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  • African churches organise prayers for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq to succeed

    African churches organise prayers for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq to succeed

    • 1,000 delegates to attend

    Churches under the aegis of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) converged on Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Saturday for special prayers for President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

     The churches appealed to all to pray for the president and Nigeria as a whole to overcome its current challenges.

     Chairman, Kwara State chapter of OAIC, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, told reporters in Ilorin ahead of the first convention of the churches that no fewer than 1,000 delegates across the country were expected at the convention.

     The theme of the convention is ‘Walking in dominion.’

     Adeboye said:  “We will pray for the president to have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to run the country well. Our president needs God’s wisdom and direction to take the country to the Promised Land. That is why we must pray for Nigeria.

    Read Also: Ambode denies ADC defection rumours

     “We will pray for the president and the country to overcome all the economic and security challenges. During the convention, the OAIC, one of the blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), will advise governments at all levels to enunciate policies that have a human face.

     “The government should work on the current security challenges. We know they are trying. With prayers, they will succeed.”

     Adeboye stated that about 1,000 people will benefit from a free medical outreach sponsored by Abosede Adimabua Foundation during the one-day convention.

     He added: “This convention is not just a gathering, it is prophetic. It is a declaration that OAIC in Kwara state has awakened, and we are walking into a future of spiritual strength, visible impact, and collective dominion.

     “OAIC represents churches that originated independently in Africa, especially those birthed through indigenous spiritual awakenings.”

  • President Tinubu, the North and Distortions of Politics

    President Tinubu, the North and Distortions of Politics

    • By Tunde Rahman

    Two years in the saddle, has President Bola Tinubu undercut the Northern region in the management of the country’s affairs and distribution of political appointments and development projects? Has he reneged on the promise made to the Northern elites three years ago in Kaduna that he would run an all-inclusive government, protect the national interest and be fair to every part of the country and the North in particular?

    It was in a bid to answer these important questions that governors, ministers and other top government functionaries from the Northern region converged on Arewa House, Kaduna on July 29 and 30, 2025, under the auspices of the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, to present their scorecards and tell the region what they had all done to advance the interest of the region since May 2023.

    At the end, the intervention by the governors and government functionaries yielded an overwhelming approval rating and an outright rejection of politically motivated allegations of marginalization. They reeled out impressive strides recorded by the administration in infrastructure, social investment programmes, and security. According to them, President Tinubu has done a lot for the North. Whatever under-development that may exist in the region should not be attributed to him, but to Northern leaders, for the many years they had neglected the region.

    However, it was apparent that the motive behind the frenzied conversation about the Tinubu administration’s achievements is not so much what the President has done – or not done – for the North in terms of distribution of national offices and infrastructure. It was propelled, essentially, by the self-serving interests of some Northern elites angling to shape political decisions and the politics of 2027. As my friend, the Publisher of The Cable and former Editor of Thisday, Simon Kolawole, would say, “it’s all politics”, and this time, it is all about the politics of 2027.

    Read Also: FG sets up inter-ministerial committee for implementation of health sector agreements

    It’s a page from an old politics playbook: couching the views, political agenda, opinions, and interests of the elites as those of the larger society where they operate. To achieve their aim, they deploy all kinds of subterfuge, including ethnicity or tribalism. Richard Sklar hints at this when he states that, “tribalism is an instrument in the hands of political elites.”

    This is quite evident in the outburst of the New Nigeria Peoples Party leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who recently accused President Tinubu of marginalising the North in infrastructure development. However, available evidence points to the contrary. According to the Director-General, Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, who should know, more than half of the capital budgets for 2024 and 2025, were allocated to projects and programs in Northern Nigeria. “Contrary to politically-motivated narratives, Northern Nigeria is not on the margins; it is at the heart of federal investment priorities. Over 50% of the capital budget for 2024 and 2025 is traceable to projects and programs in the North when major national trunk infrastructure and water basin investments are properly accounted for,” he declared

    Tanimu outlined flagship projects and interventions that serve as evidence of the administration’s commitment to developing the North. These include the Abuja–Kano Expressway dualization, ₦12.1 trillion Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the most ambitious cross-regional road project in decades, spanning 1,068 km, costing ₦3.63 trillion, with 30% of it already approved by President Tinubu for the project’s initial rollout in Sokoto and Kebbi; Kano–Maradi Standard Gauge Railway, a Sahel trade corridor enabler; Zungeru–Kano Power Transmission Line, boosting industrial power supply; Funtua and Bauchi Inland Dry Ports for agro-export and logistics; and Expansion of Airport Runways in Katsina, Maiduguri and Kaduna.

    But firstly, there is a need for recourse to the promise Tinubu made to the North before he was elected president. On October 17, 2022, Tinubu came before the Northern leaders to present his agenda for the region and solicit their votes. This was in the run-up to an election where former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the poll, had fouled the air, fanning the embers of ethnicity, telling the North he belonged to it and was the best candidate to protect the Northern interest. There was tension in the land. The nation’s fault lines were being toyed with. Atiku’s erstwhile presidential running mate in the 2019 election, who by then had become the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was also unrelenting, ratcheting up ethnic and religious sentiments for his candidacy.

    It was against this backdrop that Tinubu mounted the podium at the Arewa House. Both Tinubu and Atiku were leading other candidates in the North at the time. Thus, the North had become divided and the atmosphere at the venue of the talks was charged. In a measured but purposeful tone, Tinubu told the gathering that as president, he would consolidate on the investments of the late President Buhari administration in all sectors to build on the gains recorded. He spoke of his plans to ensure that insecurity was nipped in the bud in the North and across the country, harness the resources that abound in every part of the nation for greater economic development, and utilize the vast natural resources of the country through strategic investment in infrastructure.

    Speaking specifically and cautiously on his plans for the North, he said, among other things, that the region has a comparative advantage in agriculture and mining, and that under his presidency, the North would emerge as the hub of agribusiness in Africa through huge investment in the sector in collaboration with the private sector. “Agriculture is of special interest to me. It is both an economic and existential issue for every country. Experience in the last seven years has shown the potential of agriculture in solving the problem of unemployment and boosting our GDP,” he said.

    On his plans for education and reducing out-of-school children in the North, he said working with both states and local governments to reform and retool the system, he would provide the required leadership and mobilize investment for the development of the sector. These reforms, according to him, will give special attention to the welfare and training of teachers and lecturers as necessary catalyst for the better system the North desires.

    He identified some priority roads and hydropower projects in the North which had either not been followed through, and new ones he would introduce to aid the development of the region.

    His lucid presentation and the way and manner he calmly but firmly responded to the questions thrown at him were quite impressive. I know this as a fact because I was there. With that event, the North and Tinubu apparently entered into a pact. And following the results of the 2023 presidential election, the North voted well for Tinubu, giving him about 60% of the votes that brought him to power.

    Are there gaps in what he promised the North and what he delivered to them? Has President Tinubu treated the North unfairly two years down the road? I do not think so! I think the President has kept faith with his promise. However, there is room for improvement. Ongoing critical projects in the North like the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano reconstruction work, Mambilla Hydroelectric Dam, Baro Inland Port, and Ajaokuta Steel Mill should be pursued vigorously.

    The views expressed at the Kaduna two-day summit titled “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity” were nonetheless interesting, though admittedly mixed. The Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, alleged that the Tinubu government had neglected the region, especially in its budget allocations and infrastructural development. “Two years into President Tinubu’s four-year tenure, the feeling among the people of the North is, to put it mildly, completely mixed,” he said, citing certain federal budget figures to underscore the alleged neglect.

    Such grim prognosis was offset by some contrasting submissions. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said the President is committed to fulfilling his promises to the North, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume affirmed that President Tinubu’s administration would leave no region behind. Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Aliyu Moddibo, his Special Adviser on General Duties, noted that the current administration’s inclusive reforms were in line with the economic reality of Nigerians.

    Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu stated that the administration is implementing policies aimed at transforming Nigeria’s economy and fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians. “The President has complete faith in Nigeria. He does not make decisions based on ethnicity or region. His government is rooted in fairness and inclusivity,” he said.

    On the fight against banditry and terrorism, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu said the Tinubu administration had made giant strides in protecting lives and properties. Ribadu said Nigerian security forces had subdued and neutralized some of the terrorist leaders, who had unleashed terror along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, making it safer for travellers. The NSA noted that the once-troubled highways from Zamfara to Katsina, Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna to Birnin Gwari that were a nightmare for travellers, can now be safely used at night due to improvement in security. “Politics will not allow people to give us credit for all of that,” he added.

    In the final analysis, the Kaduna Governor gave the Northern leaders some food for thought when he declared that the northern woes should not be blamed on President Tinubu. “Yes, President Tinubu made promises. But let’s be honest with ourselves: he has kept faith with the North in many critical areas – security, agriculture, education, and economic inclusion. The real question is, have we kept faith with our people as Northern leaders?”

    •Rahman is Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties.

  • Tinubu, Oyetola have not anointed any Gov aspirant—NIWA boss

    Tinubu, Oyetola have not anointed any Gov aspirant—NIWA boss

    Ahead of the Osun governorship primary election, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has denied speculation that President Bola Tinubu, Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and other leaders of All Progressives Party(APC) have anointed candidate to contest in 2026. 

    Oyebamiji, one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants under the platform of All Progressives Congress( APC) in his ongoing state-wide consultations in Ifedayo and Odo-Otin local government areas on Saturday, said: “Let me also tell you that none of the aspirants has ever been anointed by both the President and the leaders of our party. We are just trying to let people know about us.”

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    Oyebamiji scored the turnout for his ongoing consultation as fantastic, saying, “I have been receiving overwhelming support across the state for my gubernatorial ambition.”

    The chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON) for the reinstated local government chairmen, Abiodun Idowu assured that his local government (Ifedayo) is rooting for the NIWA boss to clinch the APC ticket. 

    Also former Commissioner for Information, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said the people of Odo-Otin council have embraced Oyebamiji as their preferred choice. 

  • Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid unstoppable- Adekanmbi 

    Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid unstoppable- Adekanmbi 

    The Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) Femi Adekanmbi has declared that no opposition alliance can derail President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking to journalists after an event in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday, Adekanmbi dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state as “dead on arrival.”

    He stated Tinubu is unstoppable, urging opposition figures in the ADC to shelve the ambition of contesting against the incumbent and support the current administration. 

    “Do we have any opposition? The coalition [ADC] that you heard about is dead on arrival. Because when you look at it, what do they have to campaign with? Are they going to campaign that President Bola Tinubu is not performing? 

    “I can assure you, President Tinubu, is coming back for the second time. The coalition is dead on arrival. They don’t even exist here in Ondo state. That I can assure you. In the next two weeks, some governors would be defecting to APC to support President Tinubu,” he said. 

    The APC chieftain queried the campaign strategy of the coalition of opposition figures in the light of President Tinubu’s achievements since coming into power to revamp the country’s economy. 

    “Let them come out with their slogans or what they want to campaign with? The major issue in Nigeria, which everybody should stand for, is about ensuring that their governors perform. Every governor in Nigeria, their allocation has increased.

    “So, are they going to campaign against it that when they get there, they will reduce the allocations of the governors? Are they going to campaign against it that when they get there, they will not pay student loans?

    “Are they going to campaign against it that infrastructural development all over the country, now that it’s taking place, they will stop it? 

    “We are ready for them, but I can assure you, it’s eight years for President Tinubu. If they are contesting, let them regroup again after Tinubu’s eight years tenure in office,” he added. 

    He lauded Tinubu’s policies for increasing state allocations by nearly 250 percent, enabling Governors to clear outstanding loans and workers’ salaries.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Audu Ogbeh, hails patriotism, lasting legacy

    Adekanmbi also predicted more Governors would defect to the APC in the next two weeks to join the President’s camp, stressing that Tinubu’s policies had boosted state allocations by almost 250 percent, enabling governors to settle debts and clear workers’ salaries.

    “Are they going to campaign against increased allocations? Against paying student loans? Against ongoing infrastructure projects? We are ready for them. It’s eight years for President Tinubu. They can regroup after that,” he added.

    Adekanmbi praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing him as a bold and courageous leader capable of making tough decisions for Nigeria’s recovery.

    He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of President Tinubu’s efforts at developing the country.

    “Nigerians should be praying for President Tinubu. Look at the local government issue — he insists they must operate independently. The basis for every development is in the local government,” he said.

  • Tinubu mourns Audu Ogbeh, hails patriotism, lasting legacy

    Tinubu mourns Audu Ogbeh, hails patriotism, lasting legacy

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Chief Audu Ogbeh as a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

    In a condolence message to the government and people of Benue State, the President said the nation had lost a statesman of rare intellect and commitment to national development. 

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also commiserated with the late politician’s family, friends, and associates.

    Ogbeh, who died at 78, was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political evolution, serving in several administrations. 

    He was Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    He also made his mark as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ex-PDP chairman Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

    Tinubu noted the late Ogbeh’s deep intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his skill in articulating practical solutions to the country’s complex challenges.

    “He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” the President said.

    Joining politics in the 1970s as a legislator, Chief Ogbeh became a respected voice in governance, earning a reputation for principled service and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential.

    President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God’s comfort to his bereaved family.

  • Nigeria has lost a patriot in Audu Ogbeh — Tinubu

    Nigeria has lost a patriot in Audu Ogbeh — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing him as a great patriot.

    ‎‎Ogbeh, 78, died peacefully on Saturday, according to a statement from his family.

    ‎In a condolence message by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu sympathised with the government and people of Benue State.

    ‎‎The President also extended his condolences to Ogbeh’s family, friends, and political associates.

    ‎Ogbeh, served Nigeria in several administrations, including as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    ‎Tinubu praised Ogbeh’s deep intellect and his ability to craft solutions to complex national issues.

    ‎He noted that Ogbeh began his political career in the 1970s as a legislator and was a founding member of the APC.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ex-PDP chairman Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

    ‎“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.”

    ‎”He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” Tinubu said.

    ‎The president prayed that the Almighty God will receive the departed’s soul, and comfort his family.

    (NAN)

  • Prevail on those withholding Osun LG fund—Ataoja begs Tinubu

    Prevail on those withholding Osun LG fund—Ataoja begs Tinubu

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged withholding of 30 local government statutory monthly allocation in Osun State.

    Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 Osun-Osogbo festival at the groove, Oba Olanipekun said the continuous withholding of LGA fund may ground the state, which will not augur well.

    He said the traditional council in the state must play a significant role to ensure the end of the imbroglio at the councils, noting that “we must all go to Abuja over this matter to see President Tinubu.”

     “Some traditional rulers have approached me on what to do with the withheld LG fund. I don’t want to be too forward.

    Read Also: 2027 Presidency: Wike, Fayose, Adebutu incur wrath of PDP pro-Jonathan big shots …for endorsing Tinubu

    “I expected our leader of the Traditional Council to summon a meeting which would be attended by us. I won’t jump the gun, because I am greatly concerned. I am the father of SSG, Governor, some traditional rulers are the fathers of the deputy governor and Chief of Staff…they should call us, the traditional rulers, we are the fathers of those in government, our leader should summon us all to go to Abuja, if we get there, I know what to say because Osun can’t be relegated to the back.

    “Those of you close to the president and advising him should tell him to prevail on those holding Osun LG allocation to release it for the state, and when it is time for the election, call on me and I will deliver for you.”

    He added that the Osun River goddess has endorsed Tinubu for a second term, and he will emerge victorious in 2027 against all odds.

    He said: “During the 16-eyed-lanterned event, Osun goddess has adopted Tinubu and will deliver Osun State in 2027, there is no need to be afraid.”

  • 2027 Presidency: Wike, Fayose, Adebutu incur wrath of PDP pro-Jonathan big shots …for endorsing Tinubu

    2027 Presidency: Wike, Fayose, Adebutu incur wrath of PDP pro-Jonathan big shots …for endorsing Tinubu

    • Lamido advocates Wike’s, Ortom’s, others’ expulsion

    The plot to draft ex-President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race appears to be gathering steam.

    His supporters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday launched what some political observers interpreted to be part of the underground work to clear the way for his emergence as the party’s flag bearer.

    The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) warned party members against further endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

    Although it did not mention the names of party members who have endorsed the President so far, the NWC branded their action as anti-party.

    This, according to it, has continued to “impact negatively on the PDP, leading to division, disaffection and heavy haemorrhaging of members with the capacity to diminish our party’s electoral fortune if not immediately checked.”

    Top members of the PDP including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state chapter of the party, former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose as well as the Ogun State chapter of PDP led by the Chairman, Abayomi Tella, and the 2023 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, had at different times said they were for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    Speaking for the PDP NWC in a statement yesterday, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the wave of endorsements was an affront on the party.

    His words: ““The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reviewed the anti-party activities of certain members of the party, particularly those endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

    “Of serious concern is the persistent public media outbursts against our Party by some prominent members whose actions and utterances, including their public declaration of support and willingness to work for the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Presidential election in violation of the provision of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), constitute a serious threat to the stability and sustenance of our Party.

    “Specifically, Section 10 (6) of the PDP Constitution provides that ‘NO MEMBER of the Party SHALL align with other Parties or groups to undermine the Party or any of its elected government’.

    “In the light of the foregoing and the instancy of protecting and preserving the existence of our Party and its electoral fortune, the NWC, pursuant to the provisions of Section 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution hereby issues a strong reprimand against such anti-party activities and cautions those involved to retrace their steps or face stiffer sanctions as provided in the PDP Constitution.

    “The NWC charges all members of the Party to remain loyal, focused and continue to work assiduously towards the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.”

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    The statement comes on the heels of a hint dropped earlier in the week by former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, that Jonathan was highly qualified to seek re-election as president on the platform of the party.

     “He’s very qualified because he did not leave the party. The more the merrier,” George said in an interview.

     He added: “All those who say they want to contest should wait till 2035. He is the easiest to sell because he has a track record, especially the economic indices Nigeria witnessed during his tenure.”

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at its recent 101st meeting in Abuja categorically zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

    A northern state governor has been in the forefront of the underground moves to draft Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.

    The governor was a minister under Jonathan.

    Party sources said he would not mind to be Jonathan’s running mate, and if the ticket prevails in the 2027 election, he would be in a good stead to run for the presidency himself.

    However, there are concerns about the provisions of Sections 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which restrict someone who has been sworn in as president twice from being elected into the same office for more than a single term.

    The Section stipulates thus: “A person who was sworn-in as President to complete the term for which another person was elected as president shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

    Two months ago, former first lady Patience Jonathan hinted that her husband would not be in the 2027 race.

    She committed her family to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

    Speaking during an award ceremony in Abuja, Dame Patience said: “We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken—if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die with it.

    “I believe in one President. I believe in turn by turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward.”

    Wike, Ortom, others must be expelled for campaigning against party — Lamido

    For ex-Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, it is expulsion of Nyesom Wike; former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and other PDP members or nothing, for allegedly working against the party during the 2023 general elections.

    Lamido said on Channels Television yesterday that it was time to end what he called the long-standing culture of impunity within the party.

    “All those erring members, the Wikes, the Ortoms, the Ikpeazus and others, who openly campaigned against the PDP in the 2023 elections, and who say that they are going to work for APC in 2027, should be sacked from the party,” he said.

    Continuing, the former foreign affairs minister said: “From way back after the primaries of 2022 leading to the elections of 2023, there are people who, because of their own interest and ambition, felt aggrieved about what transpired in the party’s convention and what they felt was not being able to address their interests as individuals at the elections.

    “And they turned out against the party and fought the party. We’ve been having this kind of problem: the impunity of people castrating the party and denouncing it.

     “In the constitution, if you breach the party’s code, you are sanctioned. But somehow, going into a ditch, the party executives are now alive to their responsibilities.”

    Lamido vowed to keep off meetings of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT) until disciplinary action is taken against those who worked against the party.

    He also expressed support for Jonathan’s return as president on the platform of PDP, saying: ““I think for PDP now they should try and woo him; he is their best bet. To me, he is their best bet. Anybody put forth by the PDP, Nigerians will support him.

    “He is most welcomed, competent and very qualified. To me, I welcome him into the PDP. I think so far in the PDP, with all respect to all members, I don’t see a better alternative than Jonathan if he comes to the PDP.

    “I don’t see any other person, really. If we are giving the presidency to the South, it will be the PDP. Who is there in PDP now that can challenge Jonathan in terms of being in office, being full-headed, being somebody who is willing to listen, and somebody who is also a key player who believes in partnership?”

    South must retain Presidency in 2027, say Niger Delta leaders

    Some Niger Delta leaders have asked northern stakeholders agitating for power shift to their zone in 2027 to exercise restraint and wait for their turn in 2031.

    The Niger Delta leaders say the south must be allowed to complete its tenure.

    The Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT); Sir Amorighoye Mene; former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye; a human rights lawyer, Oghenejabor Ikimi and a popular Niger Delta activist, Fyneface Dumnamene, urged the agitators to support a southern President in 2027.

    Mene said any attempt to shift power to the north in 2027 would not only jeopardise the country’s unity, but would also breed inequity and unfairness towards Nigeria’s southerners.

    He maintained that the mutual understanding of power rotation following the June 12, 1993 saga, has served as a lesson that anything otherwise could shred Nigeria’s existence.

    “In Nigeria today, there is the understanding that power should rotate between the North and the South, even though it is not embedded in the constitution because the unity of this country will be jeopardised.

    “That is why the two major parties in 1999 had southerners as candidates, having learnt from the June 12 saga. There is bound to be equity and fairness,” he said.

    He added: “For the interest of this country, for us to remain one, power should remain in the South. The reason PDP is what it is today is because of the principle of rotation of power.

    “The south must retain President in 2027. If there is anything otherwise, then the basis of our coexistence will be in issue. What is fair is fair. They should not push Nigeria to the precipice. By 2031, we can then back the northern candidate of our choice.”

    Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye said Nigerians would decide their President in 2027.

    He said Tinubu is doing well and he wants to see Tinubu re-elected President.

    He said: “There is a subsisting government who is doing well. He is putting a lot of structures in place that will turn around the country in economic, security and investment sense. 2027 is another year of election where the current President knows that he will be presenting his report card.

    “Upon his performance, the Nigeria people will decide whether to reelect him or not. I am not going to be discussing the politics of power sharing. My concern is that there is a subsisting president and he is doing his best. It is not time to adjudge or not.

    “If by 2027, Nigerians will decide who to vote for. This President is likely to seek re-election. Anybody could be interested to contest. What concerns me is that the one sitting there is doing well and I will support his re-election.”

    Human rights lawyer, Oghenejabor Ikimi, noted that while there is no law backing power rotation between the North and the South, the “gentleman’s agreement” ensures that the country remains united.

     Ikimi, the Executive Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged (CENTREP), said: “There is no law that says it should not go to the North. The rotation of power is a gentleman’s agreement. Those agitating are just politicians whose lives depend on politics. They are just blackmailing the present President.

    “You don’t play politics with everything; they are just dividing the nation into two. They know what they are gaining from politics. They are not going there to make any impact. When your politics has become a lucrative business, then you will do anything to get power.

    Another Niger Delta right activist in Port Harcourt, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, vehemently kicked against the agitation for power shift to the North in 2027, describing it as unfair to the South.

    Fyneface, who is the Executive Director of Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC)- Nigeria, said the South is entitled to remain in power till 2031, and that anything other than that would be an invitation to crisis.

    He said: “All political parties in Nigeria should be fair to the South and field only Southern candidates as their presidential flag bearer in 2027.

    “Now what will happen is that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins the poll, he will complete south’s tenure and return the power to the North. But if another person wins, the person will do only one term and return power to the North.

    “Any northerner running for President in 2027 and any political party fielding a Northern candidate for 2027 to oust a Southern candidate is being ungrateful and inconsiderate to the South”.

  • Nigeria sports in diapers

    Nigeria sports in diapers

    A thunderous applause for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for doing the righteous thing by rewarding the country’s female basketball team, the Tigress with $100,000 for each player and $50,000 each for the team’s coach and other members of the team’s technical crew, reminiscent of what he did for the Super Falcons for lifting the WAFCON trophy for the tenth time in the competition’s history – the first of such feat ever recorded by any African soccer squad, albeit in the history of soccer globally across gender. This reward for excellence accorded the Tigress is vintage Mr. President – a man for all seasons. I wasn’t surprised.

    Asked my thoughts on rewards to be given to the Tigress at the Editorial meeting at The Nation on Monday, I stated categorically that I was in support of giving to the basketball players and their technical crew members exactly what the Super Falcons got. There was the argument that the Falcons recorded the feat for the tenth time. But I reminded everyone that the Tigress’ feat was for the fifth consecutive time, making it a total seventh, if one adds their two previous triumphs in the competition.

    The suggestion that soccer was the most popular sport here compared with basketball was revolting because you can count a few  American basketball players and other elite basketball nations whose players earn  as much as footballers.

    Interestingly, in a stirring address, the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said the team’s triumph represents more than a basketball win—it is a beacon of inspiration for future generations. Apt.

    “This victory is a resounding statement of hard work, excellence, and national pride. You have written another golden chapter in Nigeria’s sporting history. You inspire every young girl to dream boldly and pursue greatness”, she said.

    “You showed up then, and now you are seated before the President. That’s what consistency, excellence, and discipline can achieve”, the First Lady noted.

    She highlighted the extraordinary story of Dr. Sarah Goke, a full-time surgeon who recently had a baby and still played in the tournament, saying “Your story is one of resilience and inspiration. May your path continue to light the way for others.”

    Can you beat this? Thank you Dr. Sarah Goke for representing Nigeria even while nursing an eight-month-old baby. Nigerian women or should I also say girls have won more sports honours than the men, though the latter are the much hyped in the media. One is also absolutely thrilled that the President didn’t succumb to the ranting of perpetual harbingers of bad news to dilute the gifts given to the women basketball team, the Tigress. Certainly, the hallmark of good leadership from the President, who doesn’t stoop to conquer. He is indeed a conqueror.

    Read Also: Economic crisis is being exaggerated, says Presidency

    Yes, I watched in disbelief how those designated to reinvent sports by the President took delight in ascribing the feats by the Super Falcons and the Tigress to the astuteness of their ideas for both teams. I thought that they would have been magnanimous to acknowledge the fact that most of the girls (80%) either ply their trade outside the country or traced their roots back to the country from the Diaspora. So far, what has characterised the tenure of those at the realm of sports have been photo ops, junketing round the world with succeeding but popular sporting teams than to identify with reinventing the industry from the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

    The pain for me is how this over-reliance on athletes discovered, nurtured and exposed by other countries stabs one’s heart when they just stand on the podium unable to recite the Nigerian Anthem. It isn’t rocket science to get these athletes to memorise and recite the anthem as it is being sung on honours’ days. One needs to see how other countries recite theirs and break into a roar at the end of the recitation, punching the air in ecstasy – indicating their readiness to make their countries proud which they often do.  You will know the faith of these athletes by how they end their prayers with the sign of the cross, for instance.

    It would be a huge disservice if these ‘new’ Nigerians end up selling the three bedroom houses simply because their roots here haven’t been cemented. The hierarchy of our sports ought to have kept quiet than ascribe these pyrrhic feats to their administrative astuteness. Not true. Kudos should go to the NFF for daring to appoint Madugu as an interim coach to the Super Falcons ahead of the 2024 WAFCON which Nigeria won. The NBBF, despite their internal crises held their ground by building on previous achievements to keep Nigeria’s basketball teams across genders in competitions. What the Tigress exhibited during the last tournament by coming from the dead was a familiar script from when pushed to the wall.

    For Nigeria to witness a new dawn, our administrators should tell us where the gold medalists at the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta are and what plans are in place to groom them to stardom? We need to also know where those who won silver and bronze medals are. Of course, what would best suit the new dawn would be with our sports chieftains. I also hope they can reinvent sports, using the six zones in the country to discover, nurture, and expose them to the big competitions, starting from intra sports tournaments.

    Need I talk about the advantages of recruiting, training and re-training the coaches across all sports? I recall coaches Tony Urhobo, Isaac Ikhuoria, Gladstone Agbamu, Tony Oghuma, Ewa Henshaw, Babatunde Obisanya, et al and what they achieved using the six geopolitical zones as their sports hubs. These six sports zones produced new talents who shocked our better exposed athletes during the Mobil Athletics Championships of yore? The nurseries in Nigeria aren’t calibrated to be in sync with what obtains in other climes. Yet, we want to compete against them. No chance.

    The countries that excel in sporting events have systems that guarantee enough funds for the sportsmen and sportswomen to compete with the best, such as tax rebates on sport-friendly firms, lotteries, and businesses owned by wealthy nationals who know what is in such a sponsorship that benefits them by the sitting government. Such financial taxes are spelled out to companies and wealthy citizens after agreements have been reached. These cast-in-stone policies are binding to all the parties to such an extent that breaches are adequately addressed to allow either of the parties to seek redress in court.

    Civilised countries develop their sports through the neighbourhood system, where facilities are built to engage the youth and push them away from social vices. Nurseries serve as the bases for storing the data of those discovered. Such information helps to nurture and monitor the good ones to stardom. Besides, nurseries lay the foundation upon which the athletes are taught the rudiments of the game. It is at such factories that playing styles and patterns unique to such countries are evolving.

  • Tinubu greets Kebbi governor, Idris, on 60th birthday, hails his leadership

    Tinubu greets Kebbi governor, Idris, on 60th birthday, hails his leadership

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Kebbi State governor, Dr. Mohammed Nasir Idris, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader committed to the socio-economic transformation of the state.

     In a statement issued yesterday  by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extolled Governor Idris’s purposeful leadership and dedication to fostering peace, unity, and progress in Kebbi State.

     “President Tinubu acknowledges Governor Idris’s purposeful leadership, vision, and tireless efforts in driving socio-economic transformation in Kebbi State while fostering peace, unity, and progress among the people,” the statement read.

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     The President also lauded the Kebbi governor’s previous accomplishments in labour leadership, particularly his enduring advocacy for workers’ welfare and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s education sector.

    “On this special occasion, I pray for your continued good health and strength to sustain the delivery of good governance and to keep serving the people of Kebbi State and Nigeria with passion and integrity,” the President said.

     Governor Idris, a former President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), was elected Governor of Kebbi State in 2023 and has since been recognised for his grassroots development drive and workers-oriented policies.