trillion in states’ revenue in 2024 alone is a major milestone’’.

Also, Dr Bachama Nigel of Department of Economics, Gombe State University, said: “It is not the amount of revenue generated that matters but how the revenue is utilised. Is it adequate to cater for the basic needs of the people? These are the important issues to consider.

“Trillions of naira have been generated, and all arms of government have received their shares; yet, the poor are becoming poorer.

“There is nothing wrong with tax reform but let us consider the conditions of the people and explore what can be done.”

Economy is better now, says lawmaker

House of Representatives member Joseph  Nwobashi (Ezza North-Ishielu Constituency),   hailed President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding the economy.

He told reporters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital,  that the President had performed creditably well

He said: “The President is doing well for the nation and he has been up and doing to ensure that the economy takes its shape and we must get there.’’

Rev. Ajayi: There is evidence of transformation

The Founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev. Esther Ajayi, said there is evidence of transformation under the administration.

She also expressed optimism that Lagos State would still attain greater heights under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Rev. Ajayi, who spoke with reporters after a meeting with Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House,  Marina, said the ongoing infrastructural and agricultural initiatives of both Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu were yielding visible results.

She noted that a growing number of Nigerians were returning to farming, while others were  venturing into export-related businesses.

A promised fulfilled, says Kwankwaso

The Director of Finance, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, yesterday said President Bola Tinubu is matching his words with actions.

He added: “For the first time in years, Nigerians can travel the Birnin Gwari to Kaduna road even at midnight. That’s progress. Zaria to Funtua to Gusau is now peaceful, and Abuja-Kaduna road has been largely secured.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday marked the second anniversary of his administration with a strong defence of his reform policies, asserting that despite initial hardships, Nigeria is firmly on the path of economic growth, stability, and national renewal.

Addressing the nation in a statement commemorating the occasion, the President said that his administration’s bold decisions—particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows—were the turning points that saved the country from economic collapse.

According to the President, these reforms were not made lightly, but were necessary to halt the nation’s downward spiral. 

“Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are on course to building a greater, more economically stable nation. 

“The only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in free-fall,” he said.

While acknowledging the pain felt by many Nigerians over the past two years, Tinubu emphasized the progress that has since been made. 

“Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress,” he said, noting that inflation is beginning to ease and prices of staples like rice are declining.

The President pointed to key improvements in the oil and gas sector, with rig counts rising over 400% in 2025 compared to 2021 and over $8 billion in new investments secured. 

He also revealed that the fiscal deficit narrowed sharply from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, while gross revenues in the first quarter of 2025 exceeded N6 trillion.

He further highlighted the fiscal discipline now guiding government operations. 

“We have discontinued Ways & Means financing, which has been a major contributor to high and sticky inflation. The NNPC, no longer burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, is now a net contributor to the Federation Account”, he said.

Tinubu also reported a dramatic improvement in Nigeria’s external reserves, which grew from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024, as well as a drop in debt service-to-revenue ratio from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024.

At the subnational level, the President noted that state revenues increased by over N6 trillion in 2024, enabling states to meet obligations and invest more in critical infrastructure.

On taxation, Tinubu described the administration’s tax reform agenda as one of its “most impactful achievements.” 

The tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10% to over 13.5% within a year, reflecting gains from better tax administration and new growth-oriented policies.

He reassured low-income earners that the reforms are designed to ease their burden. 

“Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare will now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transportation, and renewable energy will be fully exempted to reduce household costs further”, the President stated. 

To promote fairness and transparency in the tax system, Tinubu announced the establishment of an independent Tax Ombudsman to protect vulnerable taxpayers and small businesses.

The President reiterated that the reforms are holistic and strategic.

“These reforms are designed to reduce the cost of living, promote economic justice, and build a business-friendly economy that attracts investment and supports every Nigerian,” he said.

On job creation and youth empowerment, Tinubu highlighted achievements in innovation, industry, and digital skills development through agencies like the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). 

According to him, NASENI’s projects—from electric vehicle assembly and diagnostic kit factories to drone training for women—represent a new era of industrial innovation and opportunity for young people.

“This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians,” he declared.

The President also spoke on the revitalization of the solid minerals sector, describing it as a new frontier for revenue and industrial growth. 

“Investors are setting up processing plants as the sector dumps the old pit-to-port policy and embraces a new value-added policy,” he said.

In the health sector, Tinubu reported progress with over 1,000 Primary Health Centres revitalised and 5,500 more undergoing upgrades. 

He also noted the expansion of free dialysis services, subsidised maternal care under the Presidential Maternal Health Initiative, and a jump in health insurance coverage from 16 million to 20 million Nigerians.

“Despite all odds, we have repositioned our health sector,” Tinubu said.

On education, Tinubu noted that access to quality learning has expanded, supported by infrastructure investments and the new student loan scheme for indigent students.

Security, he added, remains a top priority. 

“Without a responsive and reliable national security infrastructure that can protect lives and properties, our economy will not perform optimally,” he said.

He praised the efforts of the military and security agencies in restoring peace in previously unsafe regions, such as parts of the northwest, where farmers have returned to their fields and highways are now safer. 

“Our gallant armed forces have restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods,” the President affirmed.

He pledged to sustain the momentum, telling the security chiefs recently to “up their game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men.”

The Renewed Hope Agenda’s push for food security was also highlighted. Tinubu noted investments in mechanised farming, fertilisers, and tractor procurement. 

“We have launched aggressive initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices,” he said.

In infrastructure, the President listed ongoing road projects in all six geopolitical zones—from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway—demonstrating what he called a “nationwide development strategy.”

On power, Tinubu said the government has launched initiatives to improve electricity generation and transmission, alongside investments in off-grid solar energy for schools, homes, and health facilities.

He also spoke about diaspora engagement, introducing the diaspora bond and non-resident Bank Verification Number to facilitate investment and national involvement.

Looking ahead, the President previewed the upcoming Motherland Festival, which will showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creative industries, and tourism assets. 

“The Festival will bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora… affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire, and lead,” he said.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and patriotism. 

“Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges. By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us. The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of”, he said.