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  • Our performance will make Tinubu’s re-election easier in Rivers, says Fubara

    Our performance will make Tinubu’s re-election easier in Rivers, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration’s performance will make the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu easier in the state.

    The governor, who spoke while inaugurating the Ihuowo-Ihuama Road and Ring Roads built by his administration in Ahoada-East on Tuesday, said based on his performance, it would not be difficult to convince the people to support the President.

    Fubara commended the people of Ahoada-East for their support to his administration and promised to fulfill the demands presented on their behalf by Eze Upata.

    Addressing the people, the governor said, “Why are we doing all these things? We are doing it so that when we come to you and talk to you that this is the way we are going which you already know that our support today is for Mr. President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, it won’t be a difficult message to sell to our people. 

    “Our people will say yes, the person who is talking to us has proven himself in little things, so if you are coming to tell us that this is where you are, and where you are going, they will close their eyes and follow you.

    “So, I want to thank you and also prepare you because we will come with that message very soon. We have started it already. That is our position as at today.”

    The governor said his administration was moved by the outcries of the people following the condition of the road, which he described as a death trap.

    The governor recalled that prior to the construction, the Ihuowo-Ihuama road harboured high rate of kidnapping and remembered that Eze Apata told him that the road caused the death of of many pregnant women, who tried to access a hospital through the axis.

    Fubara said, “This corridor was a major one, that those people who don’t want our State to have peace, the criminals were using this entrance to access one other river here, before they get to the other side, the Emohua side of the river. 

    “But I can say today, that with what we have done, it won’t be business as usual for them anymore. So you understand why I don’t need to talk about this road. It is just to say thank you because we have not done anything unusual.It is listening to the need of our people and seeing that as a government we are able to attend to their need.”

    The governor appreciated the contractor for utilizing the funds made available by the government observing that the contractor seized the opportunity to redeem his previously battered image.

    Fubara vowed to keep providing services that would keep satisfying the needs of the people saying the administration would leave lasting legacies.

    Fubara particularly thanked Sir Ngozi Abi saying he proved to be his stepping stone to his current position. 

    He said, “If he had not called me to work with him I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get the other contacts and relationships that I had that propelled me to where I am today. 

    “So let me first say thank you for laying the foundation that others also took upon. It is only God that will reward you. I say it here today so that you understand how emotional that I am coming here to commission this project.”

  • Wike hails Tinubu’s appointment of Prof Orluwene as UNIPORT teaching hospital CMD

    Wike hails Tinubu’s appointment of Prof Orluwene as UNIPORT teaching hospital CMD

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday hailed the appointment of Professor Chituru Godwill Orluwene as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

    The minister, who also thanked President Bola Tinubu, for finding yet another Rivers State indigene worthy of a federal appointment, said, “The President has consistently demonstrated his love for Rivers State and its people, and we will keep supporting him to continue with his good governance.”

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister described Prof Orluwene’s appointment as “President Tinubu putting another round peg in a round hole,” urging him to use his wealth of experience to improve on the state of the Teaching Hospital, in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He also thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, for recommending the appointment of Prof Orluwene.

    “I congratulate Prof Orluwene on this appointment and urge him to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in UPTH to ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians,” he said.

  • 2027: BAT Vanguard endorses Tinubu, vows to deliver 10m votes

    2027: BAT Vanguard endorses Tinubu, vows to deliver 10m votes

    The second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday got a boost, as a support group, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Vanguard endorsed him and pledged to deliver 10 million votes to secure the President’s second term in the 2027 general election

    Members of the group unanimously endorsed the president at the group’s end-of-year party and special recognition awards ceremony in Abuja with the theme: “Standing Firm for Renewed Hope: The BAT Vanguard Mandate.”

    The Convener of the group and chairman of the board of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Hon. Sola Olofin said the president’s endorsement was informed by the need to avail the country another opportunity for a “performing, capacity, vision and proven leadership”, which he said are the hallmarks of Tinubu’s administration since 2023.

    He disclosed that the BAT Vanguard is launching a major national social investment initiative inspired by the Renewed Hope vision which will begin in 2026 with a targeted social assistance programmes to support about 50,000 vulnerable households nationwide with food items, school materials and basic welfare support. 

    Applauding the President, Olofin noted that Tinubu should be commended for taking bold decisions that were postponed for decades but necessary to reset the economy and secure Nigeria’s future.

    “From critical fiscal reforms and subsidy rationalization, to restoring investor confidence, stabilizing monetary policy, accelerating infrastructure development, and redesigning social investment programmes, the direction is clear that Nigeria is being rebuilt deliberately, systematically, and with vision.

    “We believe the reforms must be consolidated. And we believe President Tinubu remains the best leader to complete this transformation. As we look ahead to 2026, BAT Vanguard is repositioning itself not just as a campaign structure but as a governance-support institution.

    “We are set to embark on a structured monitoring and evaluation engagement across key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to support compliance with the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is not to antagonize any appointee but to strengthen delivery, accountability, and citizen confidence.

    “As we move toward 2027, our objective is clear and measurable: to mobilize and deliver no fewer than 10 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are expanding, re-energizing, and strengthening our structures to make this vision a reality,” he said.

    Another chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr O’Diakpo Obire said since May 2023, the President has embarked boldest reforms in modern Nigerian history, ranging from economic restructuring to fiscal discipline; infrastructure renewal to social investment and energy reform to enhanced regional leadership.

    “Under President Tinubu; Nigeria’s finances have been placed on a more sustainable path; infrastructure renewal, roads, rails, ports, is accelerating across states; the Students’ Loan Fund has opened new doors for young people; oreign exchange reforms are stabilizing long-term investor confidence.

    “Power sector interventions are opening space for renewed generation and distribution and targeted social programs are being recalibrated to support vulnerable households. These are not easy reforms. They are the kind of decisive actions necessary to build a stronger economy, a more competitive nation, and a fairer society,” he said.

    Obire noted for these reforms to succeed, public understanding and grassroots support are essential which is a role BAT Vanguard and its loyal members have played and must continue in taking government achievements to the grassroots, countering misinformation and ensuring citizens understand the long-term benefits of these policies.

    “As we approach the 2027 elections, the task before BAT Vanguard becomes even more critical. The story of President Tinubu’s reforms must be told with clarity. The progress achieved must be translated into political value. The trust of the Nigerian people must be deepened through engagement, transparency, and consistent mobilisation.

    “BAT Vanguard must strengthen its structures and target all 774 Local Government Areas, expand youth and women engagement platforms, establish policy advocacy desks to explain government programme, mobilise Nigerians based on facts, achievements, and shared national vision, and galvanize support that ensures President Tinubu’s re-election for continuity, stability, and consolidation,” he added.

  • Refining inadequacy

    Refining inadequacy

    • More needs to be done to boost domestic oil refining capacity

    Some Nigerians may have been taken aback by the postponement of the implementation of the 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel until the first quarter of 2026, coming shortly after an earlier approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 21. Yet, there appears to be a pragmatic basis for the government’s decision to tarry awhile.

    Indeed, while the decision may have generated disquiet in some quarters, the letter, requesting the deferment by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, and which was approved by the president, was strikingly shorn of ambiguity: The earlier measure “was conceived as a corrective policy tool to strengthen local refining capacity, stabilise downstream market prices, and promote competitive parity between imported and domestically produced fuels in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for energy and fiscal sustainability.”  However, a “thorough assessment of market conditions and the agreed strategic implementation roadmap…to allow for a smoother and more efficient rollout” … had made it necessary to put things on hold, albeit temporarily.

    In other words: the market was neither ready, nor the government eager, to administer the tax without the right things being firmly in place.

    To FIRS chairman Adedeji: “This adjustment will provide adequate time for stakeholders to complete alignment on technical templates, public communication frameworks, and import scheduling, thereby minimising disruption to the supply chain and ensuring that the reform achieves its intended stabilising impact.”

    “The deferment,” he particularly noted, “would also create a window for government agencies to monitor local refining performance in the first quarter of 2026 and align the tariff’s rollout with verified production data and consumer price trends.”

    Dangote Refinery, the main local crude processor, would naturally not agree that this deferment was necessary. Anthony Chiejina, spokesman for the Dangote Group, considers it “unpatriotic” that anyone would dare to criticise the 15 percent tariff designed to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and safeguard local production at this time.

    He was just as unequivocal on the capacity issue: “the refinery now loads 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand” – hence, no need for importation.

    He had told Bloomberg, in November: “This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply, but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports.” The refinery has since requested the on-site team of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to collaborate in publishing the refinery’s daily output, perhaps to allay any doubts about the capacity of the local refiner.

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    Interestingly, a month earlier, Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, had put the contribution of Dangote Refinery at an average of 20 million litres as against the 50 million litres per day requirement of the local market.

    According to the October fact sheet published by the regulator, the midstream and downstream petroleum sector remains hampered by low refinery utilisation. The country’s installed refining capacity, the document noted, stands at 1.125 million barrels per day with operational utilisation at 61.58 percent. Four private and modular refineries – Dangote, Aradel, Edo, and Waltersmith combined, it noted, refined 467,000 bpd. Dangote Refinery is said to have averaged 449,000bpd for the period.

    The overall picture, according to the Business Insider Africa magazine, is that the country has remained a major importer: “Despite rising domestic output, imports continue to supplement supply, with reconciled data (August 2024 to September 2025) showing that imports from Oil Marketing Companies ranged from 24 – 44 million litres/day across the months.”

    So much for the divergence of perspectives; we think the issues are not quite complicated or less straight-forward as they are often presented. It comes to the basic question of how much crude the country currently refines and how much is consumed, and the question of whether the former is sufficient to meet domestic requirements. NMDPRA, from all indications, appears to believe that the country is nowhere yet, in terms of the adequacy of local supply.

    Yet, if there was ever any time that this disputation, which has lingered for decades and which has long remained at the heart of the nation’s fuel demand/supply conundrum, needed firm resolution, it is now. To the extent that we consider that aspect of the problem the easiest to solve, we expect the NMDPRA to immediately set up the infrastructure, assuming that it does not yet have it in place.

    However, the bigger problem, by far, is the inadequacy of local refining. While there is no doubt that the country has recorded appreciable progress in the midstream and downstream sectors, the truth, however, is that the country still has a long way to go. Indeed, one of the highlights of the NMDPRA fact sheet is that some 47 Licences to Establish (refineries) with a cumulative capacity of 1.75 million barrels per day have been issued since 2000. And that is separate from the 31 Licences to Construct granted for facilities representing 1.228 million barrels per day of planned capacity of which only three are currently under active construction, with a total expected capacity of 47,000bpd, including Waltersmith’s Train 2 expansion of 5,000bpd.

    No doubt, a lot of progress has been made. Dangote Refinery, and indeed a few modular refineries, are up and running. Even at that, more than four years after the Petroleum Industry Act, leading operators continue to hint at some lacunas requiring further fine-tuning. A particularly sticky issue that keeps popping up is the issue of crude supply to the local refiners. This is probably the best time, if any, for the government to address them permanently.

    The challenge for the government is to ensure that the various factors impeding the optimal utilisation of the existing refineries are removed to enable the local refineries enjoy the full benefit of being wholly Nigerian entities.

    To us, however, the biggest challenge by far is for the government to push for an early completion of those refineries under construction to boost the overall domestic refining capacity.

  • Tinubu: Buhari taught Nigerians public office is a trust, not a windfall

    Tinubu: Buhari taught Nigerians public office is a trust, not a windfall

    The life and times of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari were relived yesterday by eminent Nigerians who converged on Abuja for a book launch in his memory.

    Hailing his contribution to nation-building and development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the departed leader taught Nigerians, particularly the political class, that public office is a sacred trust and not a personal windfall.

    The presentation of the biography titled: “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” written by Dr. Charles Omole, was witnessed by statesmen, politicians, top government officials, traditional rulers, and diplomats.

    The ceremony which held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, was hosted by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who described Buhari as a man of discipline and foresight.

    Buhari, a former military Head of State between 1984 and 1985, served as an elected president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) between 2015 and 2023.

    He handed over to President Tinubu on May 29, 2023. Following his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic, he was buried two days later in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

    The president described the deceased as a leader whose reputation for integrity, discipline and modest living endured long after the trappings of power had faded.

    He said the true measure of Buhari’s leadership was not the offices he occupied or the privileges that came with power, but “what persists when the sirens fall silent.”

    READ ALSO: The death of local government

    President Tinubu also noted that the late former President left behind a legacy defined by honesty, restraint and a firm belief that leadership is anchored in service.

    The president, who described himself as a brother, friend and political partner to Buhari, recalled their shared political journey and the coalition-building efforts that culminated in the historic 2015 election victory which unseated an incumbent government and reshaped the political landscape.

    He said the alliance forged during that period had since evolved into the fastest-growing political party in Africa.

    President Tinubu described the biography as a honest account of Buhari’s life and leadership, outlining both achievements and shortcomings, urging future leaders to draw lessons from history rather than rely on empty slogans.

    He identified humility, security, vision and social justice as the enduring pillars of Buhari’s legacy, noting that the late leader preferred simplicity over extravagance, self-discipline as the foundation of governance, and national security as the bedrock of prosperity.

    President Tinubu also highlighted Buhari’s long-term vision for infrastructural development, including roads, railways, bridges and airports, as well as his commitment to targeted social investments aimed at protecting the poor and vulnerable.

    He said Buhari’s consistent love for Nigeria and faithfulness to his oath of office earned him respect among critics, adding that their political experience reinforced the importance of cooperation across differences in the task of nation-building.

    President Tinubu vowed to honour and build upon Buhari’s legacy, stressing that remembrance must go beyond rhetoric to the delivery of tangible results with discipline, compassion and resolve.

    He stressed: “To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari, though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy, not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.”

    The President commended the author for enriching Nigeria’s collective memory and expressed hope that the biography would inspire young Nigerians as they reflect on leadership and public service.

    Radda  portrayed the former President as an incorruptible strategist whose leadership was defined by integrity and a deep understanding of national security.

    Radda said Buhari’s foresight in security matters and his personal discipline set him apart as a leader committed to the protection of the state and the welfare of its citizens.

    The governor also lauded the collaboration and camaraderie that existed between the late President and his successor, which culminated in the victory of the ruling party in 2015.

    He said there could not have been a better successor than Tinubu.

    The author, Omole, described the book as the most comprehensive account of the life and legacy of Buhari, explaining that the 600-paged work addresses complex questions surrounding his journey, character and leadership.

    He said the book focuses, not just on Buhari, the public figure, but on his guiding principles, values and personal convictions.

    Omole noted that one of Buhari’s enduring legacies is his family, particularly his children, who were raised with forthrightness, balance and strong emotional intelligence.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Buhari’s daughter, Hadiza Nana Buhari, said the biography transcends a mere historical record, capturing the rhythm of a life of restraint, steadiness and an abiding belief that public office is a sacred trust.

    She noted that while the story is not presented as flawless, “as no human story ever is”, it challenges the next generation to build institutions strong enough to translate good intentions into lasting outcomes.

    Nana Buhari urged young Nigerians to draw lessons from her father’s life by embracing integrity, moderation and patience in their pursuit of success and service to the nation.

    At the event were the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; members of the Buhari family, led by former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (rtd); former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo (rtd); former Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd); and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

  • We’ll mobilise military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    We’ll mobilise military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    All military and security assets will be deployed against terrorism, banditry and other heinous crimes threatening the country’s peace,  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said yesterday.

    He spoke of plans to acquire more mine-resistant ambush-protected, armoured and patrol vehicles.

    The President added that over 100 armoured fighting vehicles have been refurbished and returned to active service.

    He spoke at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) annual conference in Lagos.

    President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reassured of his administration’s commitment to restoring the country’s pride.

    “We are primarily committed to the modernisation of the armed forces through improved training, modern equipment, and enhanced operational capacity to confront evolving threats.

    “These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness,” he said.

    According to the President, the government was deepening partnerships with friendly nations to expand research, innovation and indigenous production to ensure a new reliance in defense and security.

    Commending the military on the gains recorded in the anti-terror war, President Tinubu said: “The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operations are encouraging and stand as testimony to your courage, resilience, and professionalism.

    READ ALSO: The death of local government

    “The gains recorded through joint operations with sister services and other security agencies further underscore the power of unity of purpose in our collective resolve to safeguard the nation.

    “The Nigerian Army must continue to uphold its apolitical posture and operate strictly within the framework of the constitution and the national security strategy.”

    President Tinubu also praised the Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives, noting that it was a testament of the service’s understanding that security is also about winning hearts, restoring dignity, and improving the people’s quality of life.

    He said that his administration would continue to provide the motivation, support, and resources required for the Nigerian Army to excel in its noble duty of defending the country’s territorial integrity.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted the relationship between security and development, applauding the Army for preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguarding national unity.

    Minister for Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the operational capacity of terrorist groups has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres.

    He added that the gains reflected the courage of troops, improved planning and execution, as well as the growing impact of coordinated operations conducted within a joint and multi-agency framework.

    The COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu said the conference provided an invaluable platform for strategic reflection, robust engagement and the exchange of ideas on how best to strengthen civil-military cooperation.

    “The gathering will also help deepen inter-agency collaboration and enhance our collective response to security challenges confronting our nation,” he said.

    Shaibu said that the Nigerian Army was deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force, capable of effectively addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.

    “Each officer and soldier of the army is a critical stakeholder in this transformation. I am confident that, within a short period, Nigerians will increasingly feel the positive impact of these reforms on national security and stability.

    “Therefore, I urge us to remain guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of our dear country,” he said.

    Highpoints of the event were the unveiling of a book on the life of service of the late COAS, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, and the handing over of cheques to five families of deceased soldiers.

    The conference brought together serving and retired service chiefs and senior officers.

  • Tinubu’s policies yielding fruits, says Lagos APC chair

    Tinubu’s policies yielding fruits, says Lagos APC chair

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and other members of the party’s executive council and royal fathers have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.

    They urged Nigerians to see his economic policies as the right way to go.

    They spoke at a mega empowerment programme, where working tools were distributed to artisans and vulnerable residents of the council.

    Ojelabi said: “President Tinubu knows the challenges of the country and he will continue to do his best to ensure the nation regains her lost glory.

    “Let us support him for a second term, for continuity and for him to further reform the economy of the country and provide dividends of democracy for the masses.”

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    Ojelabi hailed the Oshodi council chairman, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede-Almaroof, on his laudable projects.

    The Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Taiwo Ayedun, lauded the chairman for staying on the path of progress since his assumption of office.

    Otunba Oloyede-Almaroof listed the programmes his administration had delivered in his 100 days in office.

    He said 50 roads were completed in his first term, 45 boreholes dug for residents, and that 12,000 General Certificate of Education (GCE) and JAMB forms were distributed to the residents.

  • Tinubu grants NRCRI patent for Turmeric tea production 

    Tinubu grants NRCRI patent for Turmeric tea production 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally granted the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, a Certificate of Patents for the production of three varieties of tea from turmeric rhizomes and leaves.

    The NRCRI recently achieved a technological breakthrough in the formulation and production of these turmeric-based teas. 

    Professor Chiedozie Egesi, Executive Director and CEO of NRCRI, confirmed the development to journalists in Umuahia on Monday, noting that the patent certificate was presented to the institute by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN.

    Professor Egesi explained that the patent grant complies with the provisions of the Patent and Design Acts; CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, highlighting the legal recognition of the institute’s innovation.

    Describing the approval as a “landmark achievement,” Professor Egesi said the patent underscores NRCRI’s commitment to advancing scientific innovation, value addition in agriculture, commercialization of indigenous crops, and the expansion of Nigeria’s herbal wellness and nutraceutical industry.

    “Turmeric, globally recognized for its medicinal, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, is now being transformed through NRCRI’s research team, led by Dr. Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro, into novel tea product variants,” he stated.

    He added that the innovation promises enhanced health benefits, new enterprise opportunities, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s national economy, describing it as another step toward positioning the country as a leader in bio-innovation, natural products research, and high-value root and tuber crop utilization.

    Congratulating the research team, Professor Egesi said the federal government’s recognition of the breakthrough highlights the strength of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the potential of indigenous crops to drive sustainable development.

    NRCRI, which has the statutory mandate to research the genetic improvement, production, processing, storage, and utilization of root and tuber crops, including yam, cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam, ginger, taro, sugar beet, and rizga, also undertakes national and international research collaborations and short-term training programs.

    The institute additionally executes agricultural extension services in collaboration with relevant federal and state agencies, such as the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS) and State Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs), within its mandate zone covering the Southeast agro-ecological region of Nigeria.

  • We remain resolute in mobilising all military assets to eliminate insecurity – Tinubu

    We remain resolute in mobilising all military assets to eliminate insecurity – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has said that the government will mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

    The President said this on Monday at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Lagos

    Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said that his administration was determined to restore Nigeria’s pride of place in Africa and beyond charging the military to remain steadfast, disciplined and professional.

    “We are primarily committed to the modernisation of the armed forces through improved training, modern equipment, and enhanced operational capacity to confront evolving threats.

    “Following the induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, we have advanced the procurement of additional mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, armored vehicles, and patrol vehicles.

    “We have also refurbished over 100 armored fighting vehicles now returned to active service. These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness,” he said.

    Tinubu said that his administration was deepening partnerships with friendly nations to expand research, innovation, and indigenous production, steadily moving Nigeria towards a new reliance in defense and security.

    He applauded the army and the armed forces remarkable achievements in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

    According to him, the positive reports emerging from the various theaters of operations were encouraging and stand as testimony to their courage, resilience, and professionalism.

    He said that the gains recorded through joint operations with sister services and other security agencies further underscore the power of unity of purpose in our collective resolve to safeguard the nation.

    “The Nigerian Army must continue to uphold its apolitical posture and operate strictly within the framework of the constitution and the national security strategy,” he said.

    The president said that he was particularly pleased with the Army’s extensive civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country.

    “These initiatives speak to understanding that security is not only about force of arms, but also about winning hearts, restoring dignity, and improving the quality of life of our people,” he said.

    Tinubu recognised the impressive successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in its diverse operations and training activities.

    He said that the efforts had sharpened the effectiveness of troops and enhanced their capacity to operate in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous security environment, both locally and globally.

    “The nation deeply values your sacrifices and remains grateful to the officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defense of our fatherland.

    “Their courage is etched permanently into our national memory. As a government, we are resolved in our responsibility to care for the families of our fallen heroes, ensuring that they are supported and never forgotten.

    “Equally, we must continue to motivate and enhance the welfare of serving personnel through improved amenities and programs that reflect our appreciation for your service,” Tinubu said.

    He said that his administration would continue to provide the motivation, support, and resources required for the Nigerian army to excel in its noble duty of defending our territorial integrity.

    Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Waidi Shaibu, all officers and soldiers for the clarity of vision and sense of purpose with which they continued to lead and serve.

    The conference will end on Dec. 19.

    (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds President’s power to declare emergency rule, suspend elected officials

    BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds President’s power to declare emergency rule, suspend elected officials

    The Supreme Court has upheld the President’s power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos or anarchy.

    The apex court, in a split decision of six-to-one on Monday, held that the President, during a state of emergency, can suspend elected officials, but that such suspensions must be for a limited period.

    Justice Mohammed Idris held, in the lead majority judgment, that Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the President to deploy extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where emergency rule is declared.

    Justice Idris noted Section 305 is not specific on the nature of the extraordinary measures, thereby granting the President the discretion on how to go about it.

    The judgment was on the suit filed by Adamawa and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party-led states challenging the propriety of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.

    Justice Idris, in the earlier part of the judgment, upheld the preliminary objections raised by the two defendants against the competence of the suit.

    In upholding the objections raised by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Assembly (the defendants), Justice Idris held that the plaintiffs (the 11 PDP states) failed to establish any cause of action capable of activating the original jurisdiction of the apex court.

    He struck out the suit for want of jurisdiction, proceeded to also determine the case on the merits, and dismissed it.

    However, Justice Obande Ogbuinya dissented and held that the case succeeded in part.

    Justice Ogbuinya held, among others, that although the President could declare a state of emergency, the President cannot use such power as a tool to suspend elected state officials, including governors, deputy governors, and members of parliament.

    Details shortly…