Tag: tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government, and the people of the Republic of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the ill-fated flight carried two pilots, 10 cabin crew members, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and offered prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this moment of grief.

Read Also: APC chieftain urges Tinubu to deploy drones, biometric tech to secure Nigeria’s borders

The President also commiserated with the leaders of Great Britain, Portugal, and Canada over the loss of their nationals on the ill-fated flight.

“The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together.

“At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India. Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu commended the swift response of the emergency agencies in India and expressed his confidence in their capacity and compassion to make a difference in the complicated situation.

He prayed that the Almighty God would receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families.

…INC, MOSIEND, Eradiri, others hail listening President, Tinubu

There was jubilation in the Niger Delta on Thursday following the proclamation of posthumous state pardon and national honours on the famous Ogoni Nine by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of activities marking the June 12 Democracy Day.

Among others, President Tinubu while addressing the joint session of the National Assembly conferred posthumous national honours on the Leader of the Ogoni Nine, Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON).

Tinubu said, “I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State”.

Most stakeholders such as  the President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba; former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri; President, Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Amb. Kennedy Tonjo-West; Chairman, Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community (AHRC), Clifford Thomas and former Publicity Secretary, Pan Niger Delta (PANDEF), Dr Ken Robinson, hailed the President saying the gesture would deepen the peace process in the Niger Delta.

However, the Ogoni-borne Human Rights Activist, Celestine Akpobari, said they expected the President to exonerate Ogoni Nine insisting that they committed no crime to warrant granting of a state pardon.

Okaba said the gesture was “as an important step towards acknowledging the supreme sacrifices of these national iconic heroes in their fight against environmental injustice and the abuse of human rights”.

Okaba praised President Tinubu for “his willingness to rectify the injustices and other societal wrongs of the past” and urged the present administration to extend the gesture to other parts of the Niger-Delta, especially the Ijaw speaking enclave, where similar resource and human rights related injustices and abuses are prevalent.

He said: “This posthumous pardon is an important step towards acknowledging the supreme sacrifices made by these national iconic heroes in their fight against environmental injustice and the abuse of human rights.

“It also shows that Mr President recognises their noble contributions to the struggle for democracy, and it’s also an expression of his willingness to rectify the injustices and other societal wrongs of the past. In fact, the pardon symbolises healing and reconciliation for the Ogoni people and the entire nation, and underscores the value of democracy and human rights.

“It is my conviction that if this gesture is extended to other parts of the Niger Delta, particularly in Ijaw nation, where the resource and human rights related injustices and abuses, that were condemned by Ken Saro Wiwa, Isaac Adaka Boro, and other notable freedom fighters are addressed and urgently too, the President would have been seen to be truly committed to promoting peace, justice, prosperity and unity in the Niger Delta region and beyond.”

Thomas described the gesture as victory for democracy and justice for the Ogoni people in Rivers State.

He said with the gesture the spirits of the Ogoni 9 killed by the military junta of General Sani Abacha could finally rest in peace.

Thomas added that Tinubu had shown himself a true democrat and advocate of freedom and justice.

He said, “It is an indication that Ken Saro Wiwa and his companions fought for a just cause even though they were vilified and killed unjustly.

“The Human Rights Community in Akwa Ibom state had written to President Tinubu some years back requesting for posthumous honour and pardon for the Ogoni 9.

“We are highly elated and impressed that the President has finally heeded to our request. This is quite commendable. It is a victory for democracy, victory for the Ogoni people.

“It shows clearly that they fought for a just cause to liberate their land from the injustice of the military junta under the late Abacha”.

On his part, Eradiri congratulated Mr President on successfully piloting the affairs of the country saying the honour and pardon would further deepen the peace process in the Niger Delta.

He said, “Within two years of his leadership he has made a remarkable impact on the economy, education and infrastructure. He has done a lot to try to stabilize the ship.

“I want to appreciate him for deepening the peace process in the Niger Delta. He has just further affirmed his resolve for peace in the Niger Delta through the posthumous awards that he has announced on Ken SaronWiwa and the other Ogoni leaders.

“He established the University of Environment in Ogoniland; the East-West Road, especially the area in the Ogoni environment which has been a source of worry and economic loss, the President through the Ministry of Works has done a lot of work. All these are the process of deepening the peace. This honour on Ken Saro Wiwa will go a long way to close the issue of justice for the slain Ogoni 9”.

Tonjo-West applauded  the gesture saying the decision remained  one of the best actions his administration had taken so far in recognition that the country has diverse ethnic  nationalities.

Tonjo-West said:  “The conferment of national honours and granting of pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine others is one of the best decisions this government has taken so far.

“The decision has recognized that Nigeria is a country with diverse ethnic nationalities, and that ethnic nationalities have their peculiar problems and that if for one reason or the other, constitutionally or through government’s regulation, they are not fairly treated, they also have their rights to advocate for justice, equity and fairness. And that is what Saro-Wiwa and nine others stood for.

“It is a big applause for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government for taking a bold step to confer a national award on them and as well granting them a national pardon.”

But Tonjo-West urged the federal government to extend the same gesture to the late Ijaw icon and freedom fighter, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.

Tonjo-West stated: “And it should not stop there. The same thing should go to late Major Jasper Adaka Boro. I hope that next year, the late Ijaw icon and freedom fighter will also be factored in.

“So, we commend Mr. President, we commend his decision and we are happy for the Ogoni people and this goes to reflect that the fight by Ken Saro-Wiwa and others was a just cause, a true cause and a cause that is backed and commended by the international community. So, Mr. President took the right decision and we are truly happy about it.”

Robinson described the gesture as an olive branch and urged the Ogoni people “to fully accept the President’s kind gesture”.

He, however, questioned the rationale behind the pardon and honours, stressing that the Ogoni leaders committed no crime, but only fought for resource control and environmental justice.

Robinson described Saro Wiwa and other leaders as men who stacked their lives resource and environmental justice.

He said: “We commend President Ahmed Tinubu for the extension of full pradon to renowned activist Ken Saro Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders and granting them national honours. These heroes stood up for their people, staking their lives for the resource and environmental justice of their people.

“But unfortunately, the Nigerian justice system condemned them to death. We commend President Tinubu, though there are commentaries and comments as to whether they should be pardoned or exonerated. President Tinubu has done well on Democracy Day 2025 to honour these heroes among other leaders who have paid the supreme price for the nation.”

But Akpobari said that Ogoni people demanded exoneration of late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders from the criminal trial that led to their conviction and execution and not a state pardon.

He insisted that the Ogoni slain leaders, today referred to as the Martyrs, were not criminals and never committed any offence that would warrant being granted pardon.

He said: “Ogoni people and the Human Right community are not satisfied with the Presidential declaration of a state pardon on Ken and  other executed Ogoni leaders. They were not criminals and never committed any offence to warrant State Pardon.

“We asked that they be exonerated from all criminal charges against them and not pardoned, as they never committed any offence; you only pardon one that commits an offence.”

Akpobari called for the release of Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Bus as ordered by the court.

He said: “Again, Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Bus which the court has said should he released to us unconditionally should be released. The court has since April 2023 ordered that the bus be released, the bus is still being held, so we’re asking that it be released to us.

“In the same vein, we’re also asking that Presidential honour be extended to the Ogoni four, you cannot separate the Ogoni four from the Ogoni nine, they are all among the Ogoni Leaders that died in the cause of Ogoni struggle and development”.

…Apo-Wasa road closed from 11am to 4pm Friday

The Apo-Wasa road, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is to be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on Friday will be closed to vehicular movement between 11am and 4pm.

Also, traders, mechanics and other shop owners in the Apo Mechanic Village have offered to close their shops tomorrow (Friday), to enable them give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a rousing welcome, and participate in the commissioning of the road project.

Consequently, the traders and mechanic associations have directed their members to close shops tomorrow, and resume business on Saturday.

Read Also: June 12: Tinubu laying solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic future – Senate leader Bamidele

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, to the FCT minister, Lere Olayinka, “The newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II from Ring Road I (RRI) Junction to Wasa Junction, will be commissioned at 2:30pm tomorrow, by President Tinubu.

“Motorists are therefore urged to use other routes between 11am and 4pm tomorrow, when the Apo-Wasa road will not be accessible.

“Traffic enforcement personnel would be deployed to the affected areas to guide motorists and reduce inconvenience.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) pleads with road users that will be affected by this temporary closure to bear with the government, while using alternative routes.”

Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to build a prosperous and democratic Nigeria for present and future generations.

In a statement marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, Owoeye described Tinubu as a true embodiment of democracy and a staunch respecter of the rule of law. He noted that the President’s achievements have reinforced his commitment to good governance and national progress.

According to the ex-lawmaker, Nigerians have every reason to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day with renewed optimism, given the significant strides made under Tinubu’s leadership.

He particularly praised the President’s infrastructure drive, stating that it is key to advancing Nigeria’s development and taking the nation to greater heights.

“It is important to commend the superlative efforts of President Bola Tinubu using the significance of June 12. He has lit the torch for generations to come with sustainable and bold infrastructure like roads, investments in health, education, social welfare, power, overhaul of our economy, sound foreign policy, rule of law, security among others.

Read Also: Akpabio hails Tinubu as symbol of democratic resistance

“In just two years since he assumed office, some of his landmark achievements include the four new landmark Tax Bills, over 440 ongoing road projects, including over 2,700km of superhighways, over $50billion in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments, three times increase in federal allocation to State and Local Governments, five times growth of Net FX reserves from 2023 to 2024, to $23.11bn.

“Repayment of over $10 billion in debts, highest GDP growth in three years, over 300,000 beneficiaries of Students’ Loan Scheme, over N80 billion disbursed  to revitalize over 8,000 primary health centres, training of 3 million youths on technology skills under the 3MTT programme, N70,000 minimum wage payment to civil servants and corp members, implementation of local government autonomy, establishment of Development Commissions and Ministry of Regional Development and the presidential approval for implementation of Oronsaye report.”

He hailed Tinubu for uniting the bloc under his watch and his foreign policy initiatives which have kept ECOWAS together in the face of recent challenges.

“On Judiciary, his efforts of the government in making the welfare of the judiciary a top priority towards enthrenching true democracy, social order, and economic development.”

He also commended the administration in reforming the judiciary including signing the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Act 2024, leading to a 300% increase in the remuneration of our judicial officers, and putting in place the full complement of Justices of the Supreme Court.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a symbol of democratic resistance and a veteran of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, describing his presence at the National Assembly on June 12 as both historic and deeply symbolic.

Speaking at the joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day and receive the President’s State of the Nation Address, Akpabio said Tinubu’s journey from exile and activism to the highest office in the land affirms that the sacrifices of June 12 were not in vain.

“Your Excellency, your presence here rekindles the memory of a long and courageous journey marked by struggle, sacrifice, and an unyielding belief in the ideals of democracy,” Akpabio said. “You are not just the President of Nigeria today; you are a symbol of democratic resistance.”

The Senate President also reflected on the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election—widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola—describing it as a dark chapter that plunged the country into political turmoil but eventually led to the democratic rebirth being celebrated today.

“What followed was a dark chapter. Protests erupted. Many paid the ultimate price. Some fled. Some were jailed. But a few stood firm. You were among the few. When others chose silence, you chose courage,” he said.

Akpabio told the packed chamber that Nigeria’s democracy was not gifted by the military but reclaimed by the people, through blood, sweat, and bold resistance. He said the commemoration of Democracy Day was not a ceremonial event, but a call to remember the fire that forged the country’s democratic identity.

“June 12 was not just a date; it was a defiance. It was Nigerians standing shoulder to shoulder, Muslims and Christians, North and South, saying with one voice: our vote must count, and our voices must be heard,” he said.

Addressing President Tinubu directly, Akpabio declared: “You were hunted, hounded, and exiled. But you never stopped believing. You kept the flame alive. That flame burns today in the heart of this Chamber.”

The event also coincided with the second anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, a point the Senate President used to spotlight legislative achievements.

According to him, 844 bills have been introduced in the past two years, 96 passed by the Senate, and 52 signed into law by the President. Many of these laws, he said, are already reshaping the national landscape, from education to taxation, and from regional development to local government autonomy.

“Each law passed is a brick laid in the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. We in the 10th National Assembly are not just lawmakers; we are nation-builders,” Akpabio said.

Read Also: Natasha: Appeal Court strikes out Akpabio’s motions, slams ₦100,000 fine

He also praised the Assembly’s record on public accountability.

“We have received over 80 public petitions, evidence that Nigerians now trust this institution to defend their rights,” he said, revealing that 18 of those petitions had already been successfully acted upon.

Akpabio lauded the Tinubu administration’s policy reforms, including the controversial but “bold” removal of fuel subsidy, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, establishment of student loan schemes, tax reforms, and renewed efforts toward infrastructure and national security. These moves, he said, were beginning to restore investor confidence and re-anchor the economy on the path of sustainable growth.

“This is not governance as usual. This is governance with courage, vision, and political will,” he said.

Yet he was quick to acknowledge that democracy was more than policy. It was a culture, he said, a daily commitment to dialogue, participation, and accountability. Drawing on global examples, he likened Nigeria’s democratic path to the American Civil Rights movement and Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, stressing the value of resilience and institutional reforms.

He also used the occasion to issue a call to national unity, saying that partisan divides must not stand in the way of nation-building. “Democracy is not a zero-sum game. When the executive and legislature collaborate, the people win. When they clash unnecessarily, the people suffer,” he said.

In a bold proposal, Akpabio called for the establishment of a June 12 National Democracy Museum, a living tribute to the sacrifices that birthed Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. “Let us tell our children that democracy was not handed to us. It was fought for, bled for, and won by ordinary Nigerians who believed in something bigger than themselves,” he declared.

He concluded by invoking the spirit of those who died in the struggle for democracy, pledging that the Senate would never betray the hopes they died for.

“We owe it to those who fought. We owe it to those who fell. We owe it to those who still believe. May we never again betray the hope that was once betrayed? And may we never lose the freedom that was once denied,” he said.

As he welcomed President Tinubu to address the nation, Akpabio noted that the moment was one of “deep institutional and emotional significance.”

“This Chamber is not only the heartbeat of our democracy; it is also your political home. Once again, Mr. President, welcome home,” he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly ruled out the possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state under his administration, pledging unwavering support for democratic pluralism and constitutional governance.

Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, President Tinubu responded pointedly to concerns that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is aiming to entrench political dominance at the expense of viable opposition.

“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error,” the President declared.

Recalling his own history in opposition politics, Tinubu drew attention to his experience during the 2003 general elections, when he was the sole surviving opposition governor in the South-West amid a sweeping effort by the then-ruling party to consolidate power.

“In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. Nigeria will not become a one-party state now”, he said.

Tinubu, who maintained that while citizens are free to join any political party, including the APC, said he bears no obligation to nurture or reorganise opposition forces.

“The responsibility of proper opposition is in the hands of the opposition, not mine,” he stated. “I will not advise the opposition to put its house in order, and I will not help them put their house in order either.”

Read Also: Democracy Day: Umahi, NTAC boss hail Tinubu as champion of democratic renewal

The President used the platform to laud past legislative interventions that he said preserved Nigeria’s democratic integrity, citing specific examples from recent history.

“In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become Acting President,” he said.

Tinubu also honoured the courage of pro-democracy legislators who stood against military authoritarianism, notably referencing former Senate President Ameh Ebute and others who defied General Sani Abacha’s regime.

“Some of us defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed for our defiance,” he recounted, drawing a wave of applause from lawmakers.

In a gesture of gratitude, the President acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a historical correction regarding the annulled 1993 presidential election — a landmark vote believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe.