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  • Tinubu steering Nigeria through turbulent waters, says Akpabio

    Tinubu steering Nigeria through turbulent waters, says Akpabio

    The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is steering the country through troubled waters, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has said.

    The Senate President made the remark yesterday, in his speech at a retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

    Akpabio, however, assured the President and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, that they would not walk alone.

    He said the 10th National Assembly will work hand in hand with them to take the ship of the country to “harbors of bliss and development.”

    Akpabio said: “The Vice President of our dear country, Your Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, thank you for honouring the leadership of the National Assembly with your presence in this retreat.

    “We know that the executive arm is steering our country through turbulent waters. The mark of a great sailor is not how he fares in calm waters; it is in how he powers through the rough seas.

    “If His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and your good self must take the ship of state to harbors of bliss and development, then you must steer us out of the sheltered shore, through the rolling waves and stormy gales, and set the sails to weather every storm, safe in the knowledge that you are not alone.

    “Tell Mr. President, that the leadership of the Tenth National Assembly (and by extension the entire National Assembly) says that he will never walk alone.”

    Akpabio said the President Tinubu led executive and the National Assembly have been destined to “give hope to our nation.”

    He said: “My dear colleagues, when John the Baptist heard about the works of Jesus Christ, he sent his disciples to ask Him, ‘Art thou He that should come, or do we look for another?’

    “It was not a religious question; it was a generational and rhetorical question. This question defines the hope and expectation of every nation, every people, every group, when change occurs.

    Read Also: Yoruba elders seek return of Akintoye, Igboho from exile

    “This is the question in the streets and highways of our dear country; ‘Is this the government that should come, or do we look for another?’

    “The follow-up question is, ‘Is this the National Assembly that should come or do we look for another?’

    “We believe that this is the government that should come to change the fortunes of our country. We believe that this is the National Assembly that should come to change our destiny.

    “We believe that this National Assembly has come to give hope to our nation. There is an Italian proverb that says that the right man comes at the right season.

    “We believe we, the members of the National Assembly, have come at the right season.

     “As the leaders of the Tenth Assembly, we must remember that the success of a leader depends on the achievements of the led.

    “We must not only be worthy leaders but also dealers of hope for the entire membership of the National Assembly in particular and our nation in general.”

    He called on the leadership of the National Assembly to be united and of one purpose in proffering solutions to the myriads of challenges confronting the country.

    He added: “Check the history of the world and you will discover that the world has always been changed by a few thoughtful, patriotic, selfless, concerned citizens armed with faith and conviction.

    “They led the charge, the masses followed.

    Friends and colleagues, we can lead the charge in our country.

    “Let us be united in purpose. It does not matter which political party you used to get to the Red or Green Chamber, right now we are in the Nigerian boat.

    “If we all put our hands on deck, the Tenth Assembly shall surmount every challenge. It is in our hands to make this Assembly the last hope of the common man or the lost hope of the common man.

    “The choice is ours. As leaders, let us see every problem through the broad windscreen of national interest; not through the tiny side mirror of politics. Let us be the symphonic voices of reason; not the raucous echoes of tribal or religious sentiments.

     “My friends and colleagues, let us not make the mistake of thinking that our problem is APC or PDP or LP or SDP or any other party.

    “That is an error.  We face a collective action problem because relevant groups and stakeholders in our country fail to connect, cooperate and collaborate. But if we, the leadership of the Tenth National Assembly, can properly understand and effectively use collective action processes in the official conduct of business, we would achieve positive outcomes for our country.

    “As leaders of those who represent our people, it behooves us to set collective action templates for our nation’s developmental efforts, and a collaborative legislative agenda for solving our nation’s challenges.”

  • My ambition is to support Tinubu to succeed – Bello

    My ambition is to support Tinubu to succeed – Bello

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has said that his ambition for now is to help President Bola Tinubu to succeed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Governor Bello was one of the major presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

    The governor pointed out that all Nigerians would succeed if President Tinubu succeeds.

    The governor, who spoke at an interactive session with journalists at the 3rd Annual GYB Seminar for Nigeria’s Political & Crime Correspondents/Editors on Saturday in Abuja, said that God had been kind to him.

    “I thank God for my successes and achievements as governor of Kogi. I know where I met the state and I am happy for where I have taken the state to.

    “I believe that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, will build on the solid foundation we have laid down for Kogi,” the governor said.

    According to him, the November 11 Kogi governorship election will be a landslide victory for APC.

    Read Also: No casualty at Lagos collapsed 3-storey building — NEMA

    Reacting to a question on ensuring that all members remained in the APC fold in the state, Bello said that APC remained solid in Kogi State.

    “Our unity is why APC wins in Kogi and will continue to win.

    “Our party is one. You cannot satisfy everyone. However, there are internal mechanisms in the APC to resolve issues and we always utilise that,” he said.

    In a paper titled “Unity in a Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Religious Society, the Kogi Story” the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said candidates should campaign on merit.

    “Any candidate who campaigns on the basis of ethnic sentiments is incompetent,” he said.

    Fanwo said that the state would continue to prioritise merit and not ethnicity, to enable it continue to grow.

    Also in his paper on “Off Season Elections, Journalists as Responsible Watchdogs”, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, tasked journalists on responsible and ethical journalism.

    Isiguzo said there was need for journalists to ensure transparency, check all facts and verify all information in their reports.

    The NUJ president noted that off season elections presented challenges and opportunities for journalists to fulfill their role as responsible watchdogs of the society.

    “I encourage all of us to approach the job with a sense of duty, knowing that the quality of our reporting can influence the future of our nation.”

    In a paper presented by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiru Idris, he said the Yahaya Bello administration put in place deliberate policies to entrench good governance.

     He said this encouraged accountability, transparency and reduction in the debt burden of the state.

    “Kogi has commenced preparation of the 32-year development plan, critical to the realisation of Bello’s vision of all round development of the state.

    “The development plan when completed will be a focal point for development partners’ interventions,” he said.

    In a paper: “Building a Viable Economy Through Strategic Investment in Education”, Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones, said the state had not only given free education but had made it compulsory.

    “The budgetary allocation to the education sector in Kogi rose from 13 per cent in 2017 to 15 per cent in 2019 and 30 per cent in 2022, higher than UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26 per cent,” Jones said.

  • My ambition now is supporting Tinubu to succeed – Yahaya Bello

    My ambition now is supporting Tinubu to succeed – Yahaya Bello

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, says his ambition for now is to help President Bola Tinubu to succeed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Bello was one of the major presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

    The governor pointed out that all Nigerians would succeed if  President  Tinubu succeeded.

    The governor who spoke at an interactive session with journalists at the 3rd Annual GYB  Seminar for Nigeria’s Political & Crime Correspondents/Editors on Saturday in  Abuja, said that God had been kind to him.

    “I thank God for my successes and achievements as governor of Kogi. I know where I met the state and am happy for where I have taken the state to.

    “I believe that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, will build on the solid  foundation we have laid down for Kogi,” the governor said.

    According to him, the Nov. 11 Kogi governorship election will be a landslide victory for  APC.

    Reacting to a question of ensuring all members remained in the APC fold in the state, Bello said  that APC remained solid in Kogi.

    “Our unity is why APC  wins in Kogi and will continue to win.

    “Our party is one. You cannot satisfy everyone. However, there are internal mechanisms in the APC to resolve issues and we always utilise that,” he said.

    In a paper titled; “Unity in a Multi – Ethnic, Multi Religious Society, the Kogi Story” the  state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said candidates should campaign on merit.

    “Any candidate who campaigns on the basis of ethnic sentiments is incompetent.”

    Fanwo said that the state would continue to prioritise merit and not ethnicity to enable it continue to grow.

    Also in his paper on “Off Season Elections, Journalists as Responsible Watchdogs, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, tasked journalists on responsible and ethical journalism.

    Isiguzo said  there was need for journalists to ensure transparency, check all facts and verify all information in their reportage.

    The NUJ president noted that off season elections presented challenges and opportunities for journalists to fulfill their role as responsible watchdogs of the society.

    “I encourage all of us to approach the job with a sense of duty, knowing that the quality of our reporting can influence the future of our nation.”

    Read Also: Kogi guber: Yahaya Bello’s achievements will give APC victory, says Ganduje

    In a paper presented by the commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiru Idris, said the Yahaya Bello administration put in place deliberate policies to entrench good governance.

     He said this encouraged accountability, transparency and reduction in the debt burden of the state.

    “Kogi has commenced preparation of the 32-year development plan, critical to the realisation of Bello’s vision of all round development of the state.

    “The development plan when completed will be a focal point for development partners’ interventions.”

    In a paper “Building a Viable Economy Through Strategic Investment in Education, the Kogi Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones, said the state had not only given free education but had made it compulsory.

    “The budgetary allocation to the education sector in Kogi rose from 13 per cent in 2017 to 15 per cent in 2019 and 30 per cent 2022, higher than UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26 per cent.

    (NAN)

  • NANS’ Senate commends Tinubu for nomination of Cardoso, others

    NANS’ Senate commends Tinubu for nomination of Cardoso, others

    Senate President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Attah Nnalue, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of  Dr Olayemi Michael Cardoso as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Nnalue in a statement on Saturday in Abuja also hailed Tinubu’s nomination of Mrs Emem Usoro, Mr Muhammad Dattijo, Mr Philip Ikeazor and Dr Bala Bello as Deputy Governors of the apex bank.

    “By these great picks, President Tinubu has again demonstrated his knack for putting round pegs in round holes by appointing experience and capacity, as it is what all the nominees have in common.

     “Those were what they have demonstrated in their various past antecedent. We therefore wish to greatly appreciate and commend President Tinubu for these great picks in the best interest of Nigerians.

    “Similarly, the Leadership of Nigerian Students have no doubt that these personalities will bring to bear their immense expertise and track record in the financial sector to bear in turning around the nation’s economic and financial fortunes.

    Read Also: Cardoso, deputies assume duty as CBN confirms Emefiele’s resignation

    “While awaiting the National Assembly’s confirmation of the nominees which we strongly believe will also reflect an endorsement of capacity and experience, we reassert our hope and confidence that the nominees will do a great job,” Nnalue said.

    According to him, NANS believes that the nominees will implement critical reforms at the CBN to bolster the confidence of Nigerians, other stakeholders in the financial sector and international partners.

    He expressed hope that after confirmation, the appointees would restructure the Nigerian economy towards sustainable growth and prosperity in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN)

  • Chicago varsity record: Atiku’s request frivolous, says Tinubu

    Chicago varsity record: Atiku’s request frivolous, says Tinubu

    • Why judge halted release of presidents record

    Is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s request that the academic records of President Bola Tinubu at the Chicago State University, US, be made available to him (Atiku) to enable him use them in his election petition case in Nigeria a genuine claim? That is the crux of the matter now before U.S. District Judge Nancy Maldonado.

    Atiku had told Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert that he needed the records so he could file them at  the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in Nigeria.

    On the strength of his claim, the magistrate directed the university which Tinubu attended and whose certificate it presented to INEC, to release the records to Atiku by Thursday.

    By the university rules, such information cannot be released to a third party when the owner of the record objects to its release. The exemption is when the court directs the university to do so.

    Tinubu objected but the court, relying on Atiku’s claim that the records are germane in his case in Nigeria, directed the university to accede to the request.

    On Thursday, Tinubu’s lawyer Christopher Carmichael, approached a higher court and debunked Atiku’s claim.

    Carmichael  in an emergency motion entitled, ‘Emergency motion to delay dispositive ruling number 23CV5099’ signed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, said: “Intervenor asks this court to enter an immediate order delaying the effect of the magistrate’s order, at least until Monday, September 25, 2023, so the court may fully consider both the scope of the magistrate’s authority to issue the order without review, and the issue of whether the magistrate’s order was a correct application of the law to the facts presented.”

    Read Also: U.S. court okays release of Tinubu’s academic records to Atiku

    According to Tinubu, “Applicant (Atiku) is challenging an election that occurred in Nigeria in February 2023. Applicant filed his action under 28 U.S.C. § 1782 on August 2, 2023, after dismissing a similar Illinois State court action that was originally filed July 11, 2023.

    “The limited time available is therefore due to the applicant’s decision to seek information utilising section 1782 six months after the election concluded. This court referred the applicant’s request to issue discovery to the magistrate. (Dkts. 6 & 7.)”

    Carmichael said he was unaware until the issuance of the ruling directing CSU to release his records to Atiku that the magistrate intended to issue a binding ruling requiring compliance without any action by the court.

    He added: “Considering the nature of applications for discovery under 28 U.S.C. § 1782, the Ninth Circuit concluded a magistrate may only report and recommend to a district judge, in CPC Patent Technologies PTY Ltd. v. Apple, Inc., the Ninth Circuit held.”

    The lawyer told the court that Atiku lied in his claim that the records are vital to the case in Nigeria.

    He alleged that Judge Jeffrey Gilbert breached the constitution by acting as a final court in such matters of discovery.

    He asked the higher court to “enter an immediate order delaying the effect of the Magistrate’s order, at least until Monday, September 25, 2023, so the court may fully consider both the scope of the Magistrate’s authority to issue the order without review and the issue of whether the Magistrate’s order was a correct application of the law to the facts presented.”

    In addition he told the court to stay the order as the records were not contained in the statement of claims filed by Atiku at the Supreme Court.

    The records were not pleaded at the PEPC and so cannot be pleaded at the Supreme Court as it would amount to fresh pleading.

    Tinubu’s lawyer claimed that Atiku misled the lower judge into believing that he could use the records at the Supreme Court.

    Based on the contention of Tinubu’s lawyer, the appellate judge ordered a stay of the order of the lower court and asked the counsel of the President to file further particulars, if any, on the matter.

    Tinubu’s lawyer is expected to file his brief on Monday, while Atiku’s has until 11:59 pm on Wednesday to object to it.

    Tinubu’s lawyer will then file a reply, which should be in the court not later than 11:59 pm on Thursday.

    Another judgment will then follow.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate had,on Tuesday filed  35 grounds of appeal before the Supreme Court following  the PEPC’s dismissal of his petition against Tinubu’s election.

    The appellant is praying the apex court to set aside the September 6 ruling of the PEPC which he called a grave miscarriage of justice against him.

    The PEPC, according to him, erred in law when it failed to nullify the presidential election on the grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, even when evidence that was adduced before it showed that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, acted in breach of extant laws and regulations guiding the conduct of elections.

    He wants the court to determine that Tinubu was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the said election.

    He prays the court to declare him winner of the February 25 election and be sworn in as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    In the alternative, the PDP flag bearer is seeking an order directing the electoral commission to conduct a run-off between him and Tinubu.

  • Afenifere hails Tinubu on boosting Nigerian image, advises on insecurity, corruption

    Afenifere hails Tinubu on boosting Nigerian image, advises on insecurity, corruption

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has commended President Bola Tinubu for conducting himself in ways that are boosting the profile of Nigeria in the international community.

    The organization in a statement yesterday also advised the president on how to tackle insecurity and corruption in the country.

    The statement, which was signed by its national publicity secretary Mr. Jare Ajayi, read in part: “Without doubt, the profile of Nigeria is rising in the international circle with diplomatic forays that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has been making within the last few weeks. The ultimate and most recent being his participation in the G20 meeting in India, at the 78th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York and his being the first African President to be asked to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ where he wooed investors to come to Nigeria.

    “To Afenifere, going by responses to his pleas and the exhortations by the United States’ Deputy Treasury Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, on strengthening economic ties between the US and Nigeria, Tinubu’s efforts at rejuvenating Nigeria economically has a lot of potentials for success”.

    Read Also: Chicago varsity record: Atiku’s request frivolous, says Tinubu

    It, however, added that for the potentials to become realities, “two albatrosses have to be quickly tackled. One is the ogre of insecurity that is daily ravaging the country while the second is corruption that is thwarting the efforts at developing the country and enhancing the welfare of Nigerians. So much has been said (and is still being said) about corruption that we will not talk about it in this treatise today. Especially since the panacea to it has to do with complete attitudinal change by all Nigerians, irrespective of positions or status”.

    According to Afenifere, at the moment, the greatest hindrance to achieving President Tinubu’s lofty aim for Nigeria is insecurity.

    “In the very week in which the United States of America expressed its desire to cooperate with Nigeria in economic and other fronts and in the very week in which Tinubu is wooing investors to come to Nigeria, the US issued a statement warning its citizens to be wary in coming to Nigeria because of insecurity.

    “Those who may want to be dishonest might argue that America is being mischievous in this respect. But the reality on ground indicated that the super power is not crying wolf where there is none.

    “Reports afield now have it that eight youth corpers from Akwa Ibom State were kidnapped in Zamfara in August this year while the kidnappers are asking for N4 million ransom on one of them. This week, 19 people were reported kidnapped in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday, September 14, 2023 while Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun States in the South West of the country also have bitter stories to tell in this respect. For instance, in Ekiti, series of kidnapping took place in Ikole Local Government area etc. where four persons were kidnapped and a person killed by kidnappers. These happened towards the end of August and early September this year. The Ekiti incident occurred around 3.30pm – in broad daylight! The victims were returning from their farms according to reports”, he stated.

    “Save the Children International (SCI) in a report observed that nearly 2,000 school children have been kidnapped in Nigeria since the abduction of 276 students from Chibok, Borno State in 2014 thus putting the education of our youths in greater danger.

    “Earlier this year, a 19-year-old girl, Adetutu Okibaloye, was kidnapped in her residence in Imoru, Ose local Government area of Ondo State. The kidnappers even shot her aunt who was trying to escape. Luckily, the aunt survived the attack.  In the same Ondo State, 67-year-old Chief Imam of Uso community in Owo local government area was recently kidnapped in his farm at Asolo Camp at about 3p.m.! We can go on and on. We are however stopping with the listing and rather talk about the way out.

  • African First Ladies play pivotal role in peace-building — Tinubu

    African First Ladies play pivotal role in peace-building — Tinubu

    … Becomes 517th Peace Bell ringer

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says First ladies of African countries play a pivotal role in promoting peace on the continent.

    The First Lady was speaking at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, organized by the African First ladies Peace Mission.

    According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu notes that women in general have the capacity deal with conflict without violence.

    “Every individual, regardless of their gender, should be able to thrive in an environment free from violence and discrimination. The journey towards lasting peace requires dialogue, the engagement and empowerment of all members of society, in particular, women in leadership roles.

    “Women bring unique perspectives, qualities, compassion and experiences to the table, which can play a transformative role in conflict resolution, peace-building, and sustainable development”, she said.

    Senator Oluremi urged other First Ladies, religious leaders, women activists and female leaders of thought to promote gender equity, support other women in leadership, end violence against women and engage men as allies.

    “I would like to end my address with this quote Ralph Waldo Emerson “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” As women, it is time we bring peace to ourselves and to our world”.

    Read Also: Sen Oluremi Tinubu @ 63

    Also speaking at the event were the First Ladies of Burundi and the Bahamas who both emphasized that peace in the continent and indeed the world would not come except everyone makes it happen.

    The wife of the General Overseer of the Redeem Christian Church of God Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye also lent her voice to the fact that the world needs peace.

    They then rang the peace bell after making individual wishes for peace in the world, peace with humanity and peace for individuals.

     The event was an opportunity for the First Ladies from other nations of the world , some First Ladies from some states in Nigeria and other distinguished personalities to celebrate the First Lady of the federal Republic of Nigeria who turned 63 years old.

    The event was the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission high level forum for 2023 United Nations Day of Peace at the UNGA 78th session.

  • Disregard Akume’s detractors, Onjeh tells Tinubu

    Disregard Akume’s detractors, Onjeh tells Tinubu

    Former Chairman, Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu and the APC 2023 senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has described as spurious, slanderous and the handiwork of mischievous louts and idle minds, recent allegations by a group self-styled the Benue Progressive Forum for Good Governance, that the grand reception organised in honour of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Transcorp was a launching pad for the SGF preparatory to his bid to run for the 2027 presidential elections.

    In a statement on Friday, Onjeh urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard what he termed the, “amorphous group of agents provocateur, 

    who are obviously doing the bidding of the SGF’s ignoble detractors.”

    Recently, a group, the Benue Progressive Forum for Good Governance, allegedly addressed a briefing in Makurdi, published on Channels TV website on September 18, 2023, in which they called on President Tinubu to caution the SGF over his 2027 presidential ambition. 

    The group also claimed amongst others, that Akume’s purported presidential ambition is “one of the reasons he has allegedly been trying to undo other politicians in the North-Central Geopolitical Zone, particularly, Benue State, so as to emerge as the sole candidate from the zone come 2027”. 

    Read Also: US court stays order for release of Tinubu’s academic records   

    Reacting to the group’s allegations, Comrade Onjeh, who is also a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), decried what he termed, “the egregious calumny of some politicians who played the game with complete disregard for decorum, propriety, and sportsmanship.”

    Onjeh stated that Senator Akume had no plans of positioning himself to run for the 2027 presidential elections as bandied. The claim, he asserted, is but a figment of the fatuous group’s imagination. The SGF, Onjeh stated, is focused on his job and the success of the Tinubu Administration.

    He implored all citizens, particularly those in the political space, to engage in constructive criticisms of public servants. This, he stated, will hold them to account for the betterment of the public which they serve. Onjeh stressed that if the so-called Benue Progressive Forum for Good Governance had constructive criticisms against Sen. Akume, based on verifiable facts and not fiction or malicious intent, it should come forward with it, as airing it will be in the public interest. However, it should eschew caustic repining and libelous pronouncements designed to derail a political opponent.  

    Akume, Comrade Onjeh asserted, has proven his political and administrative mettle since his assumption of office as the SGF. There is no question whatsoever that he is a distinguished public servant, a person who has acquitted himself well as a two-term governor, a senator and a cabinet minister. In accusing him of disloyalty, his detractors goofed beyond measure because they clearly laid bare their total ignorance of Akume’s ethos. 

    While encouraging Senator Akume to continue with the good works he has started as the SGF, Comrade Onjeh urged him to remember that if he stops to throw stones at every dog that barks at him on his way, he might not get to his destination. Onjeh therefore urged Sen. Akume to remain focused as ever on his national assignment. He also called on Mr. President to disregard the rantings of his SGF’s detractors because their vitriolic barf is spewed to the end of causing discord in the administration and ultimately derailing and grounding it.

    Onjeh also stated that malicious attacks such as the one meted out on the SGF are seldom directed at those who are not attempting to do great things. 

    “Such attacks are usually visited on those who are doing and achieving incredible feats. The SGF and the Tinubu Administration are doing – and will continue to do – great exploits and ultimately stand out as the best-performing administration in the nation’s history,” he stated. 

  • Appointments: Tinubu has been fair to all, group defends president

    Appointments: Tinubu has been fair to all, group defends president

    The Natives, a pro-democracy group, on Friday, September 22, came out in defence of President Bola Tinubu‘s recent appointments.

    According to the group, Tinubu has been true to his word of bringing “Renewed Hope” to the nation through fair and just implementation.

    The Natives, which consist of 371 ethnic, religious, and tribal backgrounds with around 20 million members in the country, also congratulated the president on his successful outing at the 2023 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

    A statement in Abuja by the Supreme Leader of the Natives, Hon Smart Edwards, said the group is happy and proud of what the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima have accomplished within the first 100 days in office.

    According to the statement, nobody could fathom the choice of a young lady as minister of youth, a known ENDSARS promoter in the same plane as the president as Minister of Digital Economy.

    It also said that the appointment of former Governor Wike, who is from the opposition party, as the head of the Federal Capital Territory was also deemed surprising.

    Read Also: Tinubu woos Nigerians in U.S. to invest back home

    The Supreme leader said: “There is no such thing as Yorubanization, it is not like anything in the past, it is a government of competence, excellence and balance. No one tribe, region or religion can truly fill over 6000 vacant appointments all that is needed in this era is hope, renewed hope.

    “We want to see all regions, religions, tribes and communities involved in governance today. President Tinubu is appointing competence and fairness whether in the paramilitary military, security agencies, economic and strategic political offices, he is making a major statement.

    “Can you fathom a young girl as Minster of Youth, a known endears promoter in the same plane with President Tinubu as Minister of Digital Economy or better still Former Governor Wike in Charge of the FCT?

    “We are encouraged that Southern Kaduna oversees our Defense and a Fulani man is in charge of our National Security, we can see the importance of new ways.

    “President, you are a trailblazer, a thinker and a doer, your detractors would have wished it was not you that rang that bell at NASDAQ in New York, United States or that the event was not UNGA neither in New York, signalling investors and economic hope, more instructing was how the world watched the last man standing become the Chief Marketer of Justice and Renewed Hope for Africa and Africans

    “As Natives, we are indeed proud of what you and amiable Vice President Kashim Shettima have accomplished and set rolling in 100days, the future is certainly clearer, as we encourage you to be more steadfast in your dynamic approach, leadership, and faith In God and his ability to grant you more wisdom to steer the ship of our Nation to our greater destiny.

    The group also called on the president to continue to unburden and unbundle agencies with strangleholds, domination, and imbalance, while commending the career progression in security agencies and commissions.

    The group added: “Your leadership is exemplary because, beyond your party and followers, the offices, MDAs, and Commissions are witnessing fresh breath, so we urge your excellency to also summon the courage to continue to make history and impact when you further appoint rare Nigerians into offices, like you did in FCT, CDS, NSA, Customs, Education and Youths amongst others, giving a sense of balance and fairness.”

    ReplyForward
  • US court stays order for release of Tinubu’s academic records

    US court stays order for release of Tinubu’s academic records

    The United States District Court for Northern Illinois, Eastern Division has stayed compliance with all deadlines contained in the ruling by Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert, directing the Chicago State University (CSU) to, within two days, release President Bola Tinubu‘s academic records to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar.

    The court, in a proceedings conducted via video conference on September 21, ordered that the stay shall remain in force pending its ruling on the objections to be filed by an intervenor in the case brought against the CSU by Atiku.

    In a “notification of docket entry,” issued by the court’s Clerk on September 21, it said it will decide on the intervenor’s arguments regarding the appropriate standard of review for Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s order when ruling on intervenor’s forthcoming objections.

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    In the court document, which also contained a schedule of when parties are to file their processes in relation to the intervenor’s objections, the court directed that the intervenor shall file his objections by 9:00 a.m. Central time on September 25, following which the petitioner, may file a response on September 27.

    Part of the court document reads: “Notification of docket entry:

    “This docket entry was made by the Clerk on Thursday, September 21, 2023: Minute entry before the Honorable Nancy L. Maldonado: Motion hearing held via WebEx video conference.

    “For the reasons stated on the record, the court grants in part Intervenor’s motion. The court stays all deadlines in Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s order pending this Court’s ruling on Intervenor’s forthcoming objections pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 72.

    “As to intervenor’s arguments regarding the appropriate standard of review for Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s order, the court will decide that issue when ruling on intervenor’s forthcoming objections.

    “As discussed on the record, intervenor will file his objections by 9:00 a.m. Central time on 9/25/23. Petitioner may respond by 11:59 p.m.

    Central time on 9/27/23. Intervenor may file a reply by 11:59 p.m. Central time on 9/28/23.”

    Atiku, on August 2, applied to the court to compel the CSU to provide him with Tinubu’s  academic records, claiming to doubt the authenticity of the university’s certificate that Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election.