The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

  • Atiku’s Coalition can’t stop Tinubu’s re-election, says Ex-Rep 

    Atiku’s Coalition can’t stop Tinubu’s re-election, says Ex-Rep 

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparusi, has said the coalition propelled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar poses no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    Faparusi stated that the coalition lacks the capacity to unseatTinubu, describing it as “a huge joke and “mere shadow chasing”.

    The Ex-Commissioner for Public Utilities in Ekiti State who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, said that the coalition has further widened chances of the President to win reelection on the strength of deep-seated “self-serving” impression Nigerians have about the promoters.

    Faparusi maintained the new party adopted by Atiku and other opposition leaders lacks the requisite structures for such task, saying Nigerians, including masses and elite, are solidly behind the President Tinubu-led administration.

    Read Also: Tinubu arrives Rio de Janeiro for 17th BRICS Summit

    According to him: “I have not seen any of their leaders telling Nigerians what they will do better or how they are planning to improve their lives . It’s all about power grabbing, Nigerians can’t be fooled”.

    He expressed confidence that Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji will deliver the state 100% for President Tinubu, which he believed will be replicated in other APC controlled States .

    Faparusi was of the opinion that the coalition of forces was patterned after the consummation of APC in 2013 by the Tinubu, his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari and other forces but reflected that such was not shabbily done the way Atiku and his ilks were going about it.

    The APC Chieftain urged the proponents of coalition to bury the thought that they will take over power in 2027, alluding to that as a tall and unrealisable dream.

  • JUST IN: South South APC adopts Tinubu, three Govs as sole candidates for 2027

    JUST IN: South South APC adopts Tinubu, three Govs as sole candidates for 2027

    South South All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders have adopted President Bola Tinubu and three Governors as candidates for the 2027 general elections.

    The adopted Governors are Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) Bassey Otu (Cross River). 

    Read Also: 2027: South East ‘ll work for Tinubu’s re-election – Umahi

    Tinubu and the Governors were adopted at APC South South Stakeholders meeting in Benin City.

    Details Shortly…

  • 2027: South East ‘ll work for Tinubu’s re-election – Umahi

    2027: South East ‘ll work for Tinubu’s re-election – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for achievements so far, saying the South East Geo-political Zone is fully in support of him and will work for his re-election.

    Umahi spoke to journalists on Friday night in Lagos, where he dismissed claims that the South East was giving conditions, such as the release of Nnamdi Kanu, to support the President.

    “Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.

    “We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there,” he said.

    The minister described Tinubu as a listening leader, and expressed faith that Kanu’s release would come through divine grace and dialogue, not  through pressure or politics.

    He said: “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.

    “Look at where he picked up the economy from. The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects.”

    Read Also: Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge 

    Umahi highlighted key infrastructure projects being delivered by the current administration in South East, including  rehabilitation of some roads abandoned by past administrations.

    “Let those criticising the president show us what they have done for the country,” he said.

    The minister dismissed  the allegation that the South East was being sidelined in federal appointments, saying  that Tinubu had done more for the geo-political zone than many past leaders.

    He called for unity among political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, noting that governors across the South East — including those from opposition parties — were working well with the President.

    Umahi told journalists  said that he had no intention of contesting for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.

    “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu.

    “APC is the path to achieving what we want. The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu arrives Rio de Janeiro for 17th BRICS Summit

    Tinubu arrives Rio de Janeiro for 17th BRICS Summit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the BRICS economic bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, announced the President’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro.

    Touching down at the Galeao Air Force Base at 8:45 pm on Friday, the Nigerian leader was received with a Guard of Honour coordinated by the Galeao Air Force Base Commander. 

    On hand to receive President Tinubu were Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture.

    Tinubu is visiting at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and is expected to attend a bilateral meeting hosted by the Brazilian leader today, July 5, ahead of the main summit scheduled for July 6 and 7.

    At the summit, Tinubu will deliver an address during a plenary session, highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning its economy for global competitiveness. 

    He is also expected to make a strong investment case for Nigeria, spotlighting key opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy sectors.

    Themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” this year’s BRICS summit will focus on issues such as health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and climate change. 

    In the build-up to the summit, BRICS political negotiators have been deliberating on enhanced commitments to tackle socially determined diseases, AI governance, and climate finance, with emphasis on addressing structural challenges faced by countries of the Global South.

    Accompanying President Tinubu to the summit are five Nigerian state governors: Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).

  • Tinubu urges just energy transition

    Tinubu urges just energy transition

    • Says climate-resilient future a necessity

    As the push for cleaner energy grows stronger, President Bola Tinubu has urged a fair energy transition that will not jeopardise developing economies.

    Discussing the theme of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation, “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future,” which commenced in Khankhendi, Azerbaijan on Thursday, Tinubu stated that, given the adverse effects of climate change—including devastating droughts, floods, desertification, and extreme heat waves—a climate-resilient future is essential.

    “Nigeria, endowed with both fossil and renewable energy, also supports a just energy transition,” he said in a speech read on his behalf on Friday by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu.

    He, therefore, sought the ECO members’ partnership to expand access to cleaner energy technologies, share technical expertise, and invest in regional power pools to bring electricity to communities currently without it.

    READ ALSO: Of Aregbesola’s hypocritical musings and Tinubuphobia

    The president stated that since COP29, the world has recognised that climate change is not a distant threat but a clear and present danger, as reflected in adverse droughts, floods, desertification, and severe heatwaves.

    These, he stated, had deeply affected humanity, engendered food insecurity, displacement, and economic disruption, pledging that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and an economic gateway to West Africa, stood ready to work closely with ECO member states to integrate climate adaptation, mitigation, and green industrialisation into every aspect of its cooperation.

    Tinubu stated that Nigeria had taken deliberate and conscious steps to address the challenges of climate change and related concerns, noting that as the nation wound down the implementation of its National Development Plan (NDP) for 2021-2025, efforts were ongoing to develop a successor plan, the NDP for 2026-2030.

    “It is not by accident that the Plan is designed to end in 2030, which is the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he told the Summit participants, explaining, “It is to ensure that Nigeria stays on track in implementing the SDGs.”

    He said the plan was also to integrate climate change and related issues, including diversification, adaptation, and mitigation, into the nation’s national development planning for sustainability.

    Tinubu stated that true sustainability is impossible without interconnected economies and argued that the challenges of climate change require global resilience through stronger infrastructure, smarter energy systems, and the integration of trade corridors.

    Subsequently, he stated that Nigeria would advocate for a strengthened ECO-Africa Trade Corridor that would harmonise tariffs, streamline customs procedures, and establish multimodal logistics platforms capable of efficiently connecting Africa with the rest of the world.

    He stated Nigeria would also push for Energy Interoperability and Transition. He explained that the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy must be managed in a way that considers economies in transition.

    The president made a compelling case for inclusive growth, urging ECO members to prioritise empowering vulnerable groups.

    He said, “As we all know, no vision for sustainability is complete without inclusive growth. The benefits of trade, transport, and energy must reach rural farmers, fishing communities, livestock sector stakeholders, young people, and women entrepreneurs.

    Nigeria urges the ECO to: Empower youth through skills, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion; promote gender equity in regional trade and energy access; and mobilise public-private partnerships to fund grassroots climate adaptation, from regenerative agriculture to local green enterprises.

    The road to 2030 and beyond must be paved with policies that leave no one behind.

    He said that as efforts were being made to align with the outcomes of COP29, it was time for the ECO to emerge as a unified bloc championing climate justice, equitable financing, and fair-trade terms on the global stage.

    “Nigeria stands ready to support Climate actions, invest in innovation, and protect our most vulnerable populations. Let our unity serve as both a shield and a ladder for resilience and shared prosperity.”

    Describing the Summit as a defining moment, he urged the ECO to lead by example. “Let us imagine a future where our highways do not just move goods, but connect dreams. Where our power grids light up not just cities, but ideas. Where trade becomes a tool not for competition but for cooperation and peace.”

    He expressed gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to his delegates, and he commended President Heydar Oghlu Aliyev for hosting the Summit at a time when the global community faced uncertainties amid economic challenges.

    In his speech, President Aliyev thanked the participants for honouring Azerbaijan with their presence, praising the country’s active involvement in ECO’s activities.

    He said, “This year, for the first time, ECO Week is being held at Azerbaijan’s initiative. The ECO Business Forum in Shusha, the Youth Forum in Aghdam, and the Women’s Forum in Lachin have taken place.”

    He stated that work was underway to ensure the launch of ECO’s Research Centre and Clean Energy Centre, which Azerbaijan will host. He also expressed gratitude for the declaration of the city of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026.

    He was delighted that economic cooperation would be the main focus of the summit’s discussions, explaining that Azerbaijan benefits from a favourable investment climate that has attracted around $350 billion in investments over the past 20 years.

    Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan has secured the energy supply for several nations and exports natural gas to 12 countries via multiple pipelines.

    Additionally, he stated that most ECO member states utilised their East-West and North-South transportation corridors that run across Azerbaijan.

    Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey founded the ECO in 1985 to encourage economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its member states. It replaced the organisation Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), which operated from 1964 to 1979.

    It includes Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan (Founding Members), as well as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

  • Tinubu unmatched influence, over 140 political heavyweights join APC without a single election

    Tinubu unmatched influence, over 140 political heavyweights join APC without a single election

    By Bamidele Atoyebi, Comrade

    Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria’s political map has changed in powerful and historic ways. In under two years and without holding a single national election, over 140 elected politicians have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    They include governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives, state lawmakers, and local government chairmen. Most of these politicians were elected under opposition platforms, but they have now aligned themselves with President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for the country.

    This wave of support is not a coincidence. It is a direct result of President Tinubu’s performance, maturity, and inclusive style of leadership. His economic reforms, appointments, stabilising policies, and ability to carry people along have convinced politicians across party lines that the APC is where progress lives.

    In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, elected under the PDP in 2023, made headlines when he defected to the APC in April 2025. Soon after, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and 21 members of the Delta State House of Assembly joined him. Then, six PDP House of Representatives members from the state followed: Victor Nwokolo, Julius Pondi, Thomas Ereyitomi, Nicholas Mutu, Ukodhiko Jonathan, and Nnamdi Ezechi. They all said they were inspired by President Tinubu’s leadership and wanted to support the national agenda.

    In Edo State, after the APC won the 2024 governorship election, another wave followed. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, along with two PDP lawmakers, Sunny Ifada and Yekini Idaiye, moved to the APC. In addition, 17 local government chairmen also dumped the PDP for the APC. Earlier in 2024, Edosa Enowoghoma of Ovia South-West and Dickson Ahonsi of Owan West had already switched, together with several councillors.

    In Akwa Ibom, momentum is building steadily. Two senators, Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey, have already defected to the APC. Though Governor Umo Eno remained in the PDP until recently, he formally joined the APC in June 2025. His defection was quickly followed by 24 members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and earlier, seven notable names had already crossed over: Hon. Unyime Idem, Hon. Esin Etim, Hon. Ekpo Asuquo, Hon. Uduak Odudoh, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, Hon. Okon Bassey, and Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong, from both PDP and YPP. Their decisions confirm that APC’s growth under Tinubu is not just at the top, it’s spreading to grassroots lawmakers as well.

    The National Assembly has also felt the Tinubu effect. In the Senate, APC’s numbers grew from 59 to 69, with defectors including Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom), Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki (all from Kebbi), Neda Imasuen (Edo South, formerly Labour Party), and Kawu Sumaila (Kano South, formerly NNPP). These moves give the APC even greater control in the Senate and show how Tinubu’s steady hands are winning converts even at the highest levels.

    In the House of Representatives, 30 members have moved to the APC under Tinubu’s watch. Apart from the Delta group, notable defectors include Mark Obetta and Denis Nnamdi from Enugu (Labour Party); Abubakar Aliyu, Yusuf Majigiri, Garba Koko, Jallo Hussaini Mohammed, and Abdullahi Balarabe from Katsina and Kebbi; Kabiru Hassan Rurum and Sani Abdullahi from Kano (formerly NNPP); Oluwole Oke from Osun (PDP); Amos Magaji and Adamu Tanko from the North Central zone; and Alfred Ajang from Plateau. Others include Idris Salman (Kogi), Chris Nkwonta (Abia), Sulaiman Gummi (Zamfara), and a bloc of Labour Party lawmakers, Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Bassey Akiba, and Esosa Iyawe, who cited internal disarray as the reason for joining the APC. These lawmakers are from all zones, north, south, east, and west, yet now united under one banner: President Tinubu’s APC.

    Read Also: Group faults Amaechi over comments on Tinubu’s govt

    In Rivers State, 27 PDP lawmakers in the State House of Assembly defected to the APC in December 2023. While court cases are still pending, the political impact has already been made. Their move, like many others, was seen as a vote of confidence in the president’s ability to lead Nigeria forward.

    Beyond the defections, there is something deeper going on. Many governors have found common ground with Tinubu because of the quiet but steady reforms he’s implementing. His approach to restructuring, especially financial devolution, empowering state governments and even local councils. For the first time in years, governors are seeing meaningful improvements in their state finances. This is no longer just politics; it’s practical. Those who want governors to oppose the president must now do more than make noise because Tinubu’s reforms are working, and state leaders can see the impact with their own eyes.

    Of course, personal interest always plays a role in politics. But even if we removed self-interest entirely, the reality is this: if decisions were made purely on the economic well-being of states, nearly all 36 governors would stand behind President Tinubu. The few who hesitate do so not because of a lack of results, but because of personal ambitions.

    Some critics have tried to describe this mass realignment as dangerous for democracy, but in truth, it is a vote of confidence in performance. These politicians are not being forced; they are freely choosing to join a government that is delivering. Tinubu’s leadership is not about noise; it is about results. His ability to carry people along, whether or not they hold appointments, has created a broad base of loyalty across all regions and all levels of government.

    What makes this movement historic is the scale and speed. In Nigeria’s political history, no president has recorded this level of support from opposition figures without an election. Under former President Jonathan, defections happened before the 2015 elections. Under Obasanjo and Buhari, movements came slowly and often during second terms. But under Tinubu, over 140 elected officials from across the country have joined the APC in less than two years. That has never happened before.

    It is clear: people are not just watching, they are moving. They are moving toward a leader who is focused, bold, and delivers results. As 2027 approaches, the message is loud. Nigeria is standing behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    –  Bamidele Atoyebi, the Convenor of the BAT Ideological Group, engages in accountability and policy monitoring while also serving as a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, and philanthropist. He sent this message from Abuja.

  • Tinubu seeks fair energy transition

    Tinubu seeks fair energy transition

    President Bola Tinubu has called on members of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) to pursue an energy transition that supports, rather than undermines, the economic prospects of developing nations.

    Addressing the 17th Summit of the ECO in Khankhendi, Azerbaijan, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said that the ongoing global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy must be balanced with the realities faced by economies in transition.

    Speaking on the summit theme, “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future,” Tinubu stressed that the consequences of climate change, such as prolonged droughts, severe floods, desertification, and intense heat waves, have already inflicted deep damage on livelihoods and communities. He described these challenges as immediate threats that require decisive and coordinated action.

    “Nigeria, endowed with both fossil and renewable energy, also supports a just energy transition,” Tinubu said. He urged ECO member states to partner in broadening access to cleaner energy technologies, exchanging technical knowledge, and investing in regional power networks to deliver electricity to underserved communities.

    Reflecting on global climate discussions since COP29, Tinubu observed that climate change now stands as a visible danger that affects food security, drives displacement, and disrupts economic stability. Against this backdrop, he said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and a gateway to West Africa, is ready to work closely with ECO partners to weave climate adaptation, mitigation, and green industrialisation into all aspects of shared development strategies.

    Tinubu outlined domestic steps Nigeria has taken to integrate climate action into economic planning. As the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021–2025 approaches completion, work has begun on its successor, covering 2026–2030. He explained that the choice to align the new plan’s end date with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline in 2030 reflects Nigeria’s commitment to staying on track. The plan, he added, will incorporate climate priorities such as diversification, adaptation, and mitigation measures, ensuring they are part of the country’s broader development agenda.

    Beyond national efforts, Tinubu called for regional cooperation built on interconnected economies. He proposed the creation of a strengthened ECO-Africa Trade Corridor to boost trade flows, harmonise tariffs, simplify customs processes, and establish multimodal logistics systems that can better connect African economies to global markets.

    On energy, Tinubu said the transition must be handled in a way that reflects the complexities of economies shifting from fossil fuels to renewables. He described this approach as critical for ensuring energy security without sacrificing growth and job creation.

    The president also urged ECO member states to embrace inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of improved trade, transport, and energy systems reach vulnerable groups. “No vision for sustainability is complete without inclusive growth,” Tinubu said, noting that rural farmers, fishing communities, livestock sector players, women entrepreneurs, and young people should all share in the gains.

    Read Also: We are rebuilding trust across Nigeria – Tinubu

    Nigeria, he added, is proposing several measures for the ECO’s consideration: empowering youth through skills training, entrepreneurship, and digital tools; promoting gender equity in trade and energy access; and encouraging public-private partnerships to finance local climate adaptation projects, such as regenerative agriculture and community-led green businesses.

    Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, Tinubu called for policies that ensure no community is left behind, urging the ECO to speak with one voice on climate justice, equitable financing, and fair trade at the global level. “Nigeria stands ready to support climate action, invest in innovation, and protect our most vulnerable populations. Let our unity serve as both a shield and a ladder for resilience and shared prosperity,” he said.

    Describing the summit as a defining moment, Tinubu urged ECO leaders to imagine a future where infrastructure not only moves goods but also connects ideas and dreams; where power grids supply energy that fuels creativity; and where trade becomes a force for cooperation and peace rather than rivalry.

    He also thanked the government and people of Azerbaijan for their hospitality and praised President Heydar Oghlu Aliyev for hosting the summit at a time of global uncertainty and economic headwinds.

    In his own remarks, President Aliyev expressed gratitude to delegates for attending and spoke about Azerbaijan’s recent efforts to deepen economic cooperation within the ECO framework. He noted that the ECO Business Forum in Shusha, the Youth Forum in Aghdam, and the Women’s Forum in Lachin were all held as part of ECO Week, launched on Azerbaijan’s initiative.

    Aliyev also confirmed that work is progressing to establish the ECO Research Centre and Clean Energy Centre in Azerbaijan, and welcomed the decision to name the city of Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026. He said Azerbaijan’s investment-friendly environment has attracted roughly $350 billion in investment over the last two decades, while the country continues to export natural gas to 12 nations via multiple pipelines.

    Aliyev underlined Azerbaijan’s strategic location on the East-West and North-South transportation routes used by many ECO member countries, describing these corridors as vital for trade expansion.

    Founded in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, the ECO promotes economic, cultural, and technical cooperation among its members. Today, the organisation also includes Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

    Through a shared focus on fair energy transition, inclusive growth, and cross-regional trade, Nigeria and its ECO partners are seeking to shape a future where economic development supports both people and the planet.

  • We are rebuilding trust across Nigeria – Tinubu

    We are rebuilding trust across Nigeria – Tinubu

    …commissions new roads in Gwagwalada

    … 2027: Show your scorecard, Wike challenges opposition coalition

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday said his administration is not just building roads but rebuilding the foundation of public trust in inclusive governance alongside physical infrastructure across the country.

    Tinubu reaffirmed that the projects his administration is executing are evidence of what he described as a quiet revolution transforming the FCT under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The President stated this while commissioning the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president said, “We are not just rehabilitating roads. We are rehabilitating trust. The transformation unfolding across the Federal Capital Territory is the product of deliberate reforms and the bold, reform-oriented policies of this Administration. By expanding the revenue base of the FCT, we are investing in roads, schools, hospitals, and people.”

    He emphasized that the FCT, often perceived as synonymous with Abuja city centre, is undergoing a quiet revolution under the Renewed Hope Agenda, driven by deliberate reforms and people-focused investments.

    “For too long, those who live beyond the city centre have watched development happen from a distance. They have watched their dreams of inclusion delayed by excuses, and their hopes deferred by shifting priorities. But we are here today to rewrite that story,” President Tinubu noted.

    The President stressed that his administration is focused on reaching communities that have long felt abandoned.

    He said, “What brings us together on this historic day is more than a road. It is a reminder that no community under this Administration is too far to be seen, and no voice too faint to be heard”.

    Tinubu also revealed that the newly commissioned road was not arbitrarily chosen by government officials, but was nominated by the people of Gwagwalada themselves, a testament to his administration’s commitment to participatory governance.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Olubadan Olakulehin at 90, first coronation anniversary

    “This is the kind of democracy we believe in – one that listens, responds, and delivers. This road is a corridor of dignity for the market woman, a path to safety for our schoolchildren, and a route to prosperity for the hardworking trader,” the President said.

    Describing the infrastructure as both functional and transformative, the President said the road would ease the movement of goods and people, improve access to education and healthcare, and unlock the economic potential of rural dwellers.

    “The days of empty promises and abandoned projects are behind us. We are not just building infrastructure. We are building confidence in governance,” he said.

    He also paid tribute to the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his strong leadership and commitment to results.

    “One such person making this possible is Barrister Nyesom Wike. I thank him for proving that disruption is not a threat to order but a requirement for progress. This project is not just a symbol of government presence. It is your project. It belongs to the people of Gwagwalada. We are determined to ensure that development is not a privilege reserved for the few but a right enjoyed by all.

    “This Administration remains committed to projects that speak directly to the lives of the people. We are focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow, for families to thrive, and for communities to prosper,” he added.

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, faulted opposition politicians for forming a coalition just 18 months after the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, adding that barely six months into his administration.

    Wike challenged members of the coalition—who recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 general elections—to present their scorecards and show Nigerians what they achieved while in office, instead of claiming that Nigerians were angry.

    He said; “I never knew people were so pained that so many things are going on very well in the FCT. Until last night, when I was watching Politics Today, I saw one of the presidential aspirants from the coalition party, an industrialist, so pained—to the point that he was angry the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation are coming to commission projects. Yet they say Nigerians are angry.

    “I never asked anyone, but they said the coalition started 18 months ago. Mr. President has only been in office for two years. So, you started a coalition when he was barely six months in office?

    “Eighteen months ago, you started a coalition—six months into his tenure? When will you stop deceiving Nigerians? Someone had only been in office for six months, and you had already begun forming a coalition claiming he hadn’t performed?”

    Wike said members of the coalition including former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark, were simply angry because they were out of power.

    He insisted they would not be allowed to return, challenging them to present a record of their achievements.

    Wike said; “I have said it before everybody, show your scorecard. When I was Senate President, let me show my scorecard. How did I help the people of Benue State? How did I help the people of Otukpo? We’ve been here 16 days and we’re already showing our scorecard.

    “Operation ‘show your scorecard.’ God gave you the opportunity to be in office and make Nigerians happy, yet, according to you, you refused.

    “Now that you’ve left the office, you are angry. You say Nigerians are angry. No, you are angry because you’re no longer in power. You want to come back. But you won’t. You will not return to power.”

    Wike also criticized the coalition’s support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of constantly switching political parties since 1999.

    “In 2023, they said they would support one man, whose business since 1999 has been jumping from one party to another. In 1999, he was at a party. In 2006, another party. In 2014, he moved again. In 2019, he switched again. Now in 2025, he’s forming another coalition.

    “Were you born into a coalition?” Wike asked.

    The Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, explained that the commissioning of the road was a demonstration of their deep commitment to inclusive governance and infrastructure renewal in rural communities in FCT.

    Thanking the President for his support and leadership, she noted that this has inspired infrastructural development across the nation and the FCT.

    She commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his support and encouragement, as well as the Senate President, noting also that without them, they would not have been able to commission projects in the FCT.

    She stated that if not for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the joy shared by the community today wouldn’t have been possible, pointing out that the road had been in a very bad condition for several years, but the tears of the community have been wiped away by the present administration.

    Also giving the overview of the project, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Town Development, FCT, said the commissioning marked a significant advancement in the infrastructural development in satellite towns in the FCT.

    He said the project was awarded in September 2024 and commenced promptly with several components, including the construction of a 10KM link road with side clearing and a 150mm thick sub-base, and several other components, which culminated in the installation of solar street lights.

  • Tinubu urges Nigerians in Saint Lucia to be law abiding

    Tinubu urges Nigerians in Saint Lucia to be law abiding

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised  Nigerians in Saint Lucia to remain law-abiding and be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

    “My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour. Don’t break the law,” Tinubu said during a town-hall-style meeting at the Windjammer Resort in Castries on Wednesday. 

    The meeting, according to a statement yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,  was his second engagement with the Nigerian community in the Caribbean nation.

    The President told them that his administration inherited a near-bankrupt economy on May 29, 2023.

    He said:  “We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered.

      “We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. We have stopped chasing Forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

    The President acknowledged that Nigeria’s per capita income remains low but pledged continued efforts to raise the economic standard of living for Nigerians at home and abroad.

    He praised the contributions of the Nigerians to Saint Lucia’s development and assured them that his administration would address their challenges, including the high cost of work permits and the absence of a Nigerian diplomatic mission on the island.

    The town hall, convened by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)  Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, brought together Nigerian professionals, students, and clerics in Saint Lucia for a candid interaction with the President.

    Dabiri-Erewa applauded the Nigerian community for its positive representation abroad and expressed pride in their accomplishments.

    “Nigeria is proud of what you are contributing to Saint Lucia, and we hope you will remember home,” she said, while also thanking President Tinubu for making time to meet them. 

    Read Also: Coalition is proof Tinubu’s policies are working, says Lloyd

    President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Smart   Duah,  highlighted key concerns affecting Nigerians in Saint Lucia, chief among them is the annual $2,500 work permit fee paid by them.

    Duah also made a strong case for Nigeria to establish a diplomatic presence on the island.

      Tinubu, in response,  assured the community that their concerns would be addressed through diplomatic engagement.

      “You are not forgotten. For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” the President said.

    A Nigerian priest,   Festus Iwuagwu,  praised the President’s visit.

    “The high turnout shows Nigerians’ love and respect for you,” he told Tinubu.

    Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a paediatrician , who relocated to Saint Lucia immediately after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun State, 19 years ago,    expressed her gratitude to the President for visiting.

    She shared her family’s migration story and noted how her husband returned to Nigeria, where he serves as the Chief Medical Director of a newly established Federal Medical Centre.

    “Since you arrived, you have propagated Nigeria more than ever thought,” she remarked.

    Drawing from his journey as a student in the United States decades ago, Tinubu encouraged his audience to remain diligent and resilient.

    “Life is about working hard and being consistent. Stay focused and stay dedicated,”  the President said.

    The meeting ended with the presentation of a portrait of President Tinubu by Doris, a Nigerian medical student and artist.

  • Crowd roars, mandate sealed as Tinubu, Otu get 2027 green light

    Crowd roars, mandate sealed as Tinubu, Otu get 2027 green light

    By Linus Obogo

    In a scene akin to a triumphant homecoming, the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar became the epicentre of electrifying unity on Wednesday, as the Cross River Southern Consultative Forum marshalled what many now call the “Mother of All Endorsements” — a grand rally teeming with thousands of fervent supporters from the nooks and crannies of the state, united in one purpose: the emphatic endorsement of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term come 2027.

    Bedecked in party colours and pulsating with rhythmic drumming and ululations, the stadium transformed into a living canvas of joy and conviction. Against this backdrop of soaring hope, Governor Otu mounted the podium with the grace of a statesman and the humility of a servant-leader. His voice, both steady and stirring, resonated across the field as he offered thanks for the people’s unwavering loyalty. “I am humbled by this overwhelming show of love,” he said, his words laden with gratitude. “This is not just about politics; it is an affirmation of the silent revolution we are championing — a people-first governance rooted in economic rebirth, infrastructural renewal, and the dignity of labour.”

    With the cadence of a visionary and the clarity of purpose, the governor elaborated on his economic blueprint, painting a picture of a Cross River rising anew — where young people are not just employed but empowered, where investors knock with confidence, and where the fertile soils of agriculture meet the lifeblood of innovation. “Our productivity index is rising. Investors are knocking. Tourism is awakening. With the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the smart city projects underway, Cross River is on the march to sustainable prosperity,” Otu declared, prompting a wave of jubilant cheers.

    The governor’s address was not merely celebratory — it was deeply human. He spoke of peace reclaimed and hope restored, highlighting the dismantling of over 16 miscreant camps and the ongoing amnesty and reintegration programme designed to offer second chances. “We do not build with bricks alone, but with hearts and futures,” he said with palpable emotion. “Peace is returning. Dignity is being restored. Our people are being rearmed with purpose.” In this, Governor Otu reasserted a philosophy of governance steeped in compassion and practical deliverables.

    Echoing the governor’s sentiment, he conveyed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the people of Cross River and reaffirmed their joint commitment to national progress. He unveiled ambitious plans for tourism revival, symbolised by the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar this December — not just a celebration, but a global renaissance of the state’s cultural pride. “We shall return to the world stage with splendour, for our story is worth telling,” he promised.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s Conference Centre generated N650m in three weeks – Wike

    Speaker after speaker lent their voice to the crescendo of praise. Bishop Alex Ukam of Biase, in a tone brimming with reverence, declared, “The governor has neither disappointed God nor man.” Architect Eyo Ndem of Akpabuyo lauded Otu’s focused leadership, saying, “Your works speak louder than banners.” From the north, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo cut through the political divides: “This is not a southern charade. This is a Cross River consensus. We in the north stand firmly with Governor Otu and President Tinubu.”

    In Odukpani, Ambassador Nyong Asuquo extolled Otu as the finest governor in the state’s history, while Akamkpa’s Ntufam John Achort Okon praised the administration for empowering locals and elevating grassroots voices. The First Lady’s health outreach was also saluted as a transformative pillar for rural women and children. When it was time to formalise the endorsement, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and Prof. Ivara Esu led the charge with declarative passion. “We judged him by his past and endorsed him for the future,” said Ntufam Edim Inok Edim, sealing the pact of loyalty with poetic finality.

    As the stadium reverberated with chants, songs, and the promise of continuity, it became clear that this rally was far more than a political showpiece. It was a gathering of hearts, a coalition of dreams. “2027 is not just a date,” thundered Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. “It is a destination. And with Governor Otu and President Tinubu, we are already on the journey.” The sun may have set on the rally, but the fire ignited in Cross River shall burn brightly until destiny is fulfilled.

    Obogo is Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu