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2027: Niger Delta coalition pledge support for Tinubu

Youth groups under the aegis of Coalition of Niger Deltans for Equity and Justice (CNDEJ) have pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming 2027 presidential election.

Spokesman of CNDEJ, Prince Meshach Bebenimibo, at a press conference in Warri, said the decision to queue behind President Tinubu’s second term was hinged on the array of achievements recorded in the past two years across various sectors of the country.

“We will continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he means well for Nigerians. The following are some achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Bebenimibo noted that the policy of fuel subsidy removal has put an end to financial loopholes, while the foreign exchange transparency and stability has led to unprecedented stability in the forex market.

“Oil and Gas Reforms: In 2024, Nigeria became the most attractive destination for oil and gas investments in Africa, securing over $5 billion in Final Investment Decisions, FIDs.The 2024 Electricity Act provides a framework for state governments to establish regulated electricity markets, following a constitutional amendment”, he added.

Read Also: Tinubu hails Senator Sani Musa at 60

On local government autonomy, Bebenimibo recalled that the present government recorded a landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, which empowered local governments with unprecedented financial autonomy, with an Inter-Ministerial Committee established to ensure compliance.

“Over 169,000 students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), receiving N32.8 billion for school fees and upkeep. New Development Commissions have been established for the North-Central, South-East, and North-West regions, alongside the creation of a Federal University of Environmental Technology.

“The Federal Executive Council recently approved $1.07 billion from the World Bank for health programmes, including targeted subsidies for cancer patients while a backlog of over 200,000 international passports was cleared within three weeks in 2024”, he recounted amongst Tinubu’s achievements.

Bebenimibo stated that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has become a hub of construction activity with the recent approvals from the Federal Executive Council of over N2.5 trillion for various road projects.

“The bold initiatives of President Tinubu are fostering greater fiscal capacity, a reformed tax regime, and improved living standards for Nigerians through various support programmes.

“We are witnessing a transformative era, where hope is being renewed for all Nigerians, regardless of age or gender, across the nation”, Bebenimibo added.

He promised that the coalition will mobilize youths to support the federal government soon.

“We will mobilize five million youths to rally and support APC-led Federal Government of Nigeria, in the coming weeks. It is only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that can take us to the promise land flowing with milk and honey.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the forthcoming presidential election come 2027 in landslide victory, a resounding one. No candidate in the forthcoming presidential election 2027 can match the track record of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandate we stand. As the father of Niger Delta, Tompolo has spoken and supported our great President, we also will always support his move because he is a man of divine wisdom and understanding”, he added.

Bebenimibo also commended the support of the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, for his support towards President Tinubu by ensuring the successes recorded in tackling oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

“We appreciate the Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo for his unwavering love for Nigeria”, he added.

May 11, 2025
Insecurity: Group urges Tinubu to sack ineffective minister, security chiefs amid rising attacks

Following a plea by a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, for a major overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture due to persistent terrorist attacks, the Afenifere Youth Vanguard for Peace in Nigeria (AYPN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss any underperforming security officials.

During a plenary session, Gagdi decried the increasing brazenness of terrorist operations, citing a recent attack in Borno State where insurgents overran military bases and seized 40 tanks and military-grade equipment.

The incident, he warned, raises serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s territorial security.

Reacting to the lawmaker’s concerns, AYPN President Olatunji Fadare, in a statement on Sunday, condemned the current state of leadership in the defence ministry, urging President Bola Tinubu to act decisively.

“There is no excuse for what is happening in the defence ministry. The ministry is not a contracting firm or a reward system for political loyalty. It’s the backbone of Nigeria’s safety,” Fadare said.

The group accused the ministry of ignoring warnings from governors and lawmakers, particularly referencing Gagdi’s complaint that the Defence Ministry downplayed threats raised by the Borno State governor.

“When people on the ground raise alarm and the minister of defence responds with propaganda, it shows the ministry has lost its moral compass. Every time they undermine a governor or legislator speaking for their people, they strengthen the terrorists,” Fadare added.

Read Also: Tinubu celebrates long-time friend Dipo Eludoyin

The AYPN urged President Tinubu to restructure the country’s defence setup and prioritise competence over loyalty.

With killings, kidnappings, and setbacks in military operations on the rise, the group warned that continued inaction would erode public confidence in the federal government.

“The blood of our soldiers, our children, and our people cries out for justice. And justice starts with removing those who have failed to protect us,” Fadare concluded.

May 11, 2025
2027: North-Central APC forum dares Gov Sule on support for Tinubu

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC-APC) forum has called on Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, to stop playing what it described as a “double game” and publicly declare where he stands, whether in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or aligned with elements opposed to the president.

In a statement on Saturday by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum expressed disapproval over recent comments by Governor Sule concerning the political direction of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the APC.

The CPC, one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC, has recently been at the centre of speculation, with some of its prominent members reportedly being courted by an emerging opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In April, former Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura led a group of CPC bloc leaders—including former Katsina Governor Bello Masari—to publicly pledge their loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC, distancing themselves from the alleged coalition.

However, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, pushed back against the Al-Makura-led declaration, asserting that only the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s camp could determine the CPC bloc’s political direction.

Governor Sule echoed Malami’s view during a reception in Lafia on May 3, stating that only Buhari could speak on behalf of the CPC.

Read Also: Nigerian Pastor rearrested in South Africa weeks after acquittal

“There is only one person in this world who can decide for the CPC, and that is our father, Muhammadu Buhari. He is the CPC. When he speaks, the CPC moves,” Sule said, citing Buhari’s loyal 12 million voter base.

In response, the North-Central APC Forum said Sule’s comments reveal a contradiction and signal a possible opposition to the bloc’s endorsement of Tinubu, as led by Al-Makura, his immediate predecessor.

“It is now evident that Governor Sule does not support the CPC bloc’s alignment with President Tinubu. His statements suggest he is undermining the stance taken by Al-Makura and other respected leaders,” the Forum stated.

The Forum further emphasised that no one could claim more authority over the CPC legacy than Al-Makura, the only governor ever elected on the CPC platform before the party’s merger into the APC.

They argued that his role gave the CPC significant leverage during merger negotiations that led to Buhari’s presidency in 2015.

“If anyone represents the CPC legacy, it is Al-Makura, not even President Buhari, who couldn’t deliver a governor on the CPC platform in his home State of Katsina,” the statement said.

The Forum cautioned Governor Sule against working in tandem with individuals trying to destabilise the Tinubu administration, calling on him to clarify his position.

“We are forced to believe that Governor Sule is collaborating with those who do not want Tinubu’s government to succeed. He needs to stop sending mixed signals and decide where he stands.”

They also argued that Sule’s continued commentary on the CPC’s political trajectory was unnecessary, especially since he was not part of the party’s formative years or the APC merger negotiations.

The Forum noted Governor Sule’s cautious stance on some of the administration’s initiatives, such as the tax reforms, referencing his public remarks in October 2024 about the challenges posed by the reforms to Nigerians.

“As stakeholders from the North-Central region who have endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, we commend the Al-Makura-led CPC bloc for standing firm with Mr. President and rejecting the opposition coalition.

“We see this coalition as a self-serving alliance aimed at reversing the progress made since May 29, 2023,” the Forum noted.

It added that the loyalty of CPC leaders to Tinubu had already been declared and that ongoing attempts to discredit or diminish that endorsement only serve to create unnecessary confusion.

“The likes of Abdullahi Sule and Abubakar Malami cannot simultaneously oppose Tinubu’s endorsement and claim allegiance to his presidency.

“If they are truly with the President, they should fall in line and join other progressives working for the success of his administration and his reelection in 2027,” the Forum noted.

May 11, 2025
Tinubu celebrates long-time friend Dipo Eludoyin

…praises his loyalty, business acumen

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his close friend and long-standing associate, Chief Dipo Eludoyin, as the prominent businessman and Prince of Ile-Ife marks his birthday.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Eludoyin as a trusted confidant whose loyalty, business prowess, and unwavering support have left a lasting mark on Nigeria and his personal journey.

“Prince Eludoyin is one friend every leader desirous of success should have in his corner. He has stood by me over the years and has continued to support my administration’s delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda”, Tinubu said in a personal message.

Eludoyin, the Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Holdings Limited, was lauded by the President for his transformative role in Nigeria’s business landscape.

Read Also: Tinubu hails Fasoranti at 99, describes Afenifere leader as rare Nigerian

According to Tinubu, Eludoyin’s enterprises have handled landmark projects both in Nigeria and globally, creating jobs, fostering development, and driving philanthropy.

“An astute businessman who grew his business from humble beginnings to the present height, Prince Eludoyin has uncommon strength, tenacity, and commitment to excellence. He is dogged in business as he is resolute in supporting worthy causes”, Tinubu noted.

President Tinubu praised Eludoyin’s wise counsel and innovative ideas, which he said have proven valuable at critical moments in his leadership journey.

The President also acknowledged Eludoyin’s contributions to his native Ile-Ife and the broader Nigerian society.

As Eludoyin celebrates another year, Tinubu offered prayers for more accomplishments, good health, strength, and enduring happiness in the years ahead.

May 11, 2025
Tinubu hails Fasoranti at 99, describes Afenifere leader as rare Nigerian

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as a rare Nigerian who gave his all to public service and served unblemished in every role he occupied.

In a glowing tribute to the nonagenarian on the occasion of his 99th birthday, President Tinubu extolled the Afenifere leader’s decades-long legacy of integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to progressive ideals.

“He is undoubtedly one of the rare Nigerians who gave all to public service and served unblemished at every opportunity,” the President said.

Highlighting Fasoranti’s resolute stance during Nigeria’s most turbulent political era, Tinubu recalled the veteran’s brave resistance to military tyranny during the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.

“In Nigeria’s darkest hours of military dictatorship and tyranny unleashed by Late General Sani Abacha, Baba Fasoranti and his comrades at Afenifere and NADECO stood firm and unbowed. Baba and his colleagues’ resilience inspired and strengthened us, the younger ones,” he noted.

According to the President, Fasoranti has remained a steadfast symbol of leadership, grace, and purpose, serving as a model who shaped the values of generations of politicians and activists.

“Baba Fasoranti has been dependable, graceful, and a model of exemplary leadership in my decades of knowing him and in our close personal interactions,” Tinubu stated.

The President recounted his own personal bond with the Afenifere leader, especially during his presidential bid.

“When I decided to run for the presidency of Nigeria three years ago, I visited Baba Fasoranti at his residence in Akure. I remain deeply grateful for his blessings, unflinching support, and his belief in my vision for our country,” he said.

Read Also: Tax Reform Bill passage: New tax laws, better Nigeria

President Tinubu praised Fasoranti’s professional and political achievements, noting that his early years as a teacher and school administrator laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to community development.

“Baba’s career as a teacher, principal, and educationist reflects his commitment to public service. After retirement, he established Omolere Nursery School and Akure High School. Both schools still stand today as monuments to his outstanding legacy,” the President remarked.

Delving into the veteran’s political journey, Tinubu recalled Fasoranti’s active involvement in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

He described him as one of Chief Awolowo’s most trusted allies, who went on to serve as Commissioner of Finance in Ondo State under the Ajasin administration.

“Baba Fasoranti’s distinguished tenure of sound fiscal management ensured the remarkable achievements recorded by the Ajasin administration and the faithful implementation of the UPN cardinal programmes—free education, free healthcare, rural development, and sustainable employment,” Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged Fasoranti’s deep Christian faith and inner strength, especially in the face of personal losses.

“In times of personal loss and tragedy, Baba found strength in his Christian faith and has been a constant guide to all who continue to draw inspiration from his strength of character,” he said.

As Nigeria continues its journey through economic transformation, Tinubu said he was gratified that Fasoranti has lived to witness the current administration’s reform efforts.

“I am happy he is alive to see the work we are doing to revamp our economy and set Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic growth and development,” the President stated.

Tinubu called on all Nigerians to draw lessons from Fasoranti’s life of service, courage, and conviction.

“As we reflect on Baba Fasoranti’s life of service at age 99, may we find the courage to do the right things to better our people and the country.

“May his life inspire us to pursue public good with courage and conviction,” Tinubu added.

May 11, 2025
Tinubu’s charm, reforms and the quiet revolution in Nigeria’s politics

In the shifting sands of Nigerian politics, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is proving that substance and style, when blended astutely, can shape an enduring political movement. His week, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, exposed the depth of his political magnetism and the breadth of his economic reform impact. It was a week where the strength of policy met the power of personality — and the result was a cascade of high-profile defections, rare bipartisan goodwill, and a compelling assertion of national unity.

The crowning jewel of the week was the news of Nigeria’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 loan borrowed from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the previous administration. Not only was this symbolic of economic recovery and credibility, it was a vindication of Tinubu’s reform agenda, a powerful retort to critics who had long dismissed his policies as painful without payoff. With fiscal discipline at the centre of his strategy, the Tinubu administration has steadily implemented structural adjustments, from subsidy removals to foreign exchange unification, and the fruits are finally ripening.

Even critics had to admit as much. Dr. Reuben Abati, a well-known media voice and Arise TV anchor, took a rare moment during The Morning Show on Friday to acknowledge the real-world impacts of Tinubu’s economic reengineering. He didn’t just talk about the federal level, he dug deep into states’ improved financial profiles, citing debt repayment progress across the board. For the first time in years, Nigerian states are experiencing fiscal breathing space, largely because the federal structure under Tinubu is deliberately empowering sub-national governments.

It is this empowerment that is now causing political tremors nationwide. The opposition is haemorrhaging prominent figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and it’s not because of coercion or manipulation, as Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa made clear during his visit to the State House. It’s because President Tinubu’s brand of leadership, firm yet inclusive, is drawing people in. The President is not asking politicians to cross party lines; they’re crossing on their own volition, because they see a new political centre of gravity forming around him.

In just one week, Nigeria witnessed an extraordinary wave of defections. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, his predecessor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, all influential PDP stalwarts, joined the APC. The entire Delta State House of Assembly followed suit. So did the entire Edo State Assembly, with its 18 members defecting en masse to the ruling party. Then came Kebbi, where three sitting PDP senators — Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki — met the President and announced their move to the APC.

Each of these defections is significant on its own. Together, they represent something more profound, a quiet revolution in Nigerian politics. Opposition figures are not only leaving their parties; they are also aligning with Tinubu’s vision of national renewal. As Ganduje noted after the Kebbi senators’ defection, this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about “quality and capacity.”

Indeed, Tinubu has shown a rare political acumen: the ability to unify divergent interests without erasing identities. He’s not trying to flatten Nigeria’s political diversity; he’s building a broad coalition within it. Take his Thursday visit to Anambra State, a region historically distant from the APC’s base. In Awka, Tinubu was welcomed not just as a President, but as a brother, an ally, and a partner in progress. From Governor Charles Soludo to traditional rulers and civil society leaders, the President received accolades not merely for showing up, but for showing results.

Soludo, in a powerful gesture, emphasized Anambra’s ideological alignment with Tinubu’s progressive vision. He praised the President’s economic policies, the federal government’s attention to abandoned infrastructure projects, and the symbolic importance of the Southeast’s inclusion in the National Rail Master Plan. In return, Tinubu assured the people of Anambra that his administration would tackle erosion, complete roads, reactivate gas utilization plans, and ensure the region is no longer left out of Nigeria’s development map.

The President’s remarks were as strategic as they were sincere: “We are one family… our diversity must lead to prosperity.” That was not mere rhetoric. It was the tone of a man who sees leadership not through the lens of party supremacy, but national stewardship. And the people responded. From chieftaincy titles to public declarations of support, it was clear that Tinubu’s visit had shifted perceptions, and perhaps, the political calculus, in the Southeast.

Read Also: International Firefighters’ Day: FPAN calls for government, public partnership

There is also a message here for those outside Tinubu’s growing coalition, particularly the faction of the opposition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Their efforts to galvanize a fragmented coalition have been loud, but largely unconvincing. While they project strength through sporadic media salvos and echo-chamber critiques, Tinubu is projecting unity through action, results, and direct engagement with people and places once considered politically unreachable.

Tinubu’s strategy is not without risk. Consolidating power can invite charges of political monopolization. But as Governor Sule wisely noted, this is not a slide into one-party rule; it’s a competitive democracy in motion. Nigerians are gravitating toward results, not slogans. And right now, Tinubu is producing results that resonate, economically, politically, and socially.

Consider the lithium breakthroughs in Nasarawa State. Governor Sule proudly informed the President that a 3-million metric ton facility has already been commissioned, with another, three times the size, due in weeks. These are the dividends of peace, policy, and partnership. States like Nasarawa are emerging as hubs of clean energy, mining, and agriculture, not in spite of the federal government, but because of its new posture.

This is what makes Tinubu’s presidency unique. He governs with the confidence of a tactician and the instinct of a bridge-builder. His open-door approach to governance, his refusal to alienate critics, and his consistent focus on economic reform are changing not just how Nigeria is run, but how Nigerians perceive politics itself.

So, as the defections mount and the narrative shifts, it is clear: Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just consolidating political power. He is reshaping the very architecture of Nigerian democracy. Through economic reform, national outreach, and inclusive leadership, he is drawing Nigerians, even his former adversaries, into a common vision of progress.

This last week, the opposition blinked. The people moved. And the President smiled, not in triumph, but in resolve. That smile is now Nigeria’s most potent political force.

Governance, Gratitude, and Growth

May 11, 2025
Wike announces two-week project commissioning for Tinubu’s second anniversary

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will unveil completed infrastructure projects within a two-week period to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year anniversary.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Saturday while briefing reporters shortly after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the Abuja city center.

Wike said the projects to be inaugurated cut across the Abuja city centre, the satellite towns and the rural areas, reflecting the FCTA’s commitment to inclusive development.

Key projects slated for commissioning, according to the Minister, include the Arterial Road N16, connecting Maitama and Katampe districts, the 16-kilometer OSEX II to Wasa service carriageway, linking Apo and Wasa districts, the Arterial Road N5 from Lifecamp Junction to Ring Road III, the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), the Greater Abuja Water project and various rural roads.

The Minister said the commissioning of the projects will take two weeks, highlighting the magnitude of development achieved so far.

Read Also: FG to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians stranded abroad

According to the Minister; “By next week, we will be able to provide all the projects that will be inaugurated during Mr. President’s second year in office. The Arterial Road N16 is one of them, OSEX to Wasa junction is also one of them. The International Conference is another one. The N5 from Lifecamp junction to Ring Road III is another one. So, we will have so many roads, both rural, satellite towns and the city. Even the Greater Abuja Water project will also be another one that will be inaugurated. So, we have a lot of projects. It will take us about two weeks to inaugurate most of the projects”.

Wike attributed these achievements to the exemplary leadership of President Tinubu, stressing that he is proud to align with the President’s vision, which, he said, has brought first-class infrastructure to the FCT.

The Minister added that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working in the FCT, stressing that the transformation in the nation’s capital was clear for all to see and thanked the President for the opportunity to deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents.

He said; “I’m happy to identify with the leadership of Mr. President and that is what Nigeria needs. Mr. President has given first class infrastructure to Abuja. All of you can attest to the fact that indeed, Abuja has really changed and so we are happy for it and we want to thank God Almighty for providing the right leadership through Mr. President, to provide the dividends of democracy to the residents of Abuja. I don’t see why anybody will say Mr. President has not done well. We are happy that we have fulfilled the promises we have made”.

Speaking on the projects inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), on the OSEX II to Wasa carriageway and the Arterial Road N16. He also noted the positive reception from residents, especially traders along the OSEX II to Wasa route.

The minister urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure projects and protect them against vandalism.

He said; “These projects are for the benefit of all, and we must work together to safeguard them”.

The Minister also outlined plans for further development, including expanding water provision to satellite towns in Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa, continuing road construction and rehabilitation within the city, renovation of schools and enhancement of security measures.

He reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure their sustainability in the FCT.

Wike said; “Our priority is to improve the quality of life for all FCT residents, and we are dedicated to delivering projects that meet their needs and expectations”.

May 10, 2025
Tinubu changing leadership narrative in Nigeria – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu is changing the leadership narrative in Nigeria.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday, after inspecting some ongoing projects in preparation for the commemoration of Tinubu’s second year in office.

He said that Tinubu’s impactful leadership was putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians, adding that the president had given first class infrastructure to residents of Abuja.

“I have said before that leadership is a major issue. When you have right leadership, people will benefit from it.

“Mr President has shown that he is willing to change Nigeria and make people happy through his “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which indeed is working.

“I am happy to be identified with the leadership of Mr President and that is what Nigeria needs.

“All of you can attest to the fact that indeed, Abuja has really changed.

“So, we are happy for it, and want to thank God Almighty for providing the right leadership through Mr President to provide the dividend of democracy to the residents of Abuja.”

Read Also: Why we rejected N200m bribe to stage protest against Tinubu, Matawalle – Group

The minister said that only the blind or pessimist would disagree that Tinubu was working for the good of the country.

He expressed joy that the Tinubu-led administration was impacting the life of the people.

“What makes us happy is when people are happy.

“We are working for our people, and we are happy that we are fulfilling the promise we have made,” he said.

(NAN)

May 10, 2025
Why we rejected N200m bribe to stage protest against Tinubu, Matawalle – Group

An advocacy group, the Northern Socio-Political Rights Network (NSPRN) said it turned down a N200 million bribe offered by proxies linked to the Zamfara state government to mobilise a protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, the group’s president, Mohammed Farouk Lawal, said the offer was made to them through third-party emissaries earlier this week, with clear instructions to publicly accuse President Tinubu’s administration of shielding Matawalle from corruption investigations.

Lawal said the plot was part of a calculated campaign to weaken the federal government’s hold on the North-West by discrediting key appointees loyal to the president.

“We were approached by individuals claiming to represent high-ranking officials in Zamfara. They offered us N200 million to organise a large-scale protest in Abuja, targeting President Tinubu and Dr. Matawalle,” Lawal said.

“The aim was to give the impression that the North has turned against the president and that there is widespread outrage over perceived protection of certain ministers from investigation. We rejected the offer outright.”

He alleged that the same network had already funded previous protests using other groups and was aggressively scouting for new voices to legitimise its campaign.

“They are desperate for credibility. When they realised that our group has a clean record and strong grassroots following in the North, they thought buying us over would amplify their lies. But we are not for sale,” Lawal said.

According to him, some of the terms of the deal included reading out pre-written scripts at press conferences, staging a protest at the EFCC headquarters, and creating viral videos calling for Matawalle’s arrest.

Read Also: Jubril Tinubu invests in scholarship scheme

The NSPR Network said the offer confirms that recent protests against the Minister of State for Defence were not grassroots-driven but part of a “state-funded blackmail operation”.

“What is happening is an internal war against Tinubu’s appointees. We have it on good authority that these attacks are designed to cause disaffection ahead of 2027. But this group will not be part of it,” Lawal declared.

The group commended President Tinubu for appointing northern leaders with capacity and defended Matawalle as one of the few former governors actively supporting military efforts to curb banditry and terrorism in the North.

“While some are busy funding protests, the minister is helping to secure our region. Nigerians must see through this charade,” Lawal added.

The group urged security agencies to probe the source of funds allegedly being used to sponsor political protests in the capital, warning that if unchecked, such actions could pose a threat to national stability.

May 10, 2025
Tinubu welcomes Qatari investment drive

• Reaffirms Nigeria’s openness to strategic partnerships

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a renewed push by Qatari investors to deepen engagement with Nigeria’s agricultural sector, affirming the country’s readiness to forge broader strategic partnerships that support economic growth and regional stability.

The President gave the assurance yesterday at the State House while receiving Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who delivered a message from His Highness, the Amir of the State of Qatar.

According to Dr. Al-Khulaifi, a high-level Qatari business delegation will visit Nigeria in the coming weeks to explore new investment opportunities in agriculture, food security, and petrochemicals, among other critical sectors.

He conveyed the Amir’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation and establishing Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to build on the momentum generated by his state visit to Qatar in 2024, pledging to implement all bilateral agreements between the two countries.

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He directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to work together to ensure the timely execution of these agreements.

“To all the members of the delegation, I want to say a big thank you for coming to Nigeria. We are grateful to God for what we have experienced as partners in progress. I am also glad that the Amir of Qatar greatly remembers the issues discussed during my visit last year.

“Let me commend the brotherly relations between Qatar and Nigeria. The Ambassador knows that I take Qatar very seriously. We are willing to go further in our bilateral relations,” he said.

The President said the Qatari government had demonstrated maturity and foresight in working for global peace and deserves commendation.

“I am proud of your efforts to bring peace and stability to the world. I see your efforts in human development, peace and prosperity. Like you, we are sandwiched between the challenge of terrorism and helping our neighbours. We are conscious of who is our friend and those helping us to ameliorate the problems”, he said.

President Tinubu also noted ongoing reforms to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, making it easier for foreign investors to do business in the country.

“We are making efforts to reform our tax system. Going by experiences of the past and the need to depart from old ways, our reforms have been hard. I made tough decisions so that we could grow. We are gradually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

“You can’t find a better partner than Nigeria. I always follow the global issues and your efforts. You have to do more in Nigeria to help fight poverty in the humanitarian area. You have done well in developing a knowledge-based economy in Qatar, but what about Nigeria?”

The President said Nigeria’s partnership with Qatar can be improved by looking into food sovereignty and economic prosperity.

“We are doing well as much as we can as the leader in Africa. We want to continue to promote good relations with you. We are ready to do whatever we can do from here. We subscribe to peace efforts by your government. There can be no development without peace,” he added.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi conveyed the Amir’s desire to strengthen the strategic partnership with Nigeria, particularly in peace-building, agriculture, and petrochemicals. He expressed pride in the current level of relations and looked forward to expanding both government-to-government and people-to-people ties.

“We are proud of the level of relations we have reached with Nigeria. I am very impressed with our partnership with the country, which is not just government to government but also people to people.

“Our Ambassador has been following up with the projects. We have much to do together in agriculture, food, and petrochemicals. We have some companies telling us that we should create a way for them to come into Nigeria,” he said.

Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, whose responsibilities include mediating peace in Africa and the Middle East, said some Qatari companies will visit Nigeria to discuss investment opportunities in agriculture.

“The message I have from His Highness, Amir of Qatar, is that he wants Nigeria to be a strategic partner in Africa,” he added.

May 10, 2025