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  • Maiduguri agog for Tinubu’s visit

    Maiduguri agog for Tinubu’s visit

    Maiduguri is in festive mood as residents await the arrival of President Bola Tinubu on a one-day official visit to Borno.

    The Monday visit is the first presidential outings in the state since Tinubu assumed office in May 29.

    The president would be in Maiduguri to declare open the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Conference, and also unveil 107 vehicles procured by Borno government for the state owned Mass Transit Company, Borno Express.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vehicles comprises 10 luxurious buses, 35 coaster buses, 12 hummer buses and 50 electric taxis.

    Read Also: Tinubu, governors to sign health pact with WHO

    On arrival, he is also expected to pay homage to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu, governors to sign health pact with WHO

    Tinubu, governors to sign health pact with WHO

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 36 governors will tomorrow sign an agreement that will reform the health sector.

    The health renewal pact, involving some international partners, is the climax of this year’s world Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day

    The partners include the World Health Organisation (WHO), the CEOs of GAVI, the Global Fund Against Tuberculosis and Malaria and Bill and Melinda Gates.

    According to some documents obtained by our correspondent, the pact has been designed for “transformational sector-wide approach to improve health outcomes”.

    The agreement will be witnessed by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.

    One of the documents reads in part: “| am pleased to invite you to the commemoration of World UHC Day and the unveiling of a Health Sector Renewal Compact, between the Federal Government and all the 36 state governors of the federation.

    “This event, which will be hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will have in attendance the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the CEOs of GAVI and the Global Fund Against Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as the President of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

    “The highlight of this year’s event in Nigeria is the signing of a Health Renewal Compact by the Federal and State governments as well as development partners, to actualise the transformational sector-wide approach to improve health outcomes, as approved by Mr. President in October 2023.”

    Another document gave insights into the new initiative to save the health sector.

    It says: “In line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we would like to respectfully invite the governors to the commemoration of the World UHC Day and unveiling of a Health Sector Renewal Compact, between the Federal Government and all the 36 State Governors of the Federation, in Abuja.

    “We are expecting to have global heath leaders to join us in Abuja, including the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who will come from Geneva Switzerland.”

    “UHC Day is officially designated by the United Nations every 12th of December to celebrate global progress towards health for all and raise awareness on the need for strong and resilient health systems in achieving UHC.

    “The theme for 2023 UHC Day is ‘Health for all: Time for action’. The theme emphasizes the need for immediate and tangible steps to back the 2023 political declaration on UHC.”

    A government official, who pleaded for anonymity said the pact may lead to an overhaul of the nation’s health sector.

    The official said: “The President is determined to avert the rot in the health sector. His interface with international partners has brought goodwill to the country.

    “Tinubu is securing the buy-in of the governors and the nation will be better for it.”

  • Tinubu will meet expectations of Nigerians, says Idimogu

    Tinubu will meet expectations of Nigerians, says Idimogu

    • By Chinaka Okoro

    A former Lagos House of Assembly member, Jude Idimogu, has hailed some of the economic, financial and other reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying they are forward-looking.

    Idimogu, who represented Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II at the assembly, said President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to pull the country out of the woods.

    However, Idimogu noted that whatever plans the president has for the good of the country may not materialise unless Nigerians join hands with him to make the policies work.

    Idimogu expressed this view in Lagos recently in an interview with reporters. He added that the Tinubu administration has plans to make Nigeria great again, “because it has evolved sound economic policies and programmes and a flurry of economic diplomacies that will attract foreign investments to the economy”.

    He urged Nigerians to be patriotic and appreciative of the enormous blessings that God bestowed on the country, even as he admitted that the current challenges in the country are daunting.

    The former lawmaker noted that for Nigeria to be counted among countries that are advanced in economy, politics and other spheres of life, leaders and followers must be patriotic and embrace a change of mindset.

    He said: “The challenge we have is that we lack patriotism. Most Nigerians don’t appreciate their country. We must learn how to make some sacrifices that will enable the country to progress.”

    In urging Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of truth and honesty, Idimogu said leaders should show good examples to the followership, while the masses should exemplify good followership for the country to move forward.

    He said: “Since the issue of leadership as our bane is incontrovertible, there is also the problem of followership. Everybody blames leadership for our woes. At the same time, followers should share in the blame because they are not providing direction for the leaders.

    Read Also: Tinubu has capacity to reform APC – Lukman

    “When leadership is getting it wrong, the followers are not supposed to be quiet and docile. They should draw the attention of the leaders to what is going wrong in a bid to rectify them. However, this holds good when there is inclusiveness in governance where leaders listen to the masses.”

    Pointing out that President Tinubu is poised to fix the country to the best of his ability, Idimogu said: “As Mr President stated during a retreat with members of his cabinet, it indicates that he has good plans for the country. He has urged his ministers to be committed to serving Nigerians for whom they were appointed to serve.

    “To demonstrate his commitment to making Nigeria work again, President Tinubu has indicated, time and again, that this is our country, we have to build it; we have to renew the foundation. We have to give hope to the populace, to Nigerians in doubt whether democracy and economic growth will be the pathway to their prosperity.

    “If this country was once good, it can be good again, depending on how committed the leaders and followers are to building a prosperous country.”

    For the former lawmaker, the Tinubu administration’s focus on tackling what he called endemic corruption and other social ills will be the great antidote for a series of mismanagements of Nigeria’s fortunes. 

    He noted that the pervasive nature of corruption has adversely affected almost all facets of our national life.

    He noted that the country would have been among the most developed economies in the world if most Nigerians were averse to inappropriate ways of doing things. He added: “President Tinubu is silently fighting corruption. His commitment to ending corruption in all its ramifications stems from his sense of equity and fairness. Corruption is killing us all.” 

    On the role of civil servants in the seeming perpetuation of sleaze in society, the former lawmaker noted: “They constitute those in the first category of those who perpetuate corruption at the petty level. If those who move files from one table to the other do not demand some form of gratification or the other before doing their statutory duties, Nigeria wouldn’t have been in this mess. That is the devil that every Nigerian should join hands with Mr President to fight.”

    On expectations of Nigerians from President Tinubu in the wake of the eight-month-old legal battle over the February 25, 2023, presidential election, Idimogu said: “Politics is over and we are in the era of governance. The past eight months had been a period of distraction because no one, including Mr President, was sure of the outcome of the legal battle.

    Now that all dust is settled, President Tinubu and members of his cabinet would concentrate on issues of governance and redirection of the economy for the good of the people.”

    Idimogu was appreciative of the contributions of the opposition parties, especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) for choosing the legal means to resolve the imbroglio. That the two parties pursued the rule of law, he noted, resulted in peace and tranquillity that pervade our society currently.

  • My main desire is to give Nigerians effective governance, says Tinubu

    My main desire is to give Nigerians effective governance, says Tinubu

    President Bola Armed Tinubu has said as a responsible and responsive leader, his main desire is to ensure that Nigerians get effective good governance.

    President Tinubu said this yesterday during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Kuru in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    The President, who was represented by Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali, said: “As a responsible or responsive government, it is our burning desire to provide good governance at both national and sub-national level, as encapsulated in our Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “I, therefore, wish to remind the National Institute that so much has gone into training. These include confidence finance, and effort from the faculty and yourselves.

    “Please, do not let the nation down as much as expected from you as you return to serve the nation through your various offices.

    “I congratulate you all on your graduation and wish you the best as you will resume your position or assume higher responsibilities in the various fields of endeavor. To whom much is given, much is expected from the management and workers of the National Institute.

    “Congratulations for producing excellent and workable recommendations. The government buys into our mission towards a better society as it’s ever willing or ready to support you in achieving it for our nation and people.

    Read Also: Tinubu has capacity to reform APC – Lukman

    “I congratulate the institute for consistency and acknowledge it as it strives towards achieving the other aspects of its mandate, which is the generation of ideas, new techniques, skills, policies, or new directions to guide policymaking at the highest level, especially in a period of heightened global threat, regional instability, and subsystem national challenges.

    “I use this special moment to urge you to continue in this trend, as our government is ready to give you all the necessary support to achieve on your mandate.

    “I applaud you on your efforts at engaging the best brands to provide workable solutions to critical national issues, which have been useful in resolving several national issues, even in the face of limited resources.”

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Chris Giwa, who was the special guest at the event, said: “The Nigerian military is poised today than ever to make valid contributions to national development through strategic security.”

    “Though Nigeria is going through several challenges at the moment, the challenges are not insurmountable.

    “Based on my own experience, I have realised that our challenges are man-made. Most times, you see developed economies suffering from natural disasters. It is either hurricane or flood or whatever.

    “But for ours (Nigeria’s), God has blessed us with an area that we are immune or protected from such challenges. But then, we have the human challenges. I’m sure that if, as humans, we decide to say today, these things will be over, I’m sure God, being on our side, we will achieve that. So, we should look forward to doing that.”

    The CDS stressed that security forces were doing wonderfully well.

    “Most times, I look at them as magicians. This is because if you look at what you need to perform your duties, if you compare yourselves to other countries and what you have and what you are achieving, it is just a miracle.

    “So, we will continue to do and we will continue to fine-tune.”

  • Clark urges Tinubu to intervene in Ondo political crisis

    Clark urges Tinubu to intervene in Ondo political crisis

    Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to push for doctrine of necessity to address the political impasse in Ondo State, before it snowballs into serious crisis.

    The elder statesman in an open letter to the President titled “Urgent need to resolve Ondo State impasse”, said despite not being from the Southwest, he owes it a duty to give support and advice to the President on anything that can escalate insecurity in the country. 

    Read Also: Tinubu has capacity to reform APC – Lukman

    While liking the current situation to the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua/ Goodluck Jonathan era, the Southsouth leader said there was need for the President to revisit his earlier terms of settlement between the political blocks in the state and push for doctrine of necessity.

    This, he said, had become necessary following the recent allegation of forgery.

    He blamed the legislature for asking for the resignation of the deputy governor despite the directive of the president that status quo should be maintained. 

  • Tinubu has capacity to reform APC – Lukman

    Tinubu has capacity to reform APC – Lukman

    Former member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),  Salihu Moh’ Lukman, has expressed confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to reform the governing party to achieve the visions of the founding fathers.

    He also denied insinuation that he was against the administration of President Tinubu and the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of APC.

    Lukman’s vote of confidence for Tinubu was contained in a statement titled, “Why Political Parties in Nigeria should be Reformed”, he released to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    The former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) noted that the ruling party is lucky to have as its leader President Tinubu who was part of the pro-democracy struggle that brought an end to military rule in the country in 1999.

    Debunking the allegation of his opposition to President Tinubu-led administration, the former National Vice Chairman (North West) of APC, said having been actively involved in all the contestations within the party leading to the emergence of Tinubu, he decided to document some of the experiences, which is now contained in the publication “APC and Transition Politics.”

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    Shedding light on the book, Lukman said: “Part of the motivation is also to clarify many of the allegations against me that I am against the leadership of President Tinubu. I must say very clearly, that I disagreed with President Tinubu’s decision to nominate Dr. Ganduje as the National Chairman of APC but I respect and accept the fact that Dr. Ganduje is today the National Chairman.

    “I also have strong concerns about the direction taken by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu. Under the leadership of Asiwaju Tinubu, we have sadly produced an irritating political reality whereby the North-Central region is marginalised. I fear that at the rate we are going, with all the lowly rating of former President Buhari, if care is not taken, he may turn out to be more progressive.”

    While recalling his experiences as a pro-democracy activist, Lukman explained that his calls for reforms in the ruling party were responsible for the tag of being controversial to some persons within the party.

    He said: “We are not and we will never abandon the campaign for democracy in Nigeria. Whatever is responsible for the current orientation can be surmounted and should be conquered. We will not degrade ourselves to becoming antagonists of our party and President Tinubu.

    “We are confident that our party is blessed with leaders who are capable of initiating processes of reform to return our party to its founding vision of becoming a progressive party. We are also confident that President Tinubu is a committed Democrat and truly a progressive politician. We were never wrong in our estimation that out of all the 23 leaders who aspired to become our Presidential candidates for the 2023 general elections, he was best qualified.

    “Therefore, as party members and leaders we must continue to engage him to live up to all the promises we made to Nigerians since 2015. We must work hard and make all the necessary sacrifices to ensure that both President Tinubu and the APC succeed in moving Nigerian democracy forward. Moving Nigerian democracy forward is about promoting political competition in the country.

    “A situation whereby a few people have taken over our party, APC, and are doing everything possible to block internal competition within the party is unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue. This was, and still is, the problem of PDP. It was one of the fundamental issues APC promised to change in 2015, which won the support of Nigerians.

    “As Nigerian citizens committed to democracy, we must go back to the drawing board and begin the campaign to reform our political parties in Nigeria to guarantee internal political competition. It is only when internal political competition is achieved within political parties that wider national competition can be achieved. Once we fail to guarantee internal competition within parties, the current reality of excessive manipulation, through the rigging of elections, vote buying, and other criminality would continue.”

  • Coups: ECOWAS needs re-engagement of junta leaders to speed up return of democracy to Niger, Mali, others – Tinubu

    Coups: ECOWAS needs re-engagement of junta leaders to speed up return of democracy to Niger, Mali, others – Tinubu

    To achieve a quicker return to constitutional democracy in some West African countries, the Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) has been advised to deploy a new approach to engagements on the matter.

    The chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, suggested the approach on Sunday in Abuja, in his welcome address to the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority.

    President Tinubu also charged leaders of member-states to prioritize good governance for the people, noting that the survival of democracy depends on good government and respect for human rights.

    Meanwhile, Tinubu discarded the Alliance of Sahel States, which he said was floated by the countries under military rule, as a ploy to divert the community’s attention away from the quest for democracy, adding that the ECOWAS Commission is committed to strengthening the popular mandates of the people of the countries.

    The president, however, sounded the unwavering position of the Authority on democracy, warning that ECOWAS would not condone any further unconstitutional hijack of power within its territories, saying the region would fight for its survival and it would win.

    Speaking to the new way to attend to the issue of military rule in some of the countries in the region, including Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, President Tinubu called for the reengagement of the juntas on the basis of realistic and short transition plans, which can guarantee democracy.

    He said: “Allow me to emphasize that, to further strengthen our regional democratic achievements and uphold the right of our people to elect the leaders of their choice, the region agreed upon specific punitive measures to be taken against any Member State opting for unconstitutional change of government.

    “While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community Citizens must be upheld and respected.

    “To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance.

    “On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals.

    Read Also: Nile varsity partners SEC to establish capital market trading lab

    “Let me also underscore the need for us, as leaders, to prioritize good governance for our people, as it serves as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and development. The delivery of good governance is not just a fundamental commitment; it is also an avenue to address the concerns of our citizen, such as improved quality of life and a stable environment conducive to the achievement of sustainable development.

    “By providing good governance that tackles the challenges of poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people, we would have succeeded in addressing some of the root causes of military intervention in civilian processes in our region.

    “On the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, let me express my solidarity with the People and Government of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau. We must pay attention to protect the institution and protect democracy. I wish to underscore the fact that we stand against the unconstitutional change of government in our region and we will continue to do so.

    “I therefore urge all of us to stand strong and highly committed in the face of any challenge in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau. The message must go down clearly that we will support the democratically elected government, not unconstitutional exercises, without let or hindrance. Democracy must win, if we fight for it and we will definitely fight for democracy.”

    On the ploy to use the Alliance of Sahel States to distract the Commission from seeking return to democracy, Tinubu said “it is important that we also review some development in our sub-region including the move by some of our members under Military rule to float an Alliance of Sahel States.

    He added: “This phantom, push back-alliance appears intended to divert attention from our mutual quest for democracy and good governance that will impact the life of our people. We refused to be detracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.”

    Meanwhile, President Tinubu called for more global support for ECOWAS’ efforts at mitigating the various humanitarian crises in some parts of the sub-region, especially where they have suffered violent conflicts or natural disasters, noting that the Commission alone could not carry the burden.

    President Tinubu also highlighted the fact that a significant population of the sub-region currently lives in abject poverty and unemployment, calling on leaders of the countries to find ways of harnessing the abundant human and natural resources available to unlock the region’s economic potentials.

    On his part, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, lamented that while the Niger Junta continues to hold Bazoum and his family hostage, they are also interfering with the flow of humanitarian support to vulnerable populations.

    “The military authorities have unfortunately shown little remorse as they hold onto their untenable positions, holding not only Mohamed Bazoum, his family and members of his government hostage but also the people of Niger.

    “And in line with the provisions of our community texts, they granted humanitarian access to medical and humanitarian goods for the sake of the people.

    “But reports from humanitarian agencies show that the military authorities have been interfering with the flow, easy access of humanitarian support.”

    He also highlighted massive cash transfers by the junta in violation of the existing ECOWAS sanctions, saying, “Despite the successful application of the sanctions, we observed with concerns some breaches…including massive movement of physical cash by individuals across the borders.”

    Sunday’s meeting is the third since President Tinubu assumed the Chairmanship of the Authority on June 9, 2023.

    All heads of member states are present except for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger Republic.

    Also delivering remarks were the representative of the African Union Commission, Bankole Adeoye and the special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr Leonardo Simao.

    Other leaders at the Summit were President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone; President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau; President George Weah of Liberia; President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo; and Former President Goodluck Jonathan.

  • Igbo youths plan to celebrate Tinubu after Kanu’s release

    Igbo youths plan to celebrate Tinubu after Kanu’s release

    The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be a hero by releasing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody. 

    The socio-political group said in a statement made available to The Nation by its President General, Goodluck Ibem yesterday  that it would celebrate President Tinubu if he upholds the rule of law by setting Nnamdi Kanu free.

    The statement  reads in part: “President Tinubu had before now been an advocate of the rule of law and respect for court orders which informed his decision to be part of NADECO which fought against military junta and dictatorship.

    “The unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu will prove that President Tinubu says and stands by what he professes and fought for in the past during the military era.

    “The entire Southeast geopolitical zone is waiting earnestly to receive their son Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as the Supreme Court decides on his matter on 15 December, 2023.

    Read Also: 17 years after, lack of census has created information vacuum for Nigeria – NPC

    “We will celebrate President Tinubu for upholding the rule of law and respecting  court judgement by releasing Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody.”

    The group expressed optimism that the insecurity in the Southeast would stop with the release of the IPOB leader.

  • Tinubu celebrates TY Danjuma at 86

    Tinubu celebrates TY Danjuma at 86

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated one-time Minister of Defense, General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), on his 86th birthday anniversary.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu lauded Danjuma, who once served as Chief of Army Staff, for his many philanthropic ventures.

    “President Bola Tinubu sends his felicitations to General TY Danjuma (Rtd), a Nigerian of the noblest pedigree, on his 86th birthday.

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    “President Tinubu celebrates the elder statesman who has remained an unassuming but defining feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.

    “The President extols General Danjuma for his many philanthropic ventures, recalling his commitment and dedication to supporting victims of terrorism through his reputable foundation and other vital initiatives.

    “As the elder statesman turns 86, President Tinubu wishes him longevity, happiness, and strength in the service of our dear nation”, the statement said.

  • Dogara to Tinubu: allow private varsity students benefit from loans

    Dogara to Tinubu: allow private varsity students benefit from loans

    A Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chancellor of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to include private university students in the Students Loan Scheme.

    Hon Dogora said such a gesture would serve as palliative measures.

    Dogara, who spoke at the 13th convocation ceremony of the Achievers University, Owo, said the student loan scheme be properly managed for the benefit of the teeming youths of this country both in private and public tertiary institutions.

    The former Speaker cautioned President Tinubu to resist the temptation to continue blaming others for the present national decay rather than concentrating on the solutions.

    Dogara urged Tinubu to confront the challenges head-on and made eliminating underemployment and unemployment a focal point of his administration’s policies.

    Read Also: 17 years after, lack of census has created information vacuum for Nigeria – NPC

    “If we don’t ever make it to the point where we can have a rational conversation about economic justice, it would not be because it’s impossible to achieve but because we lack the right leadership. We have talked so much about ending so many things in Nigeria, now is the time to talk about creating wealth and ending poverty.”

    Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, promised to continue to prioritize the welfare of its staff and students.

    According to him, “We have ensured that the salaries and wages of all staff for the 16 years of our existence had fully been paid. We have successfully implemented the Contributory Pension Scheme, and the staff-University joint contribution is remitted to Pension Funds Administrators promptly and regularly. A total of 37 students bagged the First Class degree out of 518 graduands.