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Tag: Sunday Dare

  • Accept your past failures, support Tinubu’s anti-terror war, Dare tells Obasanjo

    Accept your past failures, support Tinubu’s anti-terror war, Dare tells Obasanjo

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication,  Sunday Dare, yesterday urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to acknowledge his role in national security deterioration and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s counter-terrorism efforts instead of undermining them.

    Dare said in a statement posted on his verified X handle that Obasanjo’s recent comments that the president is failing to protect Nigerians, were not only “hypocritical” but “ignoble.”

    The presidential aide recalled that terrorism took root in the country during the former leader’s tenure.

    Dare said: “If Obasanjo wishes to help, he should acknowledge the past failures that allowed terrorists to gain a foothold, and then, support ongoing efforts, not undermine them.”

    Chiding the former president for attacking the administration, he said true statesmanship requires sober reflection, not finger-pointing.

    He recalled that Boko Haram’s ideological cells and early structures “were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency,” recalling that extremist groups quietly recruited, indoctrinated, set up camps, and challenged state authority without decisive state action.

    He stressed: “For the leader under whom the first seeds of terrorism were allowed to germinate to now issue public lectures is not just ironic; it is reckless.”

    Dare objected to attempts by Obasanjo and “a few habitual presidential aspirants” to paint the Tinubu administration as incapable, saying that Nigerians have not forgotten those who “looked away when these threats first sprouted.”

    He said Nigeria is today confronting a multilayered terrorist ecosystem comprising internationally designated terror organisations, ISIS- and al-Qaeda-linked franchises across the Sahel, local extremist groups disguised as bandits, cross-border cells exploiting porous frontiers, and ideological insurgents operating in ungoverned spaces.

    Dare said: “Let’s call them what they all are: terrorists.”

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    He also faulted Obasanjo’s suggestion that Nigeria should effectively subcontract aspects of its internal security to foreign governments, describing the idea as “capitulation, not statesmanship.”

    He added: “Before recommending surrender, the former President should reflect on what he failed to do when these terrorists first began organizing under his watch.”

    In his view, undermining the country’s capacity only hands psychological victories to the terrorists.

    The presidential adviser defended Tinubu’s security strategy, saying that government is meeting the threat “head-on” through kinetic and non-kinetic measures, modernising military capability, intensifying intelligence-led operations, restoring governance to neglected areas, deploying economic stabilisation programmes, countering radicalisation, and strengthening community trust.

    He said while Nigeria is cooperating with the United States and allied nations, it “will not outsource its security or raise a white flag because someone who once had the chance lost his nerve.”

    Dare warned that former leaders who publicly disparage ongoing efforts could only weaken national resolve, adding that “a real statesman offers support, not sound bites.”

    He said that under President Tinubu, Nigeria is committed to “securing every inch of the country by confronting terrorists with strength, unity, and a whole-of-government strategy,” stressing that the administration “will not be distracted by selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship.”

     “Let him (Obasanjo) put his position and connections at Nigeria’s disposal like he has done for other countries, not seeking to put down an administration that is fully engaging on many fronts: economic turnaround, providing security, and building key infrastructure,” he added:

    Dare maintained that with unity of purpose, the country would defeat terrorism, urging all patriots to “join hands now and not raise alarms.”

  • Botched coup reports false, says presidential aide

    Botched coup reports false, says presidential aide

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has said the recent reports of a coup plot in the country were false.

    He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s confidence in the leadership of the military but explained that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade was a precautionary measure tied to security concerns.

    Dare spoke on a television programme on Tuesday where he said the military remained firmly under civilian control.

    The presidential aide noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent changes in the military leadership reflected long-term planning, inclusivity, and strategic renewal within the Armed Forces.

    “The leadership of the Armed Forces has provided clear explanations regarding current security measures. The cancellation of the Independence Day parade was a preventive decision based on intelligence reports, not political instability,” Dare said.

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    He explained that the recent reshuffle in the military high command was a deliberate and forward-looking decision aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture through innovation, agility and renewal.

    Dare described the development as part of President Tinubu’s constitutional responsibility as the Commander-in-Chief to ensure that the nation’s defence system remained dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.

    “Security is not static,” he said. “It demands innovation, agility, and constant renewal. President Tinubu understands this deeply, and that’s why we’ve seen a comprehensive approach to security management under his leadership.”

    The presidential aide added that the President’s decision was guided by classified intelligence reports and security briefings that provided a broad picture of the nation’s defence needs and vulnerabilities.

    According to him, the reshuffle reflects the President’s proactive stance towards strengthening the country’s security framework.

    “The President and Commander-in-Chief has access to critical security briefings that most of us do not,” Dare stated. “Based on that, he’s able to make judgments that are timely, comprehensive, and desirable for the country.”

    Commenting on the concerns about the frequency of changes in the military hierarchy — being the second major shake-up in a little over two years — Dare dismissed suggestions that the reshuffle was due to underperformance.

    “I don’t think so,” he said. “If you look at previous administrations, whether civilian or military, we have had reshuffles and changes determined by current realities. Nigeria was inherited with complex challenges — banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and organised crime — and with persistent threats from groups like ISIL, ISIS, and Boko Haram attacking through our borders, you have to bring your best men to bear.”

    Dare emphasised that President Tinubu’s approach is guided by both gratitude and pragmatism.

    The presidential aide acknowledged that the President had expressed appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and service, but also recognised the need for new leadership to drive the next phase of security operations.

    “The President thanked the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and commitment,” he said. “But it was time to move on. The new service chiefs are tested men — battle-hardened commanders who have served in key operations, like Hadin Kai in the Northeast and Udoka in the Southeast.”

    Dare added that the President’s decisiveness reflected an understanding of the “theory of securitisation” — that security management must evolve continuously and adapt to unfolding situations rather than follow a fixed timeline.

    “There’s no rule that says you wait one year or two years before making changes,” he explained. “It is determined by developments on the ground, by intelligence reports, and by the need for renewal and innovation. That’s exactly what President Tinubu has done.”

  • Sunday Dare: Tinubu’s policies yielding positive impact

    Sunday Dare: Tinubu’s policies yielding positive impact

    Sunday Dare is President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. In this interview with the TVC, he discusses how the president’s policies have been shaping Nigeria’s economy. He also explains why Nigerians must leverage trade and investments in what they produce, among other issues.

    African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), I know it’s the way to go. They just concluded the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) and all of that. A lot of discussions around Nigeria’s economy. You said it’s key. Is Nigeria ready to play in this market?

     Nigeria is already playing in that market. I know quite a number of legislations have been gazetted under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. An air cargo corridor for the ease of goods and services into the country has also been opened. So Nigeria is already a player. Don’t forget, beyond the continental partnership, there’s the regional, which is the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of goods and services. All the encumbrances that have held it down over time. Of course, we know that there’s been a movement towards a common currency, which has been impeded. But in spite of that, now we have the PAPS payment system, Pan-African payment, which is novel. There’s also the volume of $2 billion under AFTA, where countries can pull in order to boost trade. So Nigeria is already plugged in, no doubt about it.

     It’s a good way to start our conversation, but leveraging on trade and investment, and where our capacity, where our strength is, what would you say about our manufacturers and what Nigeria really has to export out?

     Well, first, there are strong indicators. Last week, we ended with a 67% increase in manufactured goods. A very strong indicator. We ended last week with another strong indicator in terms of trade surplus. You know, you look at the balance of import and export. The bane of our economy has always been that imports far outstrip exports. Now, these figures are telling us two key things: that importation and consumption of imported goods are coming down, while Nigerians are beginning to consume more of what we produce. And that’s why we have the balance, the surplus balance of trade of 7.4 billion. Now, that’s coming just two years under the reforms. It says a lot.

    That means the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to make an impact.

     IETF is coming to Nigeria in 2027. What is Nigeria going to benefit from this?

     The minister has a hand wrapped around it. Let me take you back a bit. When Nigeria, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was picked about a year ago as an AFTA champion, remember that it didn’t just come simply as a dash. It was based on the policies and initiatives, and what the Honorable Minister of Trade and Investment had articulated. Of course, you know that she’s on top of her game, and I think Nigeria is ready.

    Why did you say Nigeria is ready? In Ibadan, last week, we saw that out of 519 states in the African continent, Oyo State was the first to set up or to sign that protocol, the implementation strategy, and the focus was on leveraging what to produce. I did say on Friday that we needed to return to when we had the cocoa-driven economy, the groundnut-driven economy, the palm oil-driven economy, away from the oil-driven economy. And we’re beginning to see that diversification.

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     Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we’ve had the return of the commodity boards. The cocoa commodity board is back. The grain board is coming back. So the whole idea is that you must leverage what you produce. Develop a value chain that adds value to what you produce.

    And when you export eventually, the revenue that comes in can be plugged back into growth and development for your economy.

    Let me take you to the reforms. We’ve seen two years now, bold steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     But according to the figures that we see, inflation, GDP growth figures, and even from the likes of the IMF and World Bank, we continue to see a positive outlook. What is your overview of where we stand at the moment?

     Absolutely. I think that when you look at the figures, I call them the green numbers, both monetary and fiscal figures, you get comfort from the fact that these policies that we have had are beginning to impact very well. Oftentimes, it takes about three years before you really get the impact showing. But this time around, because of the strength and the potential of our economy, and because of the timeliness of those reforms, imagine if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not go ahead to remove the subsidy in oil, or did not go ahead to unify the forex market, where would we be? We’re at the point now that we have the volatility is gone in the forex market.

    We’re down to 1,500, 1,510. Almost every day, it was shooting up 1,700. So there’s stability, and we must recognise that. There’s also overall stability in the economy, and we have to also recognise that. So these policies are playing well.

    We started with oil subsidy removal. We hit 1,250 per litre. What the market says in terms of competition, market forces that, over time, if well implemented, you will see a drop. We’re now down to 820 as of yesterday, when Dangote brought down his own price.

    Now, when you look across the sub-region, our own price per litre is still the lowest. Forget what some pundits have said out there. You go to Ghana, it’s 1,990. You go to Kenya, the height is about 2,000. So we’re still selling our own oil. The pump price is still the lowest, and it will still go lower.

     So you think that there is competition as expected in a deregulated market? Are you saying that is happening in Nigeria?

     You see, the rules cannot change for Nigeria. The rules of engagement when it comes to competition, when it comes to unleashing market forces, when it comes to the government taking its hand off completely and allowing the market forces to play their role, that’s what we see in the forex market. That’s what we see in the oil production market. It goes back to what we all learned in school. Supply and demand determine the price. And that’s what we’re seeing. Nigeria is returning to the principles of the 21st-century market economy. And you look at our tax act that has come into force right now. You look at the internally generated revenue. We’ve even met our target. Never, never in a long time has that ever happened. So you’re seeing the recalibration of the economy, the re-engineering of the levers that we need to push. And you need a bold president who understands the dynamics of the 21st-century modern economy to make those decisions.

     So achieving our revenue target in August, from the non-oil space, is brilliant.  Our budget is still above about N54.56 trillion. Which is insufficient for a population of 230 million? How are we going to get the balance?

     Well, no country ever balances. About two weeks ago, there was this debate about loans, foreign loans and the rest. The foreign debt of America is $37 trillion. Capitalism is fueled and funded by loans and credits. Then you look at our debt, our tax to debt ratio, or our debt to GDP ratio, we’re still, you know, sub 40, sub 41. South Africa is 70%, and Ghana is 90%. We’re still within the threshold. So you see, borrowing is a legitimate tool for growth and development. That’s the standard across the world. These rules cannot change. We’re going through a rough patch. Nigerians are going through a rough patch, but it’s a patch that is necessary.

     You talked about the tax laws, which are also very key. Implementation should start by 2026. 2026 is a pre-election year. Many are already talking about the fossil fuel 5 per cent tax…

     That’s settled. It was there before 2007. The FEMA Act is there. And there’s a clarity, you know. I think this government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very upfront, and we must admit that. When there’s a controversy, when there’s a misunderstanding about a particular issue, the government is upfront in making sure that the facts are laid on the table. And where it remains so controversial, the president, as shown, can withdraw from that.

    Look at the 5% on telecoms. You know, the debate was on, and he pulled it back. Look at the CBN tax, whatever. That’s a president who is at home with his people, who has empathy, who understands that at some point, you need to pull back a bit to allow the people to ease off some of the burdens. And that’s what we’re seeing now. So the 5% thing on fossil tax won’t come. But also importantly, he said, unless the Minister of Finance writes to the president to say, bring it back or activate it, it won’t happen. So I think, as far as I’m concerned, Nigerians need not worry. There’s no additional 5% tax.

     But what do you think of the implementation of the entire document, in its entirety, from 2026? Yes, the tax laws.

     When you look at it from the point of its introduction, you saw the debate it generated, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed. Even though there were efforts to pull it back, it did what was right constitutionally. He said, Let it go to the people’s parliament. Let it be debated at the public hearing. Let it go to the House of Representatives. Let it go through the Senate. Let it go through the rubric of the democratic process and legislation. That’s what happened. From governors, civil society groups, individuals, media houses, and all parties came up with their comments there. Eventually, what we got was a pre-signed document in line with the tax regimes we’ve seen in others. As we speak, Brazil, after 40 years, now has a new tax system that will come into effect in 2026, maybe 2027 or thereabouts. So that document is ready to be implemented because it’s a pre-signed document that has taken care of what is necessary in our tax system.

     So many would say, What is the government really doing specifically to address the yearnings of the people? The macro seems to be working. What about the micro?

     In economies where you have the kind of reforms that have been onboarded under the administration, where you find similar reforms, what happens? You create a social safety net, which is what Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala did at the World Bank. And what they’ve been saying is that you have to put a social safety net measure in place. They’re saying there’s a need to scale it up. FG has disbursed N330 billion to 8.1 million households under the National Social Safety Net Programme, providing N25,000 monthly to eligible families to alleviate the effects of economic reforms. That’s part of a social safety net.

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is subsidising the education of our young ones. Apart from paying their school fees, they also get a N20,000 stipend, which is a safety net for our young people.

    Then you come to health. We have about 5,000 primary health centres. Over 1,000 are already reinvigorated. You have the National Health Insurance Scheme, which the president has directed should come back.

    So you’re beginning to see what has been saved from subsidy.

     Did you expect that the fallout of the removal of the subsidy would be as bad as this? Many would say you were in the last administration?

     Don’t forget that with the last administration, the subsidy was in play. You could become an instant billionaire once you had the license to import fuel. But when the new administration came, it changed the policy.

    I think one of the biggest social safety programmes that we’ll experience eventually, which is already coming up, is the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme (RHWDP), which the president announced about three and a half weeks ago, designed to empower 8.8 million Nigerians across the country’s 8,809 electoral wards. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and improve social protection at the grassroots level.

    The programme targets at least 1,000 economically active individuals in each ward, providing them with support to boost economic activity. It is a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local governments, funded through increased revenues in the Federation Account and supported by various development initiatives.

     What that does is two things. It brings the kind of development and empowerment we want, bottom up.

     It also helps us now deal with the urban, the rural-urban drift. It gives us the possibility of a reversal.

    It’s always a multifaceted approach. There’s no silver bullet when it comes to this.

    Now, we have an administration that is looking at all possible points, all possible valves to make sure that this economy is reinvigorated, but also takes care of the vulnerable- the women and the young people.

     If properly managed, I think it is also something that is key.

     Yeah, it is. Best policies often suffer and die on the basis of implementation. And I think that this administration is mindful of this implementation. That’s why, as policies are announced, over time, you also see the process of implementation.

     President Tinubu is always talking about agriculture and food security.

     He talks about it. It’s at the top of the agenda.

     Where are we now? Mechanization? Insecurity is also something that is heating the farms.

     He was on a trip to Brazil; during that trip, he signed five major MOUs. One of them has to do with agriculture. Recall that we have the  Green Imperative Project (GIP) with Brazil, which is 1.1 billion, signed in 2019, but now fully in effect. And you’re looking at job creation of almost 100,000 and over half a million indirect jobs. You’re looking at full mechanisation, partnership with Nigeria. That is already in place.

    The Minister of Agriculture spoke three days ago about a rise and spoke to the fact that fertilisers for the planting season were shared free across the country by this government. Now, when you look at farming and agriculture, you’re looking at two key inputs. You’re looking at the fertiliser input to boost production. We are also looking at pest control. Part of the understanding with Brazil is their pest control system, which is about the most advanced. So, the right partnerships have been signed.

    From Belarus, the other time, we had 2,000 tractors and about 20,000 farm implements, which were launched in Abuja by Mr President.

    Now, connect that with what is happening in the cocoa belt of the Southwest or the grain belt of Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna, and the rest, where now we have millionaires. Unlike before. TVC had a compelling story about that.

    And I think that it’s important to note that the mop-up when it comes to security with regard to agriculture is taking place gradually. Again, I say there’s no silver bullet when it comes to insecurity, but you see a government adept at mopping up all the insecure areas and opening the path for our farmers to stay longer on the farm. And I think we’ve seen that the prices of food are coming down, farmers are returning to their farms, and the fight against insurgency will continue.

     We expect the inflation figure for the month of August to be out anytime soon.

     But we’re happy it’s been easing off.

     Yeah, gradually.

     It is, yeah. We started from as high as 34 per cent.

  • Presidency: Borrowing a legitimate tool for growth, not recklessness

    Presidency: Borrowing a legitimate tool for growth, not recklessness

    The Presidency has affirmed that borrowing remains a legitimate instrument for financing growth and reforms, stressing that sustainability and improved revenue mobilization, not alarmist soundbites, should define Nigeria’s debt conversation.

    Reacting to comments by opposition figure, Dino Melaye, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, said the PDP chieftain chose “spectacle over substance” in his recent television appearance, where he derided government borrowing with remarks about “borrowing from OPay and Moniepoint.”

    Dare, in a reaction posted on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, on Tuesday explained that Nigeria’s public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025, according to the Debt Management Office. 

    He clarified that the surge from the previous year was not caused by reckless new loans but largely by the naira’s depreciation, which raised the local currency value of already existing foreign obligations.

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    He noted that the nation’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains moderate at between 40 and 45 percent — far below South Africa’s 70 percent or Ghana’s over 90 percent. 

    “The real challenge lies in revenue mobilization, not runaway borrowing. Encouragingly, revenues are improving, strengthening our capacity to service obligations,” he stated.

    Dare dismissed Melaye’s critique as uninformed, emphasizing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on sustainable economic reforms. 

    “Borrowing is a legitimate tool for financing growth and reforms. What matters is sustainability, not soundbites. Unfortunately, Dino prefers theatrics to truth,” the President’s spokesman said.

    He added that until Melaye acquaints himself with “basic economics,” his interventions will remain what they have always been: “entertainment, not enlightenment.”

  • Harness Tinubu’s initiatives for growth, Dare urges Nigerian youths

    Harness Tinubu’s initiatives for growth, Dare urges Nigerian youths

    Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, has called on Nigerian youths to take full advantage of the opportunities created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to advance their future and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Addressing over 24,000 young people at the Arise Congress 2.0, themed “The Emergence of Champions”, on Thursday at the Baptist International Convention Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Chief Dare described young Nigerians as champions of the present administration.

    Dare, who also serves as Chairman of the Youth and Student Ministries Advisory Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, said President Tinubu has rolled out far-reaching policies tailored to empower youths with the tools to excel through faith, talent, and skills.

    “President Tinubu has created platforms for you to thrive. Over 600,000 students now benefit from the NELFUND Tuition Loans and stipends. The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer aims to provide affordable housing for three million vulnerable households. 

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    “The administration has also released thousands of metric tons of grains from federal reserves and introduced emergency nutrition support in several states. These are opportunities you must take advantage of,” Dare said.

    He stressed that success requires character, discipline, determination, and self-motivation, adding that his message was not about politics but about encouraging Nigerian youths to seize the opportunities at hand to impact their communities positively.

    The event, which runs from September 3 to 6, 2025, drew notable dignitaries, including Rev. Israel Adelani Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and convener of the congress; Rev. Dr. S. Olawuyi James, Host and Director of Youth and Student Ministries; Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee; Rev. Michael Onyegbu; Pastor Fela Durotoye; and CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Commissioner of Police, Ogun State.

    Chief Dare urged the youths to remain steadfast in their faith in President Tinubu’s leadership and to translate the administration’s initiatives into personal and national success stories.

  • Dare takes on Babachir Lawal

    Dare takes on Babachir Lawal

    Former Secretary to the  Government of  the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal is a fair-weather friend, an opportunist, who is wearing ideological inconsistency like a badge of honor, a presidential aide, Sunday Dare  said yesterday.

    He was responding to Lawal’s Monday’s criticisms of the President Bola  Tinubu’s  administration on a national television .

    Lawal  claimed that Peter Obi won the 2023 general elections and  not Tinubu.

    The former SGF also accused Tinubu of being arrogant, and stated he would never accept an appointment from the current administration due to his lack of faith in it.

    But Dare, the Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication to the President,  labeled Lawal  as “latest political content creator” who is seeking attention from people due to his inability to secure a spot in the current administration.

    Dare’s message condemned Lawal’s remarks as wildly inconsistent, highlighting that the man who once invoked the “wrath of God” against Tinubu’s detractors has now turned into an outspoken critic.

    He described  him(Lawal)  a “fair-weather friend,” “opportunist,” and “clout chaser.”

    Dare cautioned that Lawal’s continued attacks serve only to diminish his credibility, warning that his public tolerance is unlikely to last.

    “Babachir Lawal, our latest political content creator cum political soothsayer, is gasping for political oxygen. In that desperate search, everything and everyone is fair game.

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    “He has granted several provocative and unwarranted  interviews in the past, but none matches the incoherence and desperation he displayed in his Channels Television appearance on Monday.

    “That outing revealed a deeply troubled soul, slowly unraveling — even if wildly swinging in all directions, wearing ideological inconsistency like a badge of honor.

    “It was obvious that the entire performance on Channels yesterday was nothing more than a poorly scripted attempt to bait President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the same man Babachir once swore the “wrath of God” should fall upon anyone who stood in Tinubu’s way to the presidency.

    “Today, he casually flings insults at that very man, calling him names, disrespecting his office and making derogatory references. That says everything about Babachir’s character and upbringing — a fair-weather friend, an opportunist, clout chaser and clay footed political crusader.

    “Babachir Lawal, please look in the mirror. Your account of events wobbles and is not the only one.  Those who watch closely are only tolerating your flight of fancy for now. This indulgence will not last forever. Throw your tantrums if you must, but know when to stop short of denigrating the office and person of the President.

    “Your claim that Peter Obi “won” the 2023 elections is not only egregious but a barefaced lie. The people have spoken, the law has sanctioned it; the courts have ruled. On that matter, let all else remain silent.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the 2023 count fair and square and remains Nigeira’s duly elected President until 2027. For now, face forward.

    “These televised outbursts do not earn you credibility — they drain it. You are operating at a deficit in conduct and public perception, and every rant pushes you deeper.

    “Now to your bizarre psychoanalysis: “The problem with Bola Tinubu is that he thinks I offended him… .He’s full of himself… because he thinks he’s the so-called president.” Wake up. Smell the coffee. He is Nigeria’s indisputable elected President.

    “And in what way exactly did President Tinubu “offend” you? Because you wanted to be vice president and President Tinubu went for a better, more qualified and more refined candidate.

    “Importantly, if putting Nigeria’s economy back on track is an offense in your book, then yes, that’s the other possible way Tinubu could have “offended” you.

    “Your choice of words — “so-called president” — is not only uncouth but a disgraceful denigration of the very office you once served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Have you forgotten the dignity that comes with that office?

    “Your descent into playing ethnic politics exposes your narrow mindedness and the threat your likes can pose to national unity.

    “You also declared you “would have been sacked” in a Tinubu administration. Instructively, you were sacked — but under President Buhari’s government, not Tinubu’s. You claim you would have resigned if you were part of this administration.

    “The truth? Whether under Tinubu, Buhari, or even your preferred Peter Obi (who still perches on the wings of mere “desperation” or is it aspiration), your overinflated sense of self-importance would have led to the same outcome: a quick exit.

    “Your arrogance is not new. Was it not you, in 2017, who on hearing of your sack as SGF scoffed, “Who is the Presidency?” — as though the presidency were a one-man office, and no one could remove you without your own permission? Such hubris then, such hubris now.

    “Babachir Lawal, these televised monologues do not make you relevant. They merely remind Nigerians why you are no longer in office and fast sinking into political and community oblivion. It is not too late to retrace your steps!”

  • Dep. Speaker, Kalu congratulates Sunday Dare on 59th birthday

    Dep. Speaker, Kalu congratulates Sunday Dare on 59th birthday

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson, Sunday Dare on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

    Kalu in a congratulatory message signed by the Special Assistant, Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, Udora Orizu described Dare as a seasoned journalist, communication expert and politician who has brought finesse and immense experience to the various positions he has held.

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    The Deputy Speaker noted that during his time as youth and sports minister, the sector recorded notable achievements and transformation.

    He commended Dare for his dedication to duty as the Presidential spokesperson, saying that he has added great value to the Renewed Hope Agenda through his robust media and public relations engagements.

    Kalu wished him many more years in good health, and wisdom to continue to effectively do his job.

  • Gateway Games Ogun 2024: ‘Sparkling-splendour’ opening ceremony delights Dare

    Gateway Games Ogun 2024: ‘Sparkling-splendour’ opening ceremony delights Dare

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare,  has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the  spectacular opening ceremony  of the 22nd  National Sports Festival.

    Dare, a former Youth and Sports Minister, who was in attendance at  Sunday’s opening ceremony at the MKO Sports Arena , praised the NSC leadership under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade for delivering a memorable event, describing the ceremony as  a ‘sparkling-splendour’  that showcased sports and unity.

    “The opening ceremony was a sparkling splendour. A combustion of excitement as the stadium was filled up and the beautiful scenes unfolded,” he said.

    The opening ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and several serving governors.

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    Dare attributed the success of the event to the solid preparation and leadership of the NSC, as well as the host governor’s tireless efforts to make the festival a reality.

    He added: “ Kudos must go to duo of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade for holding the Sports line firmly and putting on a solid preparation for the athletes and national delivery. But the boss of them all, is  the host’s  Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for pulling all stops to ensure this became a reality. “

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for investing in sports development and promoting national unity. “The final kudos goes to the President His Excellency, Bola Tinubu who sent quality representation and who is building a united Nigeria through investing in sports development.”

    Dare noted that Ogun State has set a high standard for the 23rd  edition of the National Sports Festival, which will be hosted by Enugu State. The festival has brought together over 12,000 athletes from across the country, promoting national unity and sporting excellence.

  • Economic policies yielding results, says presidential aide

    Economic policies yielding results, says presidential aide

    Nigeria’s economic policies are yielding positive results, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has said.

    The presidential aide noted that the nation’s economic policies are paying off with the country recording a $16 billion trade surplus, rising foreign reserves, and increased investor confidence.

    Dare attributed the economic boost to the bold policy decisions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration that have stabilised the financial sector, improved regulatory transparency, and enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

    “President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to stabilise the naira, curb inflation, and boost production. As a result, global investors are paying close attention,” he said.

    The presidential aide listed some of the key reforms as the unification of the exchange rates, deregulation of the petroleum sector, and fiscal tightening, which have played a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s economic outlook.

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    The government’s focus on eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks has also made it easier for investors to do business in the country, he said.

    Dare stressed that these efforts are already paying off, particularly in the growth of exports and capital inflows.

    “We are now seeing a shift: more Nigerian businesses are becoming competitive in global markets, and international investors recognise the potential for long-term growth,” he added.

    The $16 billion trade surplus signals a stronger export performance, particularly in agriculture, oil, and manufactured goods, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading player in Africa’s economic resurgence.

  • Dare hails collaboration with CSOs, says they’re crucial to nation’s democracy

    Dare hails collaboration with CSOs, says they’re crucial to nation’s democracy

    The Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare has emphasised the vital role of civil society organisations in ensuring sustainable democracy globally.

    Dare highlighted the importance of a strong synergy between the media and civil Society organisations, citing their instrumental role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy and the ousting of the military regime.

    He said this when the leadership of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, led by Executive Director Blessing Akinlosotu visited him on Friday.

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    Dare said that this collaboration was essential for promoting democratic values and principles.

    He said: “If the combined force of the media and organised civil society community can dislodge the mighty military government from Nigeria, how much more will this same force not influence desired outcomes towards national unity and development?”