The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

  • Tinubu orders Matawalle’s relocation to Kebbi over school abduction

    Tinubu orders Matawalle’s relocation to Kebbi over school abduction

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate and oversee security operations aimed at rescuing the 25 schoolgirls abducted earlier in the week.

    The directive, on Thursday, comes as government intensified efforts to rescue the schoolgirls kidnapped around 4 am on Monday from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, a community in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

    Matawalle, a former Governor of neighbouring Zamfara State, is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday and remain to monitor rescue efforts and provide direct updates to President Tinubu.

    According to a statement on Thursday evening by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Matwalle’s deployment aligns with his experience managing banditry and mass kidnapping incidents during his tenure as governor between 2019 and 2023.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    One of the most notorious attacks under Matawalle’s watch as Governor occurred on 26 February 2021 when 279 female students were abducted from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe. 

    All victims were released on March 2 after days of negotiations and intense security pressure.

    President Tinubu earlier postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg for the G20 Summit and to Luanda for the AU-EU Summit, waiting back in the country to receive further security briefings on the Kebbi abductions and Tuesday’s violent attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.

    The President, according to a previous statement, is deeply concerned by the resurgence of criminal attacks targeting schools and religious institutions and has ordered heightened security operations across vulnerable communities.

    The relocation of the Minister of State for Defence underscores the administration’s resolve to treat the issue as a national emergency requiring hands-on, high-level coordination.

    Gunmen have intensified attacks in parts of the Northwest and North-Central in recent years, with schools often targeted for mass abductions aimed at extortion. 

    Security agencies have launched search-and-rescue operations in the forests bordering Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger states.

  • Rights group urges Tinubu to halt illegal mining, rising political thuggery in Benue

    Rights group urges Tinubu to halt illegal mining, rising political thuggery in Benue

    A civil society organisation, the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it described as the escalating illegal mining activities and a growing wave of political thuggery threatening stability in Benue State.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, CEDEHUR spokesperson, Comrade Adebayo Lion Ogory, said the situation in several communities has deteriorated sharply in recent months, with no decisive response from state authorities despite repeated warnings.

    Ogory disclosed that illegal mining operations—allegedly involving foreign nationals—have continued unchecked in protected areas of the state.

    He noted that two youths were reportedly killed last weekend in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area in connection with such activities, sparking widespread fear and anger among residents.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    According to him, the incidents reflect a broader governance failure that has allowed insecurity, violence, and lawlessness to fester. Several parts of the state, including Turan, Logo, Gwer West, and Agatu, have witnessed recurring attacks by armed herdsmen, leading to loss of lives, displacement of households, and destruction of farmlands.

    CEDEHUR warned that the pattern poses a severe threat to food production in a state where agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy.

    Beyond the security concerns, the rights group accused some state agencies of administrative lapses and financial misconduct. Ogory alleged reports of questionable contract processes, misappropriation of funds, and weak institutional oversight, saying the lack of corrective action has deepened public distrust.

    CEDEHUR also faulted a reported directive by Governor Hyacinth Alia restricting public gatherings without government approval, describing it as an attempt to shrink civic space and muzzle democratic engagement. The organisation called on APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to clarify the party’s position on the matter.

    The group urged federal law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies to investigate allegations of fund diversion, human rights abuses, and a breakdown of law and order in Benue.

    Ogory stressed that without coordinated intervention from the federal government, the situation could worsen, putting more communities at risk and further eroding confidence in governance structures.

    He said only swift action—beginning with an immediate end to illegal mining and political thuggery—can restore stability, protect vulnerable communities, and reassure residents that the government at all levels remains committed to their safety and welfare.

  • Tinubu urges world leaders to fulfil $100bn climate finance pledge at COP30

    Tinubu urges world leaders to fulfil $100bn climate finance pledge at COP30

    President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has urged global leaders to honour the $100 billion annual climate finance commitment made to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, especially for vulnerable developing nations.

    Tinubu made the call at the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) in Belém, Brazil, where he highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward building a resilient, low-carbon future.

    In a statement signed by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with bilateral, multilateral, and private partners to mobilise resources, share knowledge, and accelerate innovative solutions for a just and sustainable transition.

    Representing the President, Lawal said, “Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility, and COP30 offers another opportunity for governments and organisations to strengthen global solidarity, scale up ambition, and translate commitments into concrete action to safeguard the planet.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    “Nigeria is among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The effects are visible across all regions. We are implementing coordinated measures to mitigate these impacts domestically and across Africa.

    “We recognise the critical importance of structured climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building in achieving sustainable development. These are essential pillars for climate resilience, inclusive growth, and a just transition to a low-carbon future.”

    He noted that Nigeria has taken bold steps to move from pledges to implementation, becoming the first West African country to submit a comprehensive and enhanced Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).

    The updated NDC aligns with national development priorities by enhancing resilience, expanding energy access, strengthening adaptation efforts, and reducing emissions across key sectors.

    Tinubu also highlighted the National Flood Management and Resilience Programme (NFM-RP), through which Nigeria is investing in hydraulic infrastructure, river training, shore protection, and desilting projects to safeguard vulnerable communities and restore degraded catchments.

  • 15 per cent tariff suspension: Thank you, Mr President

    15 per cent tariff suspension: Thank you, Mr President

    By Rotimi Matthew

    Mr President, your decision to suspend the 15 per cent tariff on petrol and diesel is more than a policy pause.

    It is a historic moment. It signals that, for the first time in 26 years of our democracy, a Nigerian President has chosen the people.

    You have shown that leadership is not about bowing to the loudest interests, but about standing with the most vulnerable. For this, Nigerians say thank you.

    Nigerians are glad to realise that, at the heart of government, is a president with a people-centred vision and not a man swayed by theatrics.

    You proved that listening to Nigerians is not a weakness. It is strength.

    But, Mr President, we are sure that the detractors are not done.

    They may come up with faulty figures and selective interpretations of the Petroleum Industry Act. They want to bring this tariff back to your table.

    They want to convince you that Nigerians must pay through their noses today so that some investors can break even tomorrow.

    What happens if prices are increased without restraint? The entire burden will fall on your administration.

    Nigerians will blame the government. Your government. Why should the destiny of a nation be placed in the hands of a few? Why should the price of fuel, the heartbeat of our entire economy, not be decentralised in deregulated market?

    That will not just be risky. It is dangerous.

    Mr President, no country secures its future this way.

    Not when we do not even have confirmed local refining capacity of sixty per cent, let alone eighty per cent.

    Not when the only reliable alternative is importation. Not when policy mistakes can create nationwide scarcity overnight.

    No investment should break even on the backs of the poor within one year. Let competition thrive. Let poor Nigerians breathe.

    Read Also: Experts demand urgent action on Nigeria’s health system

    This is why your suspension of the tariff means so much.

    It is the first time a President has acknowledged the overwhelming political and economic influence of Africa’s richest man and recognised where the real power lies.

    The real bulk stops on your table, not his. For the first time, the people have a President who is willing to say: No, not at the expense of Nigerians.

    Sir, the people are counting on you. The economy is depending on you. Millions of households who have endured years of hardship are hoping you hold the line.

    Nigeria cannot afford to be reduced to a company town. Not in our democracy. Not in this century. Not under your watch.

    We are rooting for you, Mr President. We are praying for you. And we thank you for choosing Nigerians over monopoly.

    God bless you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Tinubu Media Force condemns Kebbi, Kwara terror attacks

    Tinubu Media Force condemns Kebbi, Kwara terror attacks

    …mourns murdered Brigadier General

    …reaffirms FG commitment to rescuing abducted girls

    The Tinubu Media Force (TMF) has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the Brigadier General brutally murdered in the recent attacks across Kebbi and Kwara states.

    The organisation described the killing of the senior military officer as an inhumane act of sheer wickedness, stressing that such cruelty has no place in any civilized society.

    It urged the bereaved family and the Nigerian Armed Forces to remain strong in this painful moment of national loss.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the national coordinator of the Tinubu Media Force, Gbenga Abiola, condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms.

    He lamented that the senseless violence not only cut short the lives of innocent citizens but also targeted a distinguished military officer who had dedicated his life to safeguarding the country.

    Read Also: Fed Govt will rescue Kebbi abducted school girls, bring culprits to Justice — Shettima

    The Tinubu Media Force also addressed the abduction of schoolgirls during the incidents, expressing deep concern over the rising wave of targeted kidnappings.

    The organization expressed confidence that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will deploy every necessary resource, intelligence capacity, and security mechanism to ensure that all the abducted girls are safely rescued.

    TMF further emphasized the urgent need for grassroots community engagement as a critical tool for effective information gathering and proactive intelligence in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

    Strengthening community trust, empowering local vigilante structures, and deepening collaboration between residents and security formations were highlighted as key strategies capable of enhancing early detection and prevention of criminal activities.

    The organization reiterated its call for the integration of advanced technological systems into Nigeria’s security operations.

    It stressed that modern surveillance tools, data-driven intelligence, and coordinated digital monitoring must be fully utilized to strengthen national security and prevent future attacks.

    While mourning with the family of the fallen Brigadier General and all other victims, the Tinubu Media Force reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at restoring peace across the nation. It urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and contribute actively to community-based safety initiatives as Nigeria continues its determined fight against terrorism.

  • Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    • U.S. ‘targeted killings’ claim has emboldened terrorrists, says Fed Govt
    • Shettima: we’ll bring back schoolgirls
    • Girls will be rescued in days, says senator
    • President shifts trip to S’Africa, Angola
    • Kwara State governor seek troops deployment in Eruku
    • Council boss faults U.S. lawmaker

    Following spate of attacks in Borno, Kebbi and Kwara states within days of each other, in which people were killed and kidnapped, the president has placed troops on the highest ever red alert.

    He also directed troops to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi immediately.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shifted his planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU Summits, to enable him take hold of the security situation firmly.

    The President, last night, got more briefing on the situation in the country, including that from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who returned to Abuja after his visit to Kebbi State.

    Shettima met with families of the abducted pupils.

    Also yesterday, the Federal Government said the claim of ‘targeted killings’ in the country made by United States President Donald Trump had emboldened terrorists in their nefarious activities.

    But Shettima and Kebbi Senator Garba Maidoki raised the hope that the abducted pupils would soon be rescued and reunited with their families.

    The wave of attacks started with an ambush by ISWAP terrorists in Borno, during which some soldiers and Brig.-Gen. Buba Uba died.

    The abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and killing of a security man then, the attack on a church in Eruku, Kwara South, where a pastor and two worshippers were killed and some people kidnapped.

    Read Also: Fed Govt will rescue Kebbi abducted school girls, bring culprits to Justice — Shettima

    Minister for Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said: “Let it be known that President Tinubu has put our nation’s security apparatuses on the highest ever alert, and had deployed to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may b in Nigeria.

    “Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and reunite them with their families. 

    “President Tinubu has also directed all security agencies to actively pursue, neutralise, and dismantle terrorists and criminal networks across the country,” the minister added.

    Idris assured Nigerians that the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls remains an “urgent national priority.”

    “The President has  also directed the military and the police to deploy additional personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, ensuring strong security coverage and rapid response,” he added.

    The minister reiterated that the Federal Government “categorically refutes any sectarian interpretation” of the country’s security challenges.

    “In this critical moment, national unity is our most powerful asset,” he said.

    “We must reject misinformation and division. Our common enemies are terrorists and criminals seeking to destabilise our country.”

    He reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a multi-faith nation where freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed.

    The President restated his unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

    In Birin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, where Vice-President Shettima represented him on a sympathy visit, Tinubu  said: “Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain.’’

    He assured the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls, relatives of the late Brig-Gen. Uba and the slain securityman in the school that the government will not abandon them.

    He said: “This government will not relent. We will use every instrument of the state to bring these girls home and to ensure that the perpetrators of this wickedness face the full weight of justice. Kebbi, you are not alone. Nigeria stands with you. And we shall not rest until your daughters return to your warm embrace.

    “Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain. When one child is taken, every home in this nation grieves. When girls in the safety of their classroom are seized by criminals, our collective conscience is assaulted.”

    The President’s comment was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

    Shettima, according to the statement, said the President was  “deeply troubled” by the abduction and killings. He described the attack as an assault on the nation’s collective conscience.

    Shettima explained that President Tinubu sent him to assure the affected families that the government is united, resolute, and singular in its priority: ensuring the safe return of the abducted girls.

    “This is not a moment for politics. This grief transcends party lines, geography, and identity. Our daughters must return home safely,” he said.

    The Vice President Shettima applauded Governor Muhammed Idris, community leaders, traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, civil society partners, and all stakeholders for rallying together in the moment of distress.

    He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all paramilitary and intelligence agencies for their gallantry in the face of security challenges confronting the nation.

    Governor Idris thanked President Tinubu for the show of support, concern and immense leadership.

    He said that since the incidents happened, the President had been in touch with the state government.  

    Idris particularly thanked Vice President Shettima for the show of concern. He affirmed the state’s commitment and loyalty to the Tinubu administration.

    Shettima was accompanied by All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nantawe Yitwada; Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Iman Suleiman Ibrahim; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard Fori, and Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Tanko Sununu Yusuf.

    ‘U.S. classification emboldens violent groups’

    UNITED States (U.S.) allegation of Christians-targeted killings in Nigeria and President Donald Trump’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) classification are behind the renewed attacks on soft targets across the land by terror groups, the Federal Government said yesterday.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume said the pronouncements have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups, who exploit the international narratives.

    Akume, who address a news conference in Abuja, spoke on the evolution of violent extremism – Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP); insurgency, Northwest banditry, economic drivers of insecurity and what he described as the need to clarify misleading claims on Christians-targeted killings in Nigeria.

    The SGF said that the insurgency structures had been significantly degraded before the latest wave of commentary from Washington, adding that such statements, though perhaps well-intentioned, had the unintended effect of emboldening extremist factions.

    He stressed that what Nigeria needed from global partners, especially the U.S., was collaboration through intelligence, technology and equipment, not public labels that distort the country’s security realities.

    The SGF firmly dismissed as inaccurate and dangerous the growing international rhetoric that Nigeria is witnessing Christians-targeted killings.

    He said no credible international organisation had ever classified the crisis as genocide against any group.

    According to him, Boko Haram and ISWAP have historically attacked both churches and mosques, killing Christians, Muslims and traditionalists alike, while Northwest bandits operate primarily as criminal enterprises with economic motivations rather than religious ones.

    He said: “The current misrepresentation of the crisis as ‘genocide against Christians’ fuels religious tension, emboldens extremist and criminal factions seeking to exploit sectarian narratives, creates diplomatic friction, and undermines Nigeria’s longstanding efforts to build constructive international security partnerships.”

    Akume reiterated that Nigeria is a secular state whose constitution prohibits the adoption of any religion as a national faith, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s appointments reflect the nation’s diversity, with equal representation of Christians and Muslims in the Federal Executive Council and the National Security Council.

    The SGF added: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now doing what ought to have been done over the last 20 years by previous administrations for the good of all Nigerians.”

    Providing a detailed historical context, Akume traced the insurgency to the ideological currents that shaped Boko Haram from 2002, through its radicalisation under Mohammed Yusuf, the mass-casualty era of Abubakar Shekau and its transformation into ISWAP following its pledge of allegiance to ISIS in 2015.

    He also highlighted the role of the 2011 collapse of Libya and instability in Egypt, which opened trafficking corridors for extremist groups.

    “Weapons flowed through Al-Qaeda-linked AQIM routes into the Sahel and Nigeria, boosting the operational capacities of Boko Haram, ISWAP and later, armed banditry networks,” Akume said.

    On banditry in the Northwest, the SGF said all credible analyses point to economic roots, including struggle for land and water resources, cattle rustling, illegal mining of gold and other minerals, kidnapping-for-ransom, and extortion of rural communities.

    “These pressures, not religious motives, explain the persistence of violence in the Northwest,” he said.

    Akume referenced the June 13–14 Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 100 people were killed, according to independent rights organisations.

    He noted that the President immediately dispatched relief materials and ordered a census of destroyed homes and properties to facilitate reconstruction.

    Akume stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain highly capable and have reclaimed vast territories once occupied by Boko Haram and ISWAP.

    He said what Nigeria needs cannot be foreign combat troops but targeted intelligence, surveillance technology and advanced equipment to finish the job.

    “What is needed is partnership, not prescriptive statements,” he added.

    Outlining the government’s strategy, Akume said Nigeria will scale up nationwide operations, tighten intelligence-sharing with global allies, intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining and trafficking networks, and strengthen rural security and border governance.

    He appealed to citizens across political, ethnic and religious lines to unite against violent extremism, saying “now is the time to speak with one strong and united voice to confront a common enemy and eradicate terrorists, bandits and insurgents from our national borders.”

    Akume reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diplomatic ties with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, shared democratic values and a joint responsibility to enhance regional and global stability.

    Kebbi Govt faults U.S. lawmaker on victims’ identity

    The Kebbi State Government yesterday refuted a claim by United States (U.S.) lawmaker Rilley Moore that of the abducted schoolgirls are mainly Christians.

    In a post shared on X, Moore condemned the incident and called for prayers for the victims.

    Moore’s post reads: “While we don’t have all the details on this horrific attack, we know that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria.”

    But in a swift response yesterday, the Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu said the U.S. parliamentarian got his facts wrong.

    He said the identities of the victims as shown on the list released by the government contradicted Moore’s claim. He urged him to desist from making unverifiable comments that portray Nigeria in bad light.

    According to Aliyu, the Zuru Emirate, under which the Maga community falls, had never experienced a religious crisis.

    He alluded to the list of the abducted schoolgirls (on page 1.)

    The abducted Schoolpupils

    SSS 3A AND B

    1. Salima Garba Umar Senchi

    2. Salima Sani Zirmi

    3. Amina G. Umar

    4. Rashida Mohammed Dungu

    5. Saliha Umar

    6. Aisha Usman

    7. Jamila Ilyasu

    8. Maryam Ilyasu

    9. Naja-atu Abdullahi

    10. Zaniab Kolo

    SSS 2A

    11. Faitma Sani Zimri

    12. Hafsat Ibrahim

    13. Nana Fiddausi Jibrin

    14. Mas’uda Yakubu Tomo

    SSS 2B

    15. Hauwa’u Saleh

    JSS 3A

    16. Surayya Tukur

    17. Hafsat Umar Yalmo

    18. Mary Usman

    19. Amina Ilyasu

    20. Ikilima Suleiman

    JSS 2

    21. Khadija Nazifi

    22. Hauwa’u Ilyasu

    23. Hauwa’u Lawali

    24. Ummulkursim Abdul-Karim

  • ‘Tinubu’s policies have strengthened macroeconomic’

    ‘Tinubu’s policies have strengthened macroeconomic’

    President Bola Tinubu’s policies have strengthened macroeconomic indicators, boosted investors’ confidence, and attracted foreign direct investment, a support group has said.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Director-General of Forward With Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027, Comrade Peter Ilefa, noted that the administration’s tax reforms, expected to take full effect by 2026, will eliminate multiple taxation, exempt low-income earners from paying taxes, and remove tax burdens from businesses earning between N50 million and N100 million annually.

    He said these reforms will encourage micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) growth, boost local enterprises, expand job opportunities, and increase internally generated revenue.

    He argued that the Nigerian economy was recovering strongly, with key sectors such as agriculture, banking, finance, and housing “breathing healthily,” while education and health are undergoing aggressive reforms.

    “Nigeria is smiling into greatness. Nigerians are embracing reality and are hopeful for full economic rejuvenation. There is more hope among Nigerians today as we collectively evolve into a great nation under God,” he added.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    Ilefa noted that Tinubu’s achievements, particularly infrastructural development across the country and the Federal Capital Territory, have put the president in a good position for re-election.

    “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway are just a tip of the iceberg among numerous legacy projects across the country,” he said.

    Ilefa said Nigeria had faced multifaceted institutional challenges—from insecurity to economic and sociopolitical crises—but President Tinubu recognised that the nation’s problems were foundational and therefore adopted a bottom-up approach to solving them.

    He highlighted the removal of the fuel subsidy on Tinubu’s first day in office as a decisive action that stopped revenue leakages and increased funds available to the government.

    “That masterstroke decision blocked a major conduit pipe used by oil cartels to siphon government resources. State allocations have tripled, giving states more resources to fund development projects,” he said.

    He added that the President restored financial autonomy to local governments, increased workers’ minimum wage, and introduced student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)—a move he said has relieved parents and given hope to Nigerian youth.

  • Kogi senator hails Tinubu on quick response to Kwara attacks

    Kogi senator hails Tinubu on quick response to Kwara attacks

    Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, has welcomed the massive security reinforcement order in Kwara given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following fresh attacks by bandits in a Kwara community.

    The Monday night’s attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, a boundary town with Kogi, forced Tinubu to shelve his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, and an AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola.

    The postponement of the trips would enable the President to get further security briefings on the 25 kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of two persons during the attack in the Kwara community.

    Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, hailed the President for delaying his trips and issuing the marching order to the security agencies.

    In a statement, the senator also called on Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman and his Kogi State counterpart Usman Ododo to work together and ensure the safety of lives and properties in their domains.

    According to him, the latest attack by bandits on a worship centre in Eruku underscored the importance of strengthening the local government areas, being the closest to the grassroots.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “Governors have been foot-dragging in allowing the councils to enjoy full autonomy for reasons best known to them. If allowed to function, councils should be able to protect people within their localities,” the senator said.  “Allowing local government full access to their funds will reduce banditry as council chairmen will utilise part of their funds in engagement and arming local vigilantees in fighting banditry, instead of these funds being filtered away through phony contract awards that are never executed but paid for in some state of the federation”.

    Urging Nigerians to rally behind the President’s resolve to lift the country to loftier heights, the senator noted that enemies of progress have been encouraging banditry in their bid to pit Nigerians against Mr. President.

  • 2025 All Judges Conference: NJI faults claim judges sang solidarity song for Tinubu

    2025 All Judges Conference: NJI faults claim judges sang solidarity song for Tinubu

    The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has faulted misleading and inaccurate reports circulating on social media, suggesting that judges in attendance at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang a political chorus – “on your mandate we shall stand” – in allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, who was at the event.

    The NJI, in a statement by its spokesman, Kolade Umoru, also faulted the false narrative that the national anthem was not rendered before the event commenced.

    The statement, issued on Wednesday, reads: “The attention of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has been drawn to several misleading and inaccurate reports circulating on social media suggesting that judges in attendance at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang a political chorus (“on your mandate we shall stand”) in allegiance to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “This claim is entirely false, unfounded, and does not reflect the events that transpired at the ceremony.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the national anthem was the only song rendered collectively by all participants at both the commencement and conclusion of the opening ceremony.

    “No judge in attendance sang or chanted any political song at any point during the programme. The brief rendition of the tune – “on your mandate” – was not initiated, requested, or endorsed by the Judiciary.

    “It was played solely by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol to usher the President to the podium for his address.

    “The Judiciary had no control over the musical selections of the Brigade, which operates under military ceremonial procedures.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “Out of due deference to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, judges rose to their feet as the President walked to the podium.

    “The Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, deeply committed to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political activities or symbols of political allegiance.

    “The 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference is a statutory and professional gathering focused on strengthening the justice system and reinforcing public confidence in the Judiciary.

    “Any attempt to distort the solemnity of the event or attribute political motives to judicial officers is unfortunate, misleading, and a disservice to the public.

    “We urge members of the public and the media to exercise restraint, verify information, and avoid amplifying falsehoods capable of undermining the integrity of national institutions.

    “The Judiciary will continue to uphold its oath of office with dignity, independence, and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.”

  • Tinubu postpones G20, AU–EU trips, orders massive security reinforcement in Kwara

    Tinubu postpones G20, AU–EU trips, orders massive security reinforcement in Kwara

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his planned trips to Johannesburg and Luanda for the G20 Summit and the AU–EU Summit, respectively, to receive further security briefings on the kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

    A State House statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the President took the decision after reviewing security developments and consulting with key officials.

    In response to a request from the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, President Tinubu directed the deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area.

    He also ordered security agencies to track down the bandits responsible for the deadly assault on the Christ Apostolic Church congregation.

    Read Also: Tinubu okays appointments of Adar, Shagari in NEITI, NIWA

    The President had been scheduled to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa, before proceeding to Angola for the 7th AU–EU Summit.

    However, the fresh security breaches compelled him to suspend the trip.

    According to the statement, President Tinubu is awaiting a detailed report from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi State on Tuesday to commiserate with the families of the abducted schoolgirls, as well as operational updates from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services on the Kwara attack.

    President Tinubu reaffirmed his directive to security agencies to ensure the safe return of the 24 abducted schoolgirls and to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

    Further updates are expected following the submission of the security reports.