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Category: Politics

Barau receives thousands of Kwankwasiyya/ NNPP members to APC

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has welcomed thousands of members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)/Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is just as all roads leading to Kabo in Kano North Senatorial District were filled to the brim on Tuesday as the people of Kano State and neighbouring states trooped out en masse to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for converting Federal Polytechnic Kabo to the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo.

From across the 44 LGAs of Kano state, the NNPP members, including traders, clerics, youths, butchers, and social media influencers, among others, thrashed their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya Movement, at the Amani Event Centre in Kano metropolis on Tuesday.

Under the ” Kungiyar Ceto Al’ummah Kano”, the movement to rescue the people of Kano, the decampees vowed to deliver the state to the APC in the 2027 general elections.

The defectora said they were tired of the NNPP’s deception and anxiously await to vote them out in 2027.

They said they were attracted to the APC by the president’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country.

During a brief reception in Kano, Senator Barau expressed gratitude to the new members, stating that their decision to join the APC was timely and beneficial.

“Whenever God intends to improve your life, He directs you to the right path. He has brought you into the APC to improve your life,” he said.

He said the NNPP is fostering confusion and poverty. “While the APC is building the Kano and the country, the party (NNPP) you left is demolishing,” he said.

Describing the Kwankwsiyya movement as “Kwan-kwa-tsiya,” meaning “generating poverty,” Barau urged the new members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and contribute to consolidating APC’s gains in Kano and the country at large.

In Kabo LGA, the people of Kano State and neighbouring states trooped out to thank the president for converting the Federal Polytechnic Kabo to the Federal University of Science and Technology.

Farmers, traders, women, students, and religious and traditional rulers converged on the new university stadium to praise President Tinubu and Senator Barau

President Tinubu assented on May 27 to Senator Barau’s bill to convert the Polytechnic to a Federal University of Science and Technology.

Established in 2022, the institution now becomes the third federal university in the state, joining Bayero University Kano and the recently upgraded Federal University of Education, named after the late Yusuf Maitama Sule. The President has also approved the establishment of a federal Polytechnic in Rano for us in Kano State.

Jibrin, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said: “The President has approved every request for the development of Kano, the North West, and the North at large.

” What greater love can a leader show his people than investing in their future through education? Mr. President has demonstrated that he cares about the grassroots, and when you educate the grassroots, you are building the foundation of every society.

” He has approved every request we have made. I say this without hesitation: President Tinubu loves the people of Kano, the Northwest, and the North. He has never turned down any of our development proposals or requests.”

Read Also: Barau hails Tinubu for signing federal varsity of science, tech bill Kano into law

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, said the President has done everything for the state.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) bestowed the highest honour of the association on the Deputy President of the Senate, “Commander of Nigerian Students and National Education Development Champion”, in recognition of my contribution to the development of the education sector.

The President of the Association, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, announced this while addressing the gathering.

His words: On this auspicious occasion, I, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, on behalf of the entire Nigerian student community — including our brothers and sisters from Kano State — do hereby salute the foresight, leadership, and enduring commitment of Senator Barau Jibrin to the growth of our generation.

” By the power vested in me as the National President and Commander of Armless Nigerian Students, and in line with the resolution of the NANS National Executive Council, I hereby confer on Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin the honorary title of “Commander of Nigerian Students and National Education Development Champion.”

June 4, 2025
Ibas appoints 11 Permanent Secretaries in Rivers

Rivers Administrator, Vice-Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has approved the appointment of 11 Permanent Secretaries in the State.

A statement by the Acting Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, named the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries as Imaonyani Roselin Ephraim-George, Dr. Mina T. Ikuru, Dabite Sokari George, Soibitein Duke Harry, Lauretta Davies Dimkpa and Uche R. Ideozu.

Read Also: JUST IN: Fubara visits Tinubu in Lagos

Others are: Chimenum Mpi, Jeremiah Egwu, Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, Vera Sam Dike and Aleruchi Akani.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries will be sworn in by the Administrator of Rivers on a date to be announced.

June 3, 2025
Onjeh commends Benue LG election Appeal panel for returning elected chairmen, councillors

Former All Progressives Congress(APC) senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh has commended the Benue Local Government Election Appeal Panel which sat at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House, Abuja, for its decision to return all 23 duly elected local government council chairmen and councillors.

The Panel dismissed the cases against the elected chairmen and councillors as “absurd and a mere academic exercise.”

The matter in contention in the cases had for long been decided by the Supreme Court as a pre-election matter beyond the jurisdiction of election tribunals.

In a statement on Tuesday, Onjeh stated that the monumental ruling was not only a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia but also a resounding triumph for the rule of law, democracy, and the good people of Benue State.

According to him: “For months, we raised the alarm over what we described as a dangerous and coordinated effort to weaponise the judiciary and destabilise the Alia-led government through spurious judgments delivered by the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunals.”

Comrade Onjeh was one of the people who argued strongly that the tribunal’s rulings—which overturned valid elections won by APC candidates—lacked legal merit, violated electoral jurisprudence, and were part of a grand plot to hijack local governance.

He pointed out under Nigerian law, particularly as upheld by the Supreme Court, only candidates who participated in an election have the locus standing to file petitions at an election tribunal.

“We emphasised that Section 76(1)-(4) of the Benue State Local Government Electoral Law makes it compulsory for petitioners to pay a security deposit at the time of filing a petition. Sub-section (4) clearly states that failure to do so renders the petition void and non-justiciable. Yet, in a flagrant disregard of this statute, certain petitioners were allegedly granted unlawful waivers.”

Onjeh went on to state that he also cited the principle of functus officio, arguing that once a Chief Judge constitutes an election tribunal, he no longer has the legal authority to interfere with its operations or proceedings.

“The disturbing relocation of the Tribunal’s sittings from Makurdi to Abuja without lawful justification or the consent of all parties involved was another point we stressed, as it ran afoul of both Section 83 of the Benue State Electoral Law 2007, which mandates that petitions be heard in open court, and Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which vests control of local government in the states,” he stated

He stressed that these arguments were not merely political positions—they were grounded in law, logic, and a deep commitment to preserving the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Read Also: FG threatens to prosecute parents, guardian aiding exam malpractices

“Today,” he enthused, “we are pleased that the Appeal Tribunal has vindicated the position we consistently advanced. By restoring the mandates of the chairmen and councillors legitimately elected by the Benue electorate, the Appeal Panel has reaffirmed the principle that judicial power must be exercised in accordance with the law—not manipulated for political ends.”

Onjeh, a former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, showered encomiums on the justices of the Appeal Panel, stating that they have proven themselves as custodians of justice and worthy defenders of our constitutional democracy.

He noted that the ruling also strengthens the hand of Governor Hyacinth Alia in his ongoing mission to transform Benue State through grassroots development. It allows the local government chairmen and councillors to return to their duties with full legitimacy, focus, and the support of the law behind them.

“I congratulate the chairmen and councillors once again and wish them a peaceful, productive, and impactful tenure,” he said. He added that the people of Benue have entrusted them with their hopes and aspirations, then urged them to go forth and serve them diligently.

“To the judiciary, I say: thank you for standing firm. To the people of Benue State, I say: this is your victory. And to those whom the Appeal Panel’s judgement did not favour: there are no winners no vanquished.

“Rest assured you are still highly esteemed members of the APC in Benue State. I, therefore, urge you to sheath your swords, close ranks with all party members, support the Alia administration, and help build the Benue of our dream. To those who sought to subvert democracy through manipulation and legal acrobatics, I say: justice shall always prevail.”

June 3, 2025
Igando-Ikotun residents storm Lagos APC secretariat to oppose chairman’s re-election bid

Thousands of angry residents from the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Monday stormed the Lagos State APC Secretariat in Acme, Ikeja, to protest against the renomination of Hon. Lasisi Akinsanya for a second term as council chairman.

The demonstrators, wielding banners and placards, vehemently opposed Akinsanya’s candidacy and also voiced disapproval of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola and APC chieftain Enilolobo, whom they accused of backing Akinsanya.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Olokodana Bukhari warned the party leadership of the potential political backlash if Akinsanya is allowed to fly the party’s flag in the upcoming local government elections.

“Hon. Lasisi Akinsanya has been imposed as the party’s candidate for the coming polls. We are here to alert the party hierarchy that he is not fit to represent our LCDA. Endorsing his candidacy is a recipe for disaster in 2025 and could affect the APC’s fortunes in the 2027 general elections,” Bukhari said.

Read Also: Kwara monarchs, APC, others hail AbdulRazaq’s performance

He further alleged that Akinsanya is a political puppet of Aregbesola and Enilolobo, claiming he failed to work for the party during previous elections and cannot be trusted to do so again.

Highlighting the LCDA’s stagnation under Akinsanya’s leadership, Bukhari lamented that the area consistently ranks at the bottom—56th or 57th—in the state’s monthly performance gazette, describing his administration as a symbol of underdevelopment.

‘All the protesters you are seeing here are residents of the LCDA without any political affiliations. We therefore called on the party hierarchy to review the candidature of Hon. Akinsanya, he stated.

A woman leader in the LCDA, Mrs Dayo Aderinmola said the party hierarchy should look into the allegations levelled against Hon. Akinsanya in the letter submitted because the LCDA is backward in terms of development.

The aggrieved protesters were later addressed by Dr.Adeola Jokomba, the APC state secretary, who assured them that their grievances would be looked into.

Dr.Jokomba warned the protesters not to allow the protest to be hijacked by miscreants. While signing the letter brought by the protesters, he assured them that the leader of the team, Comrade Adebayo Ifedayo, would be called before the end of the week.

June 3, 2025
Boko Haram backed by political elites to undermine Tinubu, Orji Kalu alleges

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) has alleged that influential figures within Nigeria’s political elite are fuelling the resurgence of Boko Haram as part of a wider plot to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Kalu made the claim during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday.

According to him, the recent uptick in terrorist activities is not random but politically motivated.

“The political class is behind Boko Haram. They are using terrorism as a tool to fight Tinubu, just like they did with past administrations,” Kalu said.

Pressed to identify those he described as the “political class,” Kalu pointed to a network of politicians, powerful businesspeople, and senior civil servants, alleging they were leveraging insecurity to serve personal ambitions.

Read Also: Boko Haram: Olowu urges national support for Nigerian Army

“People in the political class are the ones fuelling Boko Haram. This is a political war. Some of them aren’t after money—they’re after power. They want to tear down the system just to grab control, and that’s not how power should be acquired,” he explained.

He further described the growing insecurity in the country as a calculated effort by those disenchanted with current governance, accusing them of deliberately stoking chaos to gain political leverage.

“The insecurity in Nigeria is politically induced. These individuals—politicians, businessmen, civil servants—are not just seeking financial gain. They’re looking to hijack political power,” Kalu added.

The senator called for unity and patriotism among Nigerians, urging citizens to prioritize national interest over selfish political agendas.

“If we consider ourselves friends and patriots, we should care about the ordinary Nigerian. We must work together to build a better country,” he said.

Kalu’s comments come amid rising concerns over renewed Boko Haram activity. Just a day earlier, nine passengers were reportedly killed in Mairari Village, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State after Boko Haram insurgents detonated improvised explosive devices.

Borno Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan condemned the attack, describing it as “inhumane,” and called on the military to intensify efforts to reclaim Guzamala from the grip of insurgents.

Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed serious concern over the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the state, urging for swift action to address the security threat.

June 3, 2025
Balami hails Tinubu, Zulum’s zeal amid challenges

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and youths leader Comrade Isaac Balami has advised Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu as hope is on the way.

Balami, who hailed the President on the milestone he has attained in two years in office acknowledged that it’s not yet “uhuru” because the country had been left in the hands of incompetent leaders for several years, stating that rebuilding process takes a longer time.

The APC chieftain also hailed Borno Governor, Babangana Zulum for standing tall to confront dare-devil criminal elements making attempts to take over Borno state.

He said President Tinubu and Governor Zulum shared a similar vision as they are both fighting to restore a troubling nation and an ailing state.

In a statement, the former Obi/Datti National Deputy Campaign Manager said in two years, Tinubu had surmounted daunting challenges, expressing hope that Nigerians will soon heave the sigh of relief in no long time.

READ ALSO; Top 10 oldest churches in Nigeria

Similarly, he said Zulum had in the face of insecurity worked assiduously to achieve a better Borno, saying that any governor who goes with the military to confront the enemies is clearly selfless and understands the concept of modern leadership.

Going back to Tinubu’s achievement, Balami said the president was clearly intentional about his leadership role and had a well thought-out road-map before assuming office, commending some of the administration’s reforms.

On insecurity, Balami said: ” I urge Mr President not to be discouraged. While I acknowledge a recent rise in insecurity as the electioneering campaigns are about to start, it will be rash to forget so easily the good effort of Mr President in just one year in office that returned many Borno farmers back to their farms.

Talking on Tinubu’s inclusive policy, he said, “The youths constituency which I represent has enjoyed massive support from Mr President and has been duly represented. But like Oliver Twist, we will continue to ask for more representations.”

Hailing President Tinubu’s agriculture policy, Mr Balami said inflation recently dropped by 8 percent, crashing the prices of tomatoes, maize, rice and other food items.

Balami further commended Tinubu’s tax reforms, revival of the mining industry and the autonomy granted the nation’s local governments.

Assuring the president of continuous support by energetic youths from the middle belt, the former aircraft pilots and engineers President said the current government has adhered to the doctrine of inclusivity than any government, stating that “middle beltans are found in this government more than any government in the past, hence 2027 is a payback year.

“While we congratulate you for the milestones attained already, we plead that you continue on the current path of economic recovery,” Balami said.

“And like BAT, Zulum has amid frustration by Boko Haram, ISWAP and others renewed the face of Borno state with developmental projects.

“His initiative of the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration programmes has done the state well. No wonder farmers comfortably returned to farm, until now that we started to notice pockets of attacks.”

Balami also hailed Zulum’s achievements in the area of healthcare, urging him to continue on the part of restoration until Borno becomes a shinning light to others.

“No wonder you have bagged several awards as best governors in different years. No one would think that amid this insecurity challenges, you would be able to pay attention to economic and developmental issues,” he said, calling on all Borno sons and daughters to rally behind the governor to surmount insecurity.

Balami further charged both the president and the governor to work collectively in ensuring that insurgents are degraded completely.

“While we acknowledge your effort, we charge you to ensure all Nigerians reap the benefit of your investments.

“We believe they will be made to see the reason you chose to remove subsidy for their sake and for the sake of the unborn generation if you dwell more on people-friendly policies.

“We pray God to grant you the wisdom to do all that is needed to push through this phase to the brighter side of life where all Nigerians will celebrate your achievements and your legacy. “

June 3, 2025
Continuity as Strategy: The APC’s Path to Stability and Continued Dominance led by President Tinubu, Ganduje and Gov Hope Uzodinma

Nigeria’s political history is filled with well-intentioned policies derailed by legislative turnover. Just as a football team would never bench its star players before a crucial match, a serious political party cannot afford to discard its most effective lawmakers at the height of their productivity. As the 2027 elections approach, the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a defining choice: embrace continuity and stability, or risk the familiar chaos of divisive primaries and factional disputes that have undermined governance in the past.

The Tinubu administration has spent two years laying the groundwork for long-term reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. But without experienced hands in the National Assembly, these efforts could unravel. Each election cycle, Nigeria loses seasoned legislators to political turnover. This forces the executive to restart negotiations, rebuild alliances, and re-explain policies to new lawmakers. The result is delayed progress, stalled projects, and squandered momentum. These are luxuries Nigeria cannot afford.

The solution lies in rewarding performance and ensuring stability. By supporting the return of lawmakers who have delivered for their constituents and aligned with the party’s vision, the APC can maintain focus on governance rather than internal battles. More importantly, this approach prevents the prolonged political distraction that accompanies primary season. This is typically a period where governance takes a backseat to survival politics.

READ ALSO; A Bold Step for Stability and Progress: Tinubu and Ganduje’s Vision for Legislative Continuity

This is not merely a suggestion. It is the official position of the party’s leadership, backed by President Tinubu, Chairman Ganduje, and pragmatic governors like Hope Uzodinma. Any resistance, particularly from within the party’s ranks, must be recognized for what it represents. It is a challenge to both the President’s authority and the collective decision of the APC. At this critical juncture, the party cannot afford internal divisions. The stakes are simply too high.

Critics may argue that this limits competition, but they miss the broader point. This is not about suppressing democracy. It is about recognizing and retaining competence. Lawmakers who have proven their ability to govern, legislate, and win elections deserve the chance to build on their achievements. Why replace them with untested candidates when continuity offers stability and a stronger path to electoral success?

This indeed is a practice by the very innovators of the type of democracy we practice as a Nation, – the United States of America. The two main political parties in the USA; The Republican Party and The Democratic Party practice a protection and almost a right of first refusal to its Congressmen and Senators which has led to incomparable legislative experience between US Lawmakers as against lawmakers across the world.

The APC’s 2023 victory was no accident. It was the product of unity, strategic planning, and a clear governance agenda. To replicate that success in 2027, the party must remain disciplined and focused. Those who undermine this vision risk not only the party’s future but also Nigeria’s progress.

The message is clear. Stand with the party’s decision, or stand aside. The APC will not tolerate internal sabotage. Not when the nation’s stability and the party’s legacy hang in the balance.

This is the party’s position. This is the President’s vision. And this is how the APC will secure another decisive victory in 2027. By prioritizing governance, rewarding excellence, and ensuring continuity where it matters most.

June 2, 2025
A Bold Step for Stability and Progress: Tinubu and Ganduje’s Vision for Legislative Continuity

As the present administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu crossed into its second year, necessary discussions about continuity are gaining momentum. Of particular interest, are recent considerations by the APC to offer automatic tickets for the 2027 primaries to party members who have shown exceptional leadership while serving in the country’s executive and legislature.

This is an unprecedented move, subverting the widely held belief about the nature of APC politics, and a decisive step toward ensuring stability and sustained governance if taken by President Bola Tinubu and the national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Political continuity has been the weak link in cementing progress made in policy and national development, and until now, fear of alienating factions have prevented previous political leaders from even broaching the subject.

But President Tinubu has always been clear about his long-term goal for governance, and has demonstrated this during his time as governor of Lagos state. The systems he implemented, especially with the Lagos State house of assembly, by centering the invaluable experience elected officials bring to policy and government reforms have supercharged Lagos’s economy and culture. Tackling turnover through party continuity is a new way of solving this pernicious challenge in Nigeria’s democracy, and will do away with the disruption that comes with forcing the executive to recalibrate with each new electoral cycle. By recommending that officials elected during one political cycle who have proven themselves competent are given an automatic primary ticket to contest for re-election, Tinubu and Ganduje are proposing a new way of safeguarding the progress made under the Renewed Hope Agenda and fostering an environment where policy implementation can thrive without unnecessary setbacks.

READ ALSO: Wike’s camp clashes with Fubara on reconciliation

Critics may argue that automatic tickets limit democratic competition, but this policy is not about entrenching individuals—it is about ensuring competence. Elected officials in the executive and legislature who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to national development deserve the opportunity to expand on their ideas and refine the execution of policies they champion towards greater results. Their experience, institutional knowledge, and ability to navigate complex governance processes are assets that Nigeria cannot afford to discard every election cycle. It also ensures the party can continue to implement policies all the way through to the elections, instead of disrupting the work of competent officials, 18 months before their tenure ends and saves the party and the government a lot of money that would otherwise go to primaries.

Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman Progressive Governors Forum, has publicly given his support to this policy and it is clear he understands better than most, the importance of stable leadership. When all arms of government operate in harmony and the ruling party is united in purpose, reforms are accelerated and national objectives are met with greater efficiency. The bond between President Tinubu and the APC legislators and its presiding officers is built on mutual respect and shared vision, and this policy ensures that the partnership remains intact for the benefit of all Nigerians.

As Nigeria moves toward the next electoral cycle, it is imperative to recognize the wisdom in fostering continuity where it matters most. The APC’s willingness to explore unconventional solutions to age-long political dilemmas is a demonstration of their commitment to stability, progressiveness, and the sustained development of the nation.

June 2, 2025
My support for Tinubu not for personal gain – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) has said his public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is not driven by personal ambition or political sycophancy.

He made this known during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.

Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, stirred public conversation last week when he appeared at the Senate plenary in an outfit bearing the inscription “Tinubu for President 2027.”

Addressing the backlash, he said there was nothing unusual about his attire.

“Who else would have made that dress other than Aba tailors? It was made in Aba, dyed in Aba and delivered in Aba. It is only Aba people who are hardworking that can do it,” he said. “It’s very fashionable and I will wear it again.”

Responding to accusations that his outfit was a form of sycophancy, Kalu replied, “Can a man like me be sycophantic? I am not running for anything. Where am I running to? I’m only running to return to the Senate.

READ ALSO: Wike’s camp clashes with Fubara on reconciliation

“It’s not political sycophancy. I am a man that can’t be sycophantic. It is a uniform for 2027.”

When reminded by the anchor that he wore the outfit in 2025, Kalu replied: “Sure, my house manager just made it available that morning and I wore it. I don’t see anything wrong in wearing it. It’s you press people that saw something wrong. INEC has lifted the ban on campaign, but we are preparing.”

Asked whether he is now the unofficial campaign manager of President Tinubu, Kalu said: “What is wrong with that? I will be very happy to accept it and do the job for him. I don’t have anything to regret in doing the job.”

On the issue of a Southern candidate seeking re-election, he emphasised national unity over regional identity: “President Tinubu is not the President of the South but the candidate of Nigeria, and I am a Nigerian.

“I have always said this every Nigerian should stop addressing himself or herself by region. I have asked for legislation where I suggested we remove all local government and state information on forms; people should only fill that they are Nigerians,” he said.

When asked whether it is insensitive for politicians to already be speaking about 2027, especially after he publicly endorsed Tinubu, the senator defended his party’s political activity.

“We are a political party and there must be activities of a political party. We had a midterm assessment of our party where the whole party stakeholders gathered.

“I was in the Senate to do my legislative job, and the journalists ran over me. It’s my dress and I have the right to wear anything I like. There is freedom of association and freedom of speech. I also have the right to say what I want to say.”

The interview also touched on his recent controversial remarks about Nigerians and the economy.

Responding to criticism that he accused Nigerians of depending on “easy money”, Kalu said, “I’m not regretting what I said. I work hard for every penny. Most rich people are waiting on their beds to take money from subsidies and sell dollars. These are what they have been doing. But it’s not about all Nigerians; I said most Nigerians not all.”

He added: “People fighting Tinubu are those that speculate from the dollars. They lie on their bed, they collect dollars for ₦100 and make ₦500 on top of the dollar.

“The removal of the subsidy affected me because I have two tank farms. So Tinubu made the best decision to stop the subsidy for the money to go to the rightful owners, which is the people.”

Highlighting his role in job creation, he said, “I think about the people more than most of those attacking me. They have money, but they can’t build any industry in Nigeria.

“I still have about 14,000 Nigerian employees on my payroll today, and I’m building more industries to employ more. When I speak the truth, you know I don’t bend my words. I’m not a politician in the first instance I just found myself doing this.”

He also revealed the role he played in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that he was a major financier of the party in its early days.

“I have never benefited from the government. I brought the money used to form the PDP. Ask any PDP member in 1998 and 1999. I am the biggest importer of rice, sugar, and other confectioneries.

“I was a petroleum dealer. At my early age, I brought my personal money to fund the PDP. I gave former President Obasanjo over $1 million to campaign with and the party over ₦500 million to start the party because they were looking for money.

“The only few people who could have brought money were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and TY Danjuma. Others had no money.”

Asked whether he regretted forming the PDP, Kalu said he does not hold grudges: “I am not quarrelling with Obasanjo. He is a friend of the family, and I don’t quarrel with anybody. Nigerians must come together. What we need is to build a vibrant economy.

“Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi they are best of friends. Let’s all come together. Every day we come to fight, and abuse is no longer fashionable.”

On assessing President Tinubu’s two years in office, Kalu gave a mixed review: “I am a businessman. I saw the economy in the last few years. If you see the industry, the manufacturers are crying. But the dollar has been stable and the cost of fuel has been stable. Manufacturers are bearing the brunt now.

“I have told the President he is on top of the situation. The macro side is coming up, but other sides are not. Nigerians in the lower area are still suffering. The changes are still trickling down,” he said.

He also advised on security and monetary policy: “The insurgency is the major cause. Some people working with Tinubu must go. Some ministers should go even in the security sector.

“I have also advised on the use of dollars on the street. If you check South Africa, they have firm control of their currency. There should be authorised sellers of dollars.”

According to him, “President Tinubu needs a few more years. I think the economy will have good sense of direction in two years, and the benefits will start coming. This economy has been in shambles, and it was not caused by anybody.”

When asked about Tinubu’s promise in 2023 to reduce poverty, Kalu said, “There is no rocket science about it. Nigerians should be patriotic. The whole world is still feeling the effects of COVID. The U.S. has social security we don’t. I am against abusing each other. The hatred among the political class, social class, and tribes must stop. I am a lawmaker, not a ruler.”

On public discontent with the government, he concluded: “Nigerians ought to be angry, but my party has not failed Nigerians. Nigerians are suffering because the political class is doing terrorism.

“The political war is causing people pain. People who want to grab power some of them are not even looking for money; they just want power. We should be able to lift Nigerians up.”

June 2, 2025
Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai desperately united for power – APC

The trio of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai came under attack by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the allegation that President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration has weaponised poverty.

The three opposition leaders at the weekend during the 60th birthday ceremony of Amaechi in Abuja accused Tinubu of failing to eradicate the scourge of poverty in the last two years of his administration.

Describing the allegation as baseless, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Monday asked the trio to close their eyes in shame for their failure to achieve same feat during a quarter of a century in power.

Morka noted that instead of focusing on the birthday the trio, whom he described as “leading displaced rent-seekers”, they condescended into showcasing their frenzied desperation to grab power purely for their self aggrandizement.

According to Morka: “These three individuals have occupied Nigeria’s highest political offices between 1999 and 2023, either as Vice President, Governors, or Ministers, among other important positions. In all 24 years, the trio, individually or collectively, could not and did not eradicate poverty in their states or the country. They did not even attempt to address, let alone tackle, the structural challenges and distortions that stifled the economy and worsened poverty over the years.

“Rather, they reveled in mindless rent-seeking behavior, sold national assets to their cronies for mere pittance, engaged in corrupt and wasteful expenditures in their states, and relentlessly sponsored state violence against their own people.

“Take the case of Amaechi, the celebrant, who served for an unbroken total of 24 years – eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as Governor of Rivers State, and eight years as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That’s about a quarter of a century of freeloading by Amaechi on state resources, with absolutely no record of attempting to combat poverty in his Rivers State or the country.

“When Amaechi declared, “I am hungry,” he must mean, and must be understood to mean, that he is hungry and desperate to return to his felt entitled dependency on state resources and patronage.

“That he is hungry barely two years out of office simply underscores the depth of the self-serving motivations of Amaechi and his coalition partners in their quest for power for selfish exploitation, and not for the interest of the people.”

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The ruling party noted that the allegation by Amaechi and his cohorts was informed by the loss of grip on the economy which they have fleeced on for years.

“Accustomed to fleecing the economy, they are now compelled by Tinubu’s unprecedented reforms to adapt to a new reality where hard work, productivity, and innovation are rewarded. Their criticisms of President Tinubu’s reforms are decidedly self-serving, driven by a desperate quest for power to satiate their voracious rent-seeking appetite, which has long stifled and denied progress to the economy.

“On contrary, it was the failure of previous administrations, particularly 16 years of PDP administrations, to allow the Naira to find its real value that created the economic conditions of poverty that the present administration is now addressing.

“The erstwhile artificially overvalued Naira stifled local production, encouraged import dependency, and exacerbated poverty. Ironically, Atiku and Peter Obi, who are now vociferously criticizing President Tinubu’s policies, amassed their wealth from the very import-dependent system they are desperately trying to preserve.”

Going down the historical lane, APC recalled “Atiku, a former Custom Officer, and Obi, a successful importer, reaped enormous benefits from the old system. Their criticisms reek of special interest masqueraded as concern for the people. By allowing market forces to determine the Naira’s value, the administration is taking necessary bold steps to catalyze economic growth, incentivize investment, boost competitiveness, and alleviate poverty.”

The party commended President Tinubu’s resilience in demonstrating political will to tackle structural barriers to the country’s economic growth and development far more than any other President in Nigeria’s modern history.

“By his bold economic reforms, President Tinubu is systematically building the most potent bulwark against poverty and positioning the economy to deliver sustained and sustainable growth and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“The criticisms variously levelled by Amaechi, Atiku, El-Rufai and Peter Obi mask a shameless attempt to perpetuate and cling to the old rent-seeking economy that enriched them at the expense of the Nigerian people.

“As beneficiaries of the corrupt and inefficient economic system, they are discomforted that Tinubu’s reforms are dismantling the insidious and permissive system that enabled and sustained their reckless plunder and exploitation of the economy.”

The ruling party however noted that Nigerians in productive sectors are reaping the benefits of reforms that have increased opportunities and income.

“Entrepreneurs, farmers, and service providers are thriving, while rent-seekers like Amaechi and his coalition partners are left seething with rage at the disruption of their ability to milk the system for personal gain as before.

“The removal of fuel subsidy has been a game-changer. It ended massive corruption that plagued the fuel subsidy enterprise, eliminated perennial shortages and queues at petrol stations, and has sparked a surge in investments in the oil and gas and other sectors of the economy, further expanding opportunities for businesses and individuals.

“The harmonization of multiple exchange rates has further bolstered Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market for goods and capital. With increased revenue, the federal, state, and local governments are now investing more in critical infrastructure, education, health, security, and social welfare.

“Importantly, states that previously struggled to pay N30,000 minimum wage are now paying a significantly higher minimum wage of N70,000 per month. This is a testament to the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“The President’s reforms are dawning a new day for Nigeria, now witnessing economic transformation never before seen in our country’s history, driven by proper pricing of the Naira and fuel, and steadily transitioning the country from a consumption-laden to a production-oriented economic powerhouse.

“Our trade balances are seeing a drastic improvement, with a sharp decline in imports and a steep rise in exports, reporting impressive trade surpluses and economic growth rate of 4.6 percent in the last quarter of 2024, representing the highest growth rate in a decade, amid significant decline in global price of crude oil.

‘This turnaround is a direct testament to the government’s steadfast efforts to promote local production, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous economy.

“Indications of a steadily rebounding economy are now manifest in all sectors of the economy. Local industries are booming, and our reliance on imports is plummeting. The Dangote Refinery is revolutionizing the market with its products in Nigeria, while manufacturers in the South East are producing top-notch products in unprecedented quantities, generating thousands of jobs and stimulating economic growth. This progress is a monumental step towards achieving food security, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth.

“President Tinubu has genuinely prioritized the best interest of Nigerians over any political electoral calculation. The administration’s reforms may have transient higher cost of living implications challenges, but they are indispensable to securing a more sustainable economy that rewards hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

The party assured Nigerians that the President is on course, and will not be distracted by the selfish partisan rambling of some hardened political opportunists and economic exploiters only bent on preserving the old inefficient and permissive economic system that fed them at the expense of the common good of all.

“The best strategic interest of our economy and the good people of Nigeria must continue to trump any and all political or electoral calculations.”

June 2, 2025