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Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • Tinubu: Ogunleye was a true progressive

    The All Progressives Congress national stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdul Rafiu Ogunleye, who died yesterday at 79 as a true progressive and an Afenifere to the core.

    In a statement on the demise of Ogunleye by his Media Office signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said: “The progressive family lost another of its foremost leaders today with the passing of former Ogun State Deputy Governor Alhaji Abdul Rafiu Ogunleye, at 79.

    “Alhaji Ogunleye was an astute administrator, very principled politician and pure Afenifere. He played his part in the socio-economic and political development of Ogun State as deputy to former governor Olusegun Osoba and made important contributions to the country, particularly within the progressive camp.

    “Before he became Ogun deputy governor in the early 1990s, he was the state Auditor of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was also Ogun State Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, which he later left to become the National Financial Secretary of Action Congress before the party transformed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).”

    The statement added: “He was a committed party man who believes in party discipline and supremacy and believes that whatever the party says should be the overriding thing.

    “Alhaji Ogunleye was one of us. He felt the ACN in Ogun was sidelined in the scheme of things in the build-up to the 2011 general election, particularly in the choice of governorship candidate.

    “Of course, I spoke with him at the time and tried to convince him against leaving the party. But Baba was already committed to his course of action and was not ready to change his position. He returned to his natural home when he rejoined the progressives by pitching his tent with the APC after the 2015 elections.

    “We pray that Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul a peaceful repose in paradise. May He also comfort his family and all those he left behind.”

  • Revealed: Kaduna politician behind Tinubu 2023 items

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Thursday disowned a “faceless group” pushing his alleged 2023 ambition.

    The group of “mischief makers” has packaged campaign souvenirs, such as T shirts, fez caps and leaflets to embarrass the former Lagos State governor. The items have been traced to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, The Nation learnt last night.

    Sources confirmed that the materials were prepared and embossed with Tinubu’s name in Dubai to cause disaffection in the ruling party.

    Although the souvenirs were credited to an unknown group christened “Asiwaju Reloaded Ambassadors”, the sources said they were bankrolled by a Kaduna politician.

    Pictures of the souvenirs had surfaced on the social media on Tuesday and went viral.

    Read Also: Photos: Lawan, Tinubu meet in Lagos

    But, the Tinubu Media Office distanced the APC stalwart from the souvenirs, describing them as the handiwork of mischief-makers.

    According to the sources, the materials were sent out to create a schism between President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu, with a view to truncating whatever ambition the APC leader may have in 2023.

    Tinubu has been a major ally and supporter of President Buhari in the task of building a better Nigeria.

    Many APC leaders have dismissed the alleged campaign materials as a grand design to blackmail Tinubu and create friction within the APC family.

    A top government official, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, asked rhetorically: “How can Tinubu, who has been working hand in hand with President Buhari to engender stability in the country, ensure stability of the National Assembly with the emergence of a united leadership and the revitalisation of the economy, be working at the same time on 2023 presidency when President Buhari has just been re-elected for a second term and the new government is yet to take off?

    “Didn’t that stand logic on its head? Those who know the dynamics of politics know so well that Asiwaju Tinubu is too politically savvy to engage in such.”

    Tinubu distanced himself from the souvenirs and their alleged sponsors.

    His Media Office, in a terse two-paragraph statement signed by Tunde Rahman, said: “We have seen pictures of fez caps, T shirts, shirts and even leaflets with Bola Tinubu 2023 embossed on them purportedly by a faceless group which christened itself ‘Asiwaju Reloaded Ambassadors Nigeria’.

    “Neither the group nor its souvenirs are known to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    “We hereby, through this medium, categorically deny any knowledge of the group and dissociate Asiwaju Tinubu from the group’s unsolicited and unwarranted materials.”

  • Supreme Court verdict on Osun evidence judiciary is on course —Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has commended the Supreme Court over Friday’s judgment affirming the victory of Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State.

    He described the verdict as a further testimony that the judiciary is firmly on course and works in synch with the people’s aspiration.

    He said in spite of the “intimidation, unnecessary accusations and rumour-mongering, the apex court lived to its billing by dispensing justice without fear or favour.”

    Asiwaju Tinubu congratulated Governor Oyetola, urging him to be magnanimous in victory, extend his hands of fellowship to the People’s Democratic Party and continue to unite the people.

    According to him, with the electoral case now laid to rest, governance can now begin in full swing and the people of Osun can begin to reap the fruits of the government they voted to put in place.

    In the statement entitled “Supreme Court Verdict on Osun: Testimony That Judiciary is on Course,” personally signed by him, the APC leader said: “Friday’s Supreme Court judgment affirming the victory of Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State is a further testimony that our judiciary is firmly on course and works in synch with the people aspiration. The judgment has further vindicated the judiciary as unbiased, independent and impartial.

    “In spite of the intimidation, unnecessary accusations and rumour-mongering, the apex court lived to its billing by dispensing justice without fear or favour.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails representative at Lagos Assembly

    “The court did not rule based on any hearsay but acted on the basis of the merits and demerits of the case before it. The Supreme Court and the judiciary therefore deserve our commendation for it has further strengthened the democratic process.

    “On the issue of the Electoral Act, it is only the INEC, as the electoral body, that can apply the law appropriately with respect to elections. This the commission did rightly. It discharged itself creditably on the Osun election.

    “The decision of the apex court lays to rest the tussle over Osun governorship and removes all encumbrances on the path of the governor. Now, governance can begin in full swing and the people of Osun can begin to reap the fruits of the government they voted to put in place.

    “I congratulate Governor Oyetola for his steadfastness and for remaining calm while the electoral case lasted. I commend the government and people of Osun in allowing the rule of law to run its entire course. I urge them to continue to assist the security agencies in maintaining and sustaining the peace.

    “Governor Oyetola should be magnanimous in victory, extend his hands of fellowship to the People’s Democratic Party and continue to unite the people.

    “The All Progressives Congress must be commended for standing firmly behind the governor.

    “Also, PDP and its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, have exercised and exhausted their rights as expected of them. I praise them for their doggedness.

    “It is now time to rally round and join hands with the government to move Osun to the Next Level.”

  • Tinubu, Omo-Agege, Kalu condole with NGE, Kano govt over Tudunwada’s death

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and the senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Kalu have expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Malam Umar Saidu Tudunwada.

    The APC leader commiserated with the Tudunwada family, the NGE, Kano State government and the management of Kano State Radio Corporation over the demise.

    Asiwaju Tinubu prayed God to comfort the family left behind by the late Tudunwada.

    He also prayed that Allah grant the deceased Al-Janna Firdaus.

    The late Tudunwada has been buried according to Islamic rites.

    Tudunwada, the immediate past Managing Director of Kano Radio Corporation, died in an accident on Sunday while returning from a meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The accident occurred at Kura town in Kura Local Government Area of the state, about 30 kilometres from Kano metropolis.

    He was said to be traveling with one of his wives, a daughter and a driver, who all survived the accident.

    The trio are currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

    In his condolence message to the NGE and the Kano State government, Omo-Agege said it was unfortunate that the experienced and widely travelled journalist died in an auto accident on his return from an official engagement in Abuja.

    While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, the Deputy Senate President noted that Tudundwada’s death created a vacuum in journalistic reporting, especially in a democratic setting that needed the informed interventions of his likes.

    He said: “I received with sadness the shocking news of the death of the Deputy President of the NGE, Umar Tudunwada, in an accident.

    “Tudunwada, who, until his death, worked for various local and interactional media organisations, was returning from a meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) when he met his untimely death.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with his immediate and extended families as well as the good people of Kano State as I pray God to rest his lovely soul in peace.

    “Let me also extend my deepest condolences to the NGE over this irreparable loss. Tudunwada’s untimely passing has, no doubt, created a vacuum, especially at this period of our democratic journey.

    “May God console us and may He glide and protect us all.”

    Kalu said the late journalist was a thorough-bred professional who played leading roles at various times in the media industry.

    Extolling the virtues of the late Tudunwada, the senator urged the deceased’s family to uphold his good deeds.

    In a statement by his media office, the former governor prayed for the repose of Tudunwada’s soul.

    He said: “I received with pain the news of the demise of the Vice President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Alhaji Saidu Tudunwada.

    “The late Tudunwada was a notable figure in the media industry. He served meritoriously in different capacities in the print and electronic media.

    “Our prayers and thoughts are with the Tudunwada family at this difficult time.”

    Read Also: Oando seeks to join Tinubu’s suit against SEC

    Kalu also commiserated with members of the NGE and other stakeholders in the media industry.

    Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has expressed grief over the death of a respected journalist and former Managing Director of Radio Kano, Umar Saidu Tudunwada.

    A statement on Monday in Kano by KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communication, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, said the KEDCO MD also commiserated with the family of the deceased, members of the state’s council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), the state chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel and all residents of the state.

    He said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Tudunwada’s passing. It is on record that as a result of decades of professional practice, Tudunwada carved a niche for himself, rising through the ranks to the peak of his career.”

    Describing the late Tudunwada as an “uncommon professional”, Dr Gwamna said: “As MD of Radio Kano, Tudunwada demonstrated one of his leadership qualities when he once led the management of Radio Kano to KEDCO head office for a courtesy visit and amicable resolution of some pressing issues between the two organisations.”

    Gwamna prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest, adding that Tudunwada would be remembered as peace-loving, hardworking and patriotic.

     

     

  • 9th NASS: Tinubu congratulates Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    All Progressives Congress National Stalwart, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday urged the new 9th National Assembly to extend hands of fellowship and friendship to the Executive to achieve progress in the country.

    Tinubu made the call in a congratulatory message entitled: “Nurturing and Deepening National Assembly Institution, Democracy,” released by his media adviser,  Mr Tunde Rahman, in Lagos.

    He also urged the assembly to do all within their powers to nurture and deepen the institutions of the Legislature and the country’s promising democracy.

    According to him, their task is to complement and support President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his administration’s progressive agenda to take the country to the Next Level with detailed, timely and progressive legislative initiatives.

    “It is imperative that the new leadership quickly departs from the adversarial posture of those that came before and extends hands of fellowship and friendship to the Executive.

    “A convivial and cooperative relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government is our best chance at achieving the progress that we, as Nigerians, deserve and it’s incumbent on our new leaders to make this a reality in this next dispensation.

    Read also: Why June 12 is important, significant, by Tinubu

    “Our system speaks of complementarity between the Executive and Legislature and does not preclude the Legislature from working harmoniously with the Executive in the service of our people, ” he said.

    Tinubu congratulated Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, and their deputies, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and Alhaji Ahmed Idris Wase, on their election as presiding officers of the 9th National Assembly.

    “To have been selected by such overwhelming majorities by their peers is a wonderful honour and a clear demonstration of the implicit confidence reposed in them as leaders and legislators.

    “The offices these leaders have been entrusted with are sacred and must not be toyed with.

    “Their emergence as leaders of the 9th National Assembly comes at a crucial time in our nation’s history. As we celebrate 20 years of uninterrupted democracy and our new National Democracy Day of June 12.

    “We look backwards to recognise the sacrifices and valour of our heroes past. We also look forward with hope for the future of our nation and our democracy, “he said.

    Tinubu said that the election of the assembly leaders was free, fair and transparent, saying that it is a further demonstration that the nation’s democracy is functioning well.

    He said that their election also reaffirms party supremacy as the leaders were also the choice of the governing APC and the party’s caucus in the National Assembly.

    The APC leader also congratulated those who contested the various positions but did not win at present for putting up a gallant fight.

    “However, the time has now come to put aside all differences and rally round the new officers to work together.

    “I wish the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker and all their colleagues in the National Assembly a successful and impactful tenure and once again congratulations,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

  • Late Animashaun, an indispensable guide to journalists, Nigerians — Tinubu

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has described renowned columnist, the late Alhaji Kola Animashaun, as a true icon of journalism and an indispensable guide to many journalists and Nigerians.

    Tinubu’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Tunde Rahman, on Friday in Lagos.

    Animashaun died on Wednesday in Lagos at the age 79.

    Tinubu said Animashaun, who he fondly called ‘Uncle’ played vital roles in the development of journalism in the country.

    According to him, he shaped and moulded opinions through his weekly column in the Vanguard newspaper, ‘Voice of Reason’.

    “I’m deeply saddened by the death of Uncle Kola Animashaun. A true journalism icon and a columnist of great repute.

    “He was also a pro-democracy activist, lover of humanity and devout Muslim.

    “The devotion, dedication and commitment he gave to the service of Allah and humanity, he brought to bear on his journalism practice.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Akande arrive Eagles Square

    “His column in the Vanguard Newspaper, ‘Voice of Reason,’ was a compelling read for many of us, for in it radiated his belief in truth and justice.

    “He mentored many of us. He was an indispensable guide to many top journalists of today and indeed many other Nigerians, “he said.

    The former Lagos State Governor urged Animashaun’s colleagues in the media not to allow his ideals of true and purposeful journalism die with him in the age of fake news and hate speech.

    “With his death, the nation and the journalism profession have lost an illustrious fellow.

    “My condolences to Alhaja Animashaun, the children and family members, the publisher and management of Vanguard Newspapers, and indeed all those he left behind.

    “I also commiserate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Guild of Editors.

    “May we all find the strength to carry on after Alhaji. I also pray that Allah grant Alhaji Animashaun Alijanna Fridaus,“Tinubu said.

     

  • PDP accuses Tinubu of attacking party

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of hauling insults at it to curry political relevance.

    The main opposition party also faulted Tinubu’s recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Saudi Arabia where the party alleged that the APC leader hauled invectives and diatribes against the PDP

    In a statement Tuesday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said through his actions Tinubu has further demonstrated that he has nothing to offer towards the development of the nation.

    “It is atrocious that at the time other leaders are in the Holy Land offering prayers and supplications for our nation, Asiwaju Tinubu is in Mecca for photo-ops, playing dirty politics and hauling insults at other Nigerians just to curry relevance before President Buhari,” the statement said.

    Read Also: We never expelled Akpabio – PDP

    The party further noted nothing but sheer hypocrisy would push Asiwaju Tinubu to engage in “unholy praises of a failed administration” in desperation.

    The statement said: “This is the same Asiwaju Tinubu, who, in January 2018, at the 15th Annual Daily Trust Dialogue, berated the Buhari administration for its nepotism, incompetence, corrupt oil subsidy regime; blaming it for the high-level poverty in our country and counseled Nigerians to be guided by their conscience in electing leaders in the 2019 general elections.

    “Asiwaju, in criticising the Buhari administration, held rightly that too much political and economic power resides in the hands of too few.

    “This result in a society described by too much of unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, too little food, yet too much poverty.

    “He then added correctly that under President Buhari, “rather than becoming a joyous nation, Nigeria has become a cruel playground where the fears and concerns of the average person get exploited but their interests never get promoted.”

    “The PDP therefore lambasted Asiwaju Tinubu for making allusion to its determination with Nigerians to retrieve Atiku Abubakar’s stolen Presidential mandate at the court, adding that no amount of blackmail can detract from this resolve.”

  • June 12: Tinubu seeks urgent legislative action

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday urged the National Assembly to be on the same page with the Presidency in ensuring a constitutional amendment for the establishment of June 12 as the National Democracy Day.

    He was commending President Muhammadu Buhari for taking what he called an important step towards full recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.

    Tinubu’s commendation came a day after Information, Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed unveiled the government’s decision to move the second term inauguration ceremonies to June 12.

    The minister spoke of plans by the Buhari administration to hold a low-key ceremony on May 29, which the Constitution recognises as the inauguration day of a new political dispensation.

    Mohammed hinted that other activities would be shifted to June 12 but that President Buhari will take the mandatory Oath of Office on May 29.

    Read also: Buhari hosts Tinubu to Ramadan breakfast at Aso Villa

    In a statement yesterday by the Tinubu Media Office, signed by Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos State governor said: “President Buhari and the Federal Government deserve thanks and commendation. President Muhammadu Buhari deserves our thanks and congratulations for taking another important step towards fully recognising June 12 as Democracy Day in our country.

    “The government moved the second term inauguration ceremonies to June 12 while events on May 29 would now be low-key swearing ceremonies in order to comply with the constitutional requirements covering the length of term for elected office-holders.

    “By this wise yet visionary decision, the President has scored double: first he has accorded respect to the Constitution, which recognises May 29 as the date to inaugurate new terms of office while at the same time ensuring the country moves on the rightful path to formalising June 12 as new Democracy Day. This decision soundly balances current legal requirements with the quest for political justice.

    “For this feat in moving the country in the right direction, President Buhari and the Federal Government deserve commendation.

    “June 12 represents an important milestone in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic journey. It was the day Nigerians shunned ethnicity and religion to vote for that leader of their choice in an election adjudged clearly free and fair.

    “To complete this process that the President has started via Executive Order, we hope that the National Assembly act with reasonable dispatch in cooperation with the Presidency to assure that the requisite constitutional amendments are enacted to fully establish June 12 as Democracy Day.

    “As Nigerians, we have a role to play: rededicate ourselves to democracy, peaceful co-existence, togetherness and the hope for a greater future, all of which June 12 represented.”

    The process to accord June 12 recognition began last year when President Buhari officially named June 12 as Democracy Day by Executive Order.

    The President also recognised the winner of the June 12 election, the late Bahorun MKO Abiola, as a past president and awarded the highest honour – the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

    The late Abiola’s running mate in the June 12, 1993 election, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, was recognised as a former vice president and bestowed with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award.

  • Tinubu hails Buhari for making June 12 Democracy Day

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for taking an important step towards fully recognising June 12 as Democracy Day.

    Information Minister Lai Mohammed had on Monday revealed the decision of the Federal Executive Council to move the second term inauguration ceremonies to June 12 while a low-key ceremony holds on May 29 to comply with constitutional provision which at present sees May 29 as the take-off date for elected office holders.

    In a statement on Tuesday by Tinubu Media Office signed by Tunde Rahman, Asiwaju Tinubu said President Buhari and the Federal Government deserve thanks and commendation.

    He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari deserves our thanks and congratulations for taking another important step towards fully recognising June 12 as Democracy Day in our country.

    “The government moved the second term inauguration ceremonies to June 12 while events on May 29 would now be low-key swearing ceremonies in order to comply with the constitutional requirements covering the length of term for elected office-holders.

    “By this wise yet visionary decision, the president has scored double: first he has accorded respect to the Constitution, which recognises May 29 as the date to inaugurate new terms of office while at the same time ensuring the country moves on the rightful path to formalising June 12 as new Democracy Day.’

    Read Also: Buhari hosts Tinubu to Ramadan breakfast at Aso Villa

    “This decision soundly balances current legal requirements with the quest for political justice.

    “For this feat in moving the country in the right direction, President Buhari and the Federal Government deserve commendation.

    “June 12 represents an important milestone in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    “It was the day Nigerians shunned ethnicity and religion to vote for that leader of their choice in an election adjudged clearly free and fair.

    “To complete this process, the president has started via Executive Order, we hope that the National Assembly acts with reasonable dispatch in cooperation with the presidency to assure that the requisite constitutional amendments are enacted to fully establish June 12 as Democracy Day.

    “As Nigerians we have a role to play: rededicate ourselves to democracy, peaceful co-existence, togetherness and the hope for a greater future, all of which June 12 represented”.

    The process to accord June 12 recognition began last year when President Buhari officially named June 12 as Democracy Day by Executive Order.

    The President also recognised the winner of the June 12 election, Bahorun MKO Abiola, as a past president and awarded the highest honour in the line the GCFR while Abiola’s former running mate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, was recognized a former vice president and bestowed with the GCON award.

  • Budget padding: Igbo youths commend Tinubu, caution leaders against divisive comments

    The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has commended the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over his comment on budget padding in the 8th National Assembly.

    The group in a statement signed by the President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, also cautioned Igbo leaders against making divisive comments capable of destabilizing the unity of the country and portraying the Igbo in bad light.

    “We commend the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over his comments on the budget padding in the 8th Assembly.  There’s no need to cry over spilled milk. It should be a lesson for the new leadership that will emerge in the 9th Assembly. Those crucifying Tinubu should be careful. “We also want to caution Igbo leaders to desist from making unguarded comments capable of affecting the unity of Nigeria.

    We know President Buhari’s victory in the just concluded election has retired some Igbo leaders from active politics. It ended some political dynasties in the South East, and threw up fresh opportunities for the youths. That is why those people are making disparaging comments.

    Read also: How Bola Tinubu’s annual Colloquium was born

    We are watching those elders keenly and may have no option than to sanction them if they continue to use the name of Igbo nation to discredit the good works of the president towards the Southeast.

    “We support that Senate President should go to North East and Speakership to South West or North Central. We only demand for the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Deputy Senate President. We have eminent personalities qualified for both Jobs.

    We advise Our people in the House of Representatives to Support the decision of APC leadership. “We commend the South East governors-elect, and hereby urge implore them to make youths to constitute over 50% of their cabinets and also urge them to ensure that the new salary structure is implemented at the state levels.”