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  • Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new law execution

    Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new law execution

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) to ensure coordinated nationwide implementation of the administration’s sweeping tax reforms.

    The committee, chaired by renowned financial expert, Mr Joseph Tegbe, is tasked with translating the President’s new Tax Acts into practical, harmonised actions across the federal, state, and private sectors.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will provide ministerial oversight for the committee.

    Announcing the decision in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the Presidency said the NTPIC will undertake wide consultations with public- and private-sector stakeholders to ensure the reforms align with Nigeria’s economic aspirations and secure broad acceptance.

    Tegbe, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), brings over 35 years of experience from both sectors, including his tenure as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa.

    Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, will serve as Secretary, while members include Ismaeel Ahmed, Rukaiya El-Rufai, and other experts.

    President Tinubu, in establishing the committee, underscored the centrality of effective implementation to his administration’s economic transformation drive.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Olisa Metuh at 60, describes him as a voice of reason

    “These new Tax Acts reflect our administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses.

    “The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government,” the President said.

    According to the statement, the NTPIC will prioritise extensive stakeholder engagement through nationwide consultations with professional bodies, the private sector, and subnational governments.

    Public awareness campaigns will also accompany the rollout of the reforms to deepen citizens’ understanding and compliance.

    The committee is further mandated to strengthen inter-agency coordination by aligning revenue collection bodies and regulatory institutions with the new laws, harmonising existing frameworks, and ensuring unified oversight and reporting throughout the transition.

    The statement noted that the multi-disciplinary composition of the NTPIC, covering tax administration, finance, law, the private sector, and civil society, will guarantee a balanced and inclusive approach to execution.

    Tegbe said the team is prepared to begin work immediately.

    “We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to support the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in ensuring seamless implementation and building public trust in the tax system,” he said.

    Edun described the committee’s inauguration as a decisive step towards repositioning Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

    “With the establishment of this Committee, Mr President has not only set the direction but also provided the authority and support required to reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of government, to deliver significant economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the minister said.

    The NTPIC is expected to strengthen revenue mobilisation, reduce leakages, enhance accountability, and reinforce the federal government’s fiscal sustainability goals.

  • Tinubu directs stronger South–south cooperation

    Tinubu directs stronger South–south cooperation

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered that Nigeria deepens its bilateral engagements with countries that share its development aspirations, naming Tunisia as one of its strategic partners in advancing South–South cooperation.

    This position was conveyed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, during a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr Samir Abdelhafidh, in Abuja yesterday.

    Bagudu said Nigeria firmly believes that stronger collaboration among countries of the global South will accelerate development and reduce long-standing dependence on advanced economies.

    Receiving senior Tunisian officials, including Mrs Achwek Snoussi and Mr Gara Nader, the minister said, “South–South collaboration, particularly among countries with shared aspirations, would facilitate their development and reduce their dependence on the North.” He explained that the visit signaled a renewed drive by both countries to expand cooperation in national planning, trade, investment mobilisation and development strategy.

    Bagudu told the delegation, “This meeting is a convergence of two ministries united by similar mandates and shared development ambitions. This is more than a diplomatic courtesy; it is an opportunity to shape a new phase of collaboration between our nations.”

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Olubaka of Oka-Akoko on Ihare festival, 82nd birthday

    He noted that President Tinubu’s administration places national planning and international economic engagement at the centre of its development agenda, with his ministry serving as the coordinating platform across Nigeria’s federating units.

    The minister observed strong similarities between Nigeria’s planning system and Tunisia’s bottom-up, regionally coordinated approach. He revealed that Nigerian officials are reviewing Tunisia’s planning model to explore knowledge-sharing opportunities, especially in digital transformation, pharmaceutical development, industrial innovation and investment facilitation.

    According to him, “Your emphasis on digital growth in Tunisia’s 2026–2030 plan resonates strongly with Nigeria’s goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030. There is much we can learn from your progress, and much we can achieve together.”

    Bagudu said he would brief President Tinubu immediately and fast-track arrangements for a reciprocal visit to Tunis.

    In his remarks, Abdelhafidh expressed appreciation for the warm reception and said Tunisia is committed to building a durable, mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria. He described Nigeria as “a regional powerhouse and a strategic ally in shaping the future of the African and Arab economic space.”

    He stated, “We are here because we believe Nigeria and Tunisia can accomplish far more together than separately. Our ministries share similar responsibilities—planning, investment, and international cooperation—and this creates a natural basis for collaboration.”

    The Tunisian minister outlined the country’s bottom-up development planning system for 2026–2030, which draws priorities from local councils, regional assemblies, district authorities and ministries.

    He said the model ensures national planning reflects actual needs, adding, “Our approach is anchored on inclusiveness. Local and regional bodies are articulating their priorities, and we are integrating them with national and sectoral strategies. It is a model we believe aligns closely with Nigeria’s federated planning system.”

    Abdelhafidh also listed areas where cooperation could commence immediately, including digital economy and e-governance, industrial modernisation, pharmaceutical and health technology development, investment facilitation and technical capacity building.

    He said Tunisia is ready to exchange expertise while learning from Nigeria’s experience in federal coordination, macroeconomic reforms and large-scale development management.

    “This partnership should not be theoretical; it should produce concrete programs that benefit the citizens of both countries,” he said.

    The Tunisian Minister added that both nations’ participation in the Arab–African Trade Programme presents an opportunity to deepen trade, strengthen logistics networks and build cross-regional economic value chains. “The Arab–African Trade Program has brought us closer to our African partners,” Abdelhafidh said. “Nigeria is central to Africa’s economic future, and strengthening our relationship is both strategic and necessary.”

  • Tinubu directs stronger south–south cooperation

    Tinubu directs stronger south–south cooperation

    • …Nigeria, Tunisia pursue new ties 

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered that Nigeria deepen its bilateral engagements with countries that share its development aspirations, naming Tunisia as one of its strategic partners in advancing south-south cooperation.

    This position was conveyed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, during a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr Samir Abdelhafidh, in Abuja on Friday. 

    Bagudu said Nigeria firmly believes that stronger collaboration among countries of the global South will accelerate development and reduce long-standing dependence on advanced economies.

    Receiving senior Tunisian officials, including Mrs Achwek Snoussi and Mr Gara Nader, the minister said, “South–South collaboration, particularly among countries with shared aspirations, would facilitate their development and reduce their dependence on the North.” 

    He explained that the visit signalled a renewed drive by both countries to expand cooperation in national planning, trade, investment mobilisation and development strategy.

    Bagudu told the delegation, “This meeting is a convergence of two ministries united by similar mandates and shared development ambitions. This is more than a diplomatic courtesy; it is an opportunity to shape a new phase of collaboration between our nations.” 

    He noted that President Tinubu’s administration places national planning and international economic engagement at the centre of its development agenda, with his ministry serving as the coordinating platform across Nigeria’s federating units.

    The minister observed strong similarities between Nigeria’s planning system and Tunisia’s bottom-up, regionally coordinated approach. 

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Olubaka of Oka-Akoko on Ihare festival, 82nd birthday

    He revealed that Nigerian officials are reviewing Tunisia’s planning model to explore knowledge-sharing opportunities, especially in digital transformation, pharmaceutical development, industrial innovation and investment facilitation. 

    According to him, “Your emphasis on digital growth in Tunisia’s 2026–2030 plan resonates strongly with Nigeria’s goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030. There is much we can learn from your progress, and much we can achieve together.”

    Bagudu said he would brief President Tinubu immediately and fast-track arrangements for a reciprocal visit to Tunis.

    In his remarks, Abdelhafidh expressed appreciation for the warm reception and said Tunisia is committed to building a durable, mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria. 

    He described Nigeria as “a regional powerhouse and a strategic ally in shaping the future of the African and Arab economic space.”

    He stated, “We are here because we believe Nigeria and Tunisia can accomplish far more together than separately. Our ministries share similar responsibilities—planning, investment, and international cooperation—and this creates a natural basis for collaboration.”

    The Tunisian minister outlined the country’s bottom-up development planning system for 2026–2030, which draws priorities from local councils, regional assemblies, district authorities and ministries. 

    He said the model ensures national planning reflects actual needs, adding, “Our approach is anchored on inclusiveness. Local and regional bodies are articulating their priorities, and we are integrating them with national and sectoral strategies. It is a model we believe aligns closely with Nigeria’s federated planning system.”

    Abdelhafidh also listed areas where cooperation could commence immediately, including digital economy and e-governance, industrial modernisation, pharmaceutical and health technology development, investment facilitation and technical capacity building. 

    He said Tunisia is ready to exchange expertise while learning from Nigeria’s experience in federal coordination, macroeconomic reforms and large-scale development management. 

    “This partnership should not be theoretical; it should produce concrete programs that benefit the citizens of both countries,” he said.

    The Tunisian Minister added that both nations’ participation in the Arab–African Trade Programme presents an opportunity to deepen trade, strengthen logistics networks and build cross-regional economic value chains. 

    “The Arab–African Trade Program has brought us closer to our African partners,” Abdelhafidh said. “Nigeria is central to Africa’s economic future, and strengthening our relationship is both strategic and necessary.”

  • Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new tax law execution

    Tinubu establishes national tax policy implementation committee to drive new tax law execution

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) to ensure coordinated, nationwide implementation of the administration’s sweeping tax reforms.

    The committee, chaired by renowned financial expert, Mr Joseph Tegbe, is tasked with translating the President’s new Tax Acts into practical, harmonised actions across the federal, state, and private sectors. 

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will provide ministerial oversight for the committee.

    Announcing the decision in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the Presidency said the NTPIC will undertake wide consultations with public- and private-sector stakeholders to ensure the reforms align with Nigeria’s economic aspirations and secure broad acceptance.

    Tegbe, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), brings over 35 years of experience from both sectors, including his tenure as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa. 

    Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, will serve as Secretary, while members include Ismaeel Ahmed, Rukaiya El-Rufai, and other experts.

    President Tinubu, in establishing the committee, underscored the centrality of effective implementation to his administration’s economic transformation drive.

    “These new Tax Acts reflect our administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses. 

    “The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government”, the President said.

    According to the statement, the NTPIC will prioritise extensive stakeholder engagement through nationwide consultations with professional bodies, the private sector, and subnational governments. 

    Public awareness campaigns will also accompany the rollout of the reforms to deepen citizens’ understanding and compliance.

    The committee is further mandated to strengthen inter-agency coordination by aligning revenue collection bodies and regulatory institutions with the new laws, harmonising existing frameworks, and ensuring unified oversight and reporting throughout the transition.

    The statement noted that the multi-disciplinary composition of the NTPIC, covering tax administration, finance, law, the private sector, and civil society, will guarantee a balanced and inclusive approach to execution.

    Read Also: Tinubu directs stronger south–south cooperation

    Tegbe said the team is prepared to begin work immediately. 

    “We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to support the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in ensuring seamless implementation and building public trust in the tax system,” he said.

    Edun described the committee’s inauguration as a decisive step towards repositioning Nigeria’s fiscal framework. 

    “With the establishment of this Committee, Mr President has not only set the direction but also provided the authority and support required to reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of government, to deliver significant economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the minister said.

    The NTPIC is expected to strengthen revenue mobilisation, reduce leakages, enhance accountability, and reinforce the federal government’s fiscal sustainability goals.

  • Islamic scholar urges Tinubu to prioritise security, warns against divisive narratives

    Islamic scholar urges Tinubu to prioritise security, warns against divisive narratives

    The Founder of Markaz-ul-Uloom School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Sheikh (Dr.) Tunde Abbas Abdul-Azeez has urged President Bola Tinubu to make national security his foremost priority, warning that Nigeria’s security challenges are being driven by elements operating within the system.

    He made the call during the 40th anniversary of the institution, themed “Markaz-ul-Uloom: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” held recently in Lagos.

    Sheikh Abdul-Azeez said insecurity persists because the sponsors and handlers of terrorist groups have infiltrated government structures.

    He appealed to both President Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intensify efforts toward securing the country, praying for peace and stability.

    Responding to recent statements by foreign leaders suggesting religious persecution in Nigeria, he stressed that victims of violence cut across all faiths.

    “There is no genocide in Nigeria. The terrorists are killing Christians, Muslims, and non-Muslims alike,” he said, urging religious leaders and citizens to reject divisive narratives and uphold tolerance.

    He encouraged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, adding, “Let us be our own security.”

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Olisa Metuh at 60, describes him as a voice of reason

    He urged religious leaders and citizens not to allow divisive narratives to tear the nation apart, emphasising Islam’s teachings on tolerance.

    “These people are not Muslims because the Qur’an forbids the killing of innocent souls,” he added.

    The scholar encouraged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their environment by reporting suspicious activities and supporting security agencies.

    “Let us be our own security. If you observe a strange move, report to security agents. We have to help our police and the military with information,” he said.

    He noted that Lagos remains relatively peaceful, which he credited for enabling the institution to hold its anniversary celebration without incident.

    Speaking on Markaz-ul-Uloom’s progress over the past four decades, Sheikh Abdul-Azeez highlighted the school’s impact on moral and academic development.

    “Our major achievements in this institution are turning out pious, morally and academically sound graduates. This is our modest and humble achievement,” he said.

  • Tinubu felicitates Olubaka of Oka-Akoko on Ihare festival, 82nd birthday

    Tinubu felicitates Olubaka of Oka-Akoko on Ihare festival, 82nd birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko in Ondo State, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, as the ancient Ihare festival coincides with the monarch’s 82nd birthday.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the people of Oka-Akoko and the entire Ondo State in celebrating the revered traditional ruler, describing him as a man of dignity, principle, and courage.

    The Ihare festival, slated for November 29, marks the initiation of selected individuals into the elders’ council and serves as the climax of the cultural ceremonies honouring the respected monarch’s birthday.

    President Tinubu highlighted Olubaka’s rich legacy of service, noting that before ascending the throne in 1987, Oba Adeleye enjoyed a distinguished career in the Lagos State judiciary, rising through all judicial divisions to become a Chief Magistrate.

    Read Also: Ayo Oke: NDi commends Tinubu over ambassadorial nomination

    The President also recalled the monarch’s national service as a pioneer member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, his representation of Nigeria as Amirul Hajj to Saudi Arabia on three occasions, and his leadership roles as former chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and pioneer chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University.

    Describing him as a Renaissance monarch, President Tinubu praised Oba Adeleye’s integrity and fatherly leadership, recalling the monarch’s wise counsel during the 2022/2023 presidential campaign.

    He prayed for many more peaceful and prosperous years on the throne for Olubaka and wished him a joyous birthday and a fulfilling Ihare festival.

  • Enugu council pledges support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mbah’s programmes at launch

    Enugu council pledges support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mbah’s programmes at launch

    All Progressives Congress has inaugurated Local Government and Ward Caretaker committees in Igbo Eze North Local Government in Enugu State.

    The ceremony was performed by the State Caretaker Chair, Dr. Ben Nwoye, with the State Executive Committee at the council secretariat.

    Council Chair, Michael Ogalla, noted that with President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (rtd) as chief of Naval Staff, the state and Igbo-Eze North became APC but waited for Governor Peter Mbah to lead the way.

    He described Nwoye’s and the committee’s leadership as heart-warming.

     Ogalla said the governance strategy of Mbah has endeared the people to APC and reinforced support for Renewed Hope and Tomorrow is Here agenda.

    He lauded the governor’s intervention in roads, pipe-borne water, smart schools, health care, among others.

    “In just two years, everything has changed: 260 Smart Green Schools 90 per cent complete;  260 Type 2 Health centres 85 per cent  complete; 2000 roads completed, with many ongoing; 5000- capacity International Conference Centre 100 per cent completed and functional, ’’he said.

    Continuing, he listed others as the Presidential Hotel; 300-bed Enugu International Specialist Hospital; Niger Gas Company; and Enugu Asphalt plant; among others.

    Read Also: NAF promotes 57 officers to new ranks

    Driving support for APC-led Federal Government, Ogalla reassured the audience that President Tinubu, came in the nick of time. He noted that the President is laying a strong economic foundation to engender productivity and usher in prosperity.

    ‘’Changes don’t come easy,’’ he said, referring to the difficult but imperative reforms which the President has engineered.

    Comparing reforms to childbirth, the chairman noted that it comes with a price but the profits are worth daring.

    Nwoye, in his speech, noted that when the going became tough for the party, Igbo-Eze North held sway with the likes of Dr Oby Aji and Barth Ugwoke. He recalled that the council served as a rescue hub for the party and his leadership in hard times, and hoped it would deliver absolutely.

    State Caretaker Committee Secretary, Eugene Odo, said Igbo-Eze North has high selling points ranging from its population to homogeneity.

    Dr. Oby Aji, a member, and indigene, lauded Mbah for aligning with the central government.  Popularly called the Woman Jagaban of Enugu State, Dr. Oby said the cooperation between the President and Mbah will accelerate growth in the state.

    Recalling the chairman’s intervention in Health, Dr. Oby noted that the mayor is a silent achiever. “Reviving an ailing sector in Igbo-Eze North was his first sacrifice”, she said.

    Lauding the programme, the woman Jagaban said she was part of the team that the chairman empanelled to revive the sector and they increased the number of health centres from eight to 39 of the 42 in Igbo Eze North.

    “This represents improvement in functional health centres from 19 per cent to 93 per cent in just six months of the chairman’s administration.

    ‘’Today, the previously overgrown burrows are lively healthcare centres for mother and child and general Primary healthcare,’’ Oby said.

    She said she was happy the chairman won the African 3G Award as Best Mayor of the Year 2025 in Rural Infrastructure and Primary Healthcare.

    The inauguration was a success as the Local Government Caretaker Chair, Dr. Solomon Ogili; Secretary, Celestine Attah; including Kelvin Ossai, Ogbonna Aminu,  Chioma Ezeja, Tijani Omeh, Reuben Ayogu pledged commitment to the party.

    Ward Chairmen were also sworn in for the 20 wards in the Local Government.

    The event attracted bigwigs in the council including Vice Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Joe Abah Idenyi; the Member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency II in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Clifford Nnaemeka Obe; former House of Representatives Member for Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Simon Chukwuemeka Atigwe; the immediate past council Chairman, Hon. Engr. William Ejike Itodo and other former Council chairmen; former House of Assembly members; former Commissioners; Hon. Chief Simon Onyekachi (Don Chris); Hon. Dr. Kelechi Ameh; and Barr. Chris Akor; among other stakeholders.

    A retinue of traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Igbo-Eze North Chapter, HRM Igwe Cyril Okechukwu Ayogu became a rallying point for the State Caretaker Committee Chairman who repeatedly recognized the importance of the traditional institution in effective governance. 

    Igbo-Eze North Local Government, widely regarded as a political stronghold, reaffirmed its unalloyed support for Governor Mbah and President Tinubu, and pledged continued loyalty to the party’s ideals and development vision.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu approves Nigerian members of US–Nigeria security working group

    JUST IN: Tinubu approves Nigerian members of US–Nigeria security working group

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Nigerian membership of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a bilateral mechanism designed to strengthen collaboration between both countries in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

    The approval followed last week’s high-level engagements in Washington, DC, where a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held extensive talks with senior US government officials.

    The creation of the joint working group was one of the key outcomes of those meetings.

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Ribadu will lead the Nigerian side of the working group and will be supported by a multi-stakeholder team drawn from critical national security, diplomatic, defence, and humanitarian agencies.

    Members of the working group include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard M. Doro.

    Read Also: Rivers stakeholders hail Tinubu for prompt rescue of kidnapped students

    Also on the team are the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

    The statement named Ms. Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser and Mr. Paul Alabi of the Nigerian Embassy in Washington as members of the secretariat that will support the working group’s activities.

    President Tinubu urged the newly constituted team to “work assiduously” with their US counterparts to ensure the smooth operationalisation of all agreements reached during the talks and to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

    The Joint Working Group is expected to fast-track coordination on intelligence sharing, operational support, humanitarian response, and other bilateral commitments aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s national security architecture.

  • Group urges Nigerians to back Tinubu in fight against insecurity

    Group urges Nigerians to back Tinubu in fight against insecurity

    The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu full support in the ongoing fight against insecurity, saying he has shown uncommon courage and proactive leadership in tackling the nation’s most complex security challenges.

    The group noted that at a time when violent crimes have intensified across the country, the President has demonstrated clarity, decisiveness, and capacity, showing readiness to deliver on his mandate.

    “Like the phoenix, President Bola Tinubu is demonstrating bold leadership with clarity, decisiveness, and capacity in how he has handled the situation,” the group said.

    “Nigeria may not be out of the woods yet, but the President’s actions and the results so far show that he not only knew what to do but also had the political will to do it,” HAI noted.

    In a statement on Thursday by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, HAI said the President’s firm actions show he is prepared and politically willing to tackle insecurity head-on. 

    It cited his swift response to the abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, which led to the rescue of all abductees in two states and the recovery of over 50 victims in Niger.

    The group said Tinubu’s decision to suspend his planned trips to South Africa and Angola for the G7 and African Union meetings was a defining moment, describing it as a demonstration of his conviction that national security and the safety of Nigerians must override all international engagements.

    According to the group, the President has also established a central coordination room that brings together intelligence, military, police, and diplomatic units under his direct leadership. 

    This structure, it said, has enabled faster decision-making, seamless strategy alignment, and rapid deployment of security assets nationwide.

    HAI further highlighted Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency, including the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers, redeployment of military personnel from ceremonial duties to active operations, and the recall of police officers attached to VIPs. 

    These steps, it said, form part of a broader, intensified security push involving ground offensives and aerial surveillance.

    “These rescues show tangible security improvements and reinforce public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership,” the group stated.

    It also commended the administration’s diplomatic work, including the National Security Adviser-led mission to Washington and the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ engagements in Niger Republic, which it said are strengthening regional intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.

    HAI pointed to ongoing reforms in the justice system, noting that the Nigeria Police Force prosecuted 29,052 violent criminals between 2022 and 2024, securing 16,200 convictions, while the National Human Rights Commission conducted 18 investigations and five prosecutions on religiously motivated attacks.

    These are, no doubt, challenging times. However, we are fortunate to have a resolute leader in President Tinubu, who is bold and courageous enough to confront the challenges head-on. In time, our country will reap the results of his proactive leadership in the security sector,” HAI said.

  • Rivers stakeholders hail Tinubu for prompt rescue of kidnapped students

    Rivers stakeholders hail Tinubu for prompt rescue of kidnapped students

    Stakeholders from Rivers State under the auspices of the Ekpeye Peoples Forum (EPC) and the Ekpeye Political Development Forum (EPDF) have lauded President Bola Tinubu for promptly rescuing kidnapped school girls in the northern part of the country. 

    The stakeholders observed that the President’s action and other measures taken to check the security challenges in the country were yielding positive results.

    They spoke at a joint press briefing to thank the President for appointing their kinsman and former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche as the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

    The Chairman of the EPC, VisionPaul Aluchi and his counterpart in the EPDC, Adamu Moses, spoke in Ahoada East local government area of Rivers State.

    They expressed concerns that issues of insecurity seemed to escalate “whenever it is close to the next general elections in the country” and encouraged Tinubu to keep fighting the monster.

    Aluchi said, “We wish to use this opportunity to express our concern over the recent wave of insecurity in the country and convey our sincere condolences to families who have lost relatives as a result of the terrorism in the country, especially the events of last week in which students and worshipers were abducted.

    “We equally commend president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his determination to restore security and guarantee safety of lives and properties in the country which he has demonstrated by taking bold steps including changing the Service Chiefs.

    “The president’s determination to take a lead himself in the fight against insecurity has resulted in the immediate rescue of 38 abducted worshipers in Kwara State, release of the kidnapped students from Niger and Kebbi States respectively. 

    “We therefore urge the president not to relent as experience has shown that these activities are common each time we are approaching an election period and he should remain resolute so that the enemies of his administration will not succeed in their plot to taint his administration with sponsored insecurity.”

    Aluchi said despite being the third largest ethnic group in the state ‘ in terms of population, natural endowment and population’, successive governments in the state marginalized the people until the former governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike became a governor and wiped their tears.

    He said: “As minister, Wike has facilitated the appointment of our illustrious son Rt. Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche as chairman of South-South Development Commission among others.

    In his remarks, Moses said: “Let me start by thanking President Bola Tinubu for his approach in securing the 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic church, Eruku, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.

    “The abductees who were freed on 23rd November was wholly due to the hands-on approach of the President 

    “The newly appointed Service Chiefs were not left out in their coordinated approach in assisting the Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Moses also lauded the president for deploying economic policies that caused the reduction of prices of foodstuffs and the increase in the nation’s ‘Foreign Reserves”.

    He said the FCT Minister brought more development to the Ekpeye people while he was governor than his predecessors, saying Wikes was replicating his Rivers performance in Abuja.

    Moses listed some of the projects Wike did in the area to include dualization of Ahoada – Omoku Road with Modern street lights, ‘a project that gave Ahoada a face lift, ‘the siting of Faculty of Humanities of Rivers State University in Ahoada was a major landmark development that did educational activities closer to the rural areas, it also has busted economic activities and another level of socialization.”

    He said the Ekpeye people would continue to support the Tinubu led administration and rally round the FCT Minister especially as elections draws closer.