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  • Tinubu-Trump meeting likely as aide flags shared anti-terrorism agenda

    Tinubu-Trump meeting likely as aide flags shared anti-terrorism agenda

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may hold talks with United States President Donald Trump in the coming days as part of renewed diplomatic engagement on global security and counter-terrorism, a senior presidential aide has indicated.

    Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, suggested the possibility of the meeting in a statement on Sunday, noting that both leaders share a strong commitment to combating insurgency and terrorism.

    According to Bwala, Trump “significantly supported Nigeria while in office by authorising the sale of arms” to boost counter-terrorism operations, support he said President Tinubu has since leveraged with “massive results to show.”

    The comments followed Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, in which he claimed Christianity in Nigeria faces an existential threat and designated the country a Country of Particular Concern over alleged targeted attacks on Christians.

    Responding on his X handle, Bwala said any differences in perspective on whether terror attacks in Nigeria are religiously targeted or indiscriminately affect citizens of all faiths “will be clarified when both leaders meet,” whether in Abuja or Washington.

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    He expressed confidence that the anticipated discussions would “strengthen collaboration in the global fight against terrorism,” tagging global and local media outlets including CNN, Fox News, BBC World, Sky News, ARISE News and Channels Television.

    The development comes as President Tinubu, in a separate statement on Saturday, rejected what he described as a mischaracterisation of Nigeria’s religious environment, insisting Nigeria “stands firmly” as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.

    He noted that since 2023, his administration has sustained “open and constructive engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders” and is committed to protecting worshippers of all faiths.

    “The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said, stressing that while security challenges persist, they affect citizens irrespective of belief and remain a key focus of government action.

    He reaffirmed religious tolerance as “foundational to Nigeria’s identity” and vowed that “government will not condone any act that undermines the rights and freedoms of our citizens.”

    Tinubu also signalled readiness to work with Washington and global partners “to deepen dialogue, improve understanding, and strengthen cooperation in protecting religious communities nationwide.”

  • US CPC row: Tinubu saw plot coming, acted ahead – Presidency

    US CPC row: Tinubu saw plot coming, acted ahead – Presidency

    The Presidency on Sunday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already positioned ahead of the emerging diplomatic headwinds from the United States’ administration over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

    This came hours after United States’ President, Donald Trump, suggested that Nigeria may face direct military consequences under Washington’s renewed “focus” on the country—coming barely a day after designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

    Reacting to the latest threat of possible American military action in Nigeriaby Trump on Saturday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the recent reorganisation in Nigeria’s military structure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his instructions to the new service chiefs was an indication that he was well ahead of the American plots.

    In a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said President Tinubu demonstrated foresight and firmness during the decoration of newly confirmed service chiefs on Thursday, issuing a clear directive that Nigeria would tolerate no new security threats or external attempts to undermine its sovereignty.

    “President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses, he said. Nigerians want results,” Onanuga wrote.

    He then cited the President’s assertive charge to the military leadership, delivered ahead of Trump’s latest comments, emphasizing that the administration would not permit insecurity to linger nor allow emerging threats to fester in strategic regions.

    Tinubu had told the service chiefs: “Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.

    “Nigerians expect results, not excuses… Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary.

    “We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done”, Tinubu charged.

    Onanuga’s remarks come amid intensifying diplomatic exchanges after Washington’s CPC designation—a move Abuja has criticized as inaccurate and politically motivated.

    Trump’s later public remark implying readiness to “act with force if necessary” against “religious intolerance” abroad heightened tension, drawing sharp reactions from Nigerian officials and civil society who insist the move is unjustified and intrusive.

    The Tinubu administration has repeatedly maintained that Nigeria guarantees religious freedom and is simultaneously tackling security threats across regions without prejudice to any faith group.

  • APC chieftain lauds Tinubu over reforms in energy sector

    APC chieftain lauds Tinubu over reforms in energy sector

    Former Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Dr. Bashir Bolarinwa, has assured Nigerians that President Tinubu will not disappoint them, saying he would continue to fulfill his campaign promises to change the country for the better.

    This is contained in a statement on his analysis of the state of the nation made available to newsmen in Lagos.

    Bolarinwa maintained that the country under Tinubu is taking a step in the right direction.

    Speaking on the NNPC reform, which he described as “the lifeline of Nigeria’s energy future and economic stability,” he noted that Tinubu’s drive for reforms in the oil and gas sector is anchored on three key pillars: transparency, technology, and energy security.

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    Bolarinwa also linked the reforms to everyday realities faced by Nigerians.

    The former Lagos Mainland Chairman pointed out that the NNPC has too often been perceived as a ‘government within a government,’ but government reforms are already redirecting it towards being a profitable, competitive, and transparent national company that works for Nigerians.

    On the Electricity Amendment Bill, Bolarinwa explained that it is a crucial reform in the energy sector, while emphasizing that Nigeria cannot achieve industrialization without reliable power and efficient management.

  • The steward, strategist, listener, reformer, patriot in Tinubu

    The steward, strategist, listener, reformer, patriot in Tinubu

    There are weeks in governance that simply pass through the calendar; then there are weeks that stamp a leader’s imprint on the psychology of a nation. The past week belonged firmly in the latter category for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was a week the President strengthened the guardrails of the Republic, re-anchored state authority on constitutional vigilance, rebuked the cynicism of those who doubt Nigeria’s rise, and again demonstrated, before citizens and critics alike, that leadership is not omniscience but the humility to reassess, recalibrate, and act courageously for the collective.

    It was, in essence, a distillation of the Tinubu doctrine: proactive security, principled nationalism, people-centred correction, and a fierce industrial patriotism that places Nigeria, not foreign appetites nor elite conveniences, at the centre of economic decision-making. In a turbulent world and a region where fragility often masquerades as fate, Nigeria has a President whose instincts are to anticipate, reorganise, and insist on outcomes. And last week, that instinct was on full display.

    Security is not merely about physical might; it is about clarity of mission, unity of command, and the moral courage to demand excellence. On Monday, President Tinubu met the newly appointed service chiefs at the State House, following sweeping changes in the military hierarchy. The reshuffle itself was an act of state stewardship, a deliberate reinforcement of Nigeria’s armed defense architecture at a time when enemies mutate and opportunists test the nation’s resolve.

    General Olufemi Oluyede took command as Chief of Defense Staff, with Waidi Shaibu leading the Army, Kevin Aneke heading the Air Force, and Idi Abbas steering the Navy. It was not just a personnel change — it was a signal: the era of complacency is over, and nothing short of decisive victory against insurgents, bandits, and destabilisation cartels will suffice.

    READ ALSO: Femi Kuti reveals secret of longevity in music industry

    And yet, the President did not stop at administrative reform. He crowned action with philosophy on Thursday when he decorated the new chiefs. It was a charge steeped in urgency, clarity, and national expectation: “We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies. Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”

    In one sentence, the Commander-in-Chief reframed Nigeria’s counter-insurgency approach from reactive to offensive. He went further: “Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”

    This was not metaphorical aggression; it was policy direction. Terrorists thrive on anticipation gaps, he closed that window. They exploit inter-agency silo mentality, he outlawed it by presidential directive: “Work together, compare notes, exchange information, and defeat this enemy once and for all.” He promised support and demanded accountability. He mourned the fallen and honoured their families. He thanked soldiers for reclaimed territories and refused to allow complacency.

    This is not the language of a ceremonial head; it is the voice of a wartime leader. And make no mistake, Nigeria is at war with forces who neither respect her sovereignty nor share her future. Tinubu’s message was unequivocal: they will not win.

    Leadership, in its purest form, is not infallibility. It is the capacity to act in public interest, refine decisions when confronted with new realities, and remain open to the moral pulse of the nation. This week, President Tinubu embodied that virtue.

    After consultations with the Council of State, he had earlier approved a list of 175 beneficiaries for presidential clemency. The public reaction was swift — especially around certain names whose offences struck deep emotional chords in the national conscience. The President did not stonewall. He did not rationalise. He did not retreat behind bureaucratic armour. He listened. He reviewed. He corrected.

    He removed 55 names, insisting that national security, victims’ rights, and public confidence could never be sacrificed on the altar of process. He relocated the Prerogative of Mercy Secretariat to the Ministry of Justice to tighten controls and tasked the Attorney-General with stricter guidelines. And he delivered the ultimate moral message: mercy is noble, but justice is sacred.

    In the words of Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga: “He is not afraid to reverse himself if he feels an error has been made. That is strength, not weakness.”

    It is worth underscoring — in a political culture where ego often trumps empathy, President Tinubu showed maturity. A genuine leader knows that listening is not surrender. It is service.

    If the security realignments showcased a decisive Commander-in-Chief, the economic decision unveiled a nationalist economist. Long before becoming President, Tinubu’s philosophy was clear: Nigeria’s resources must develop Nigerians. This week, that principle found expression in a quietly made, profoundly strategic decision, one whose implications will reverberate through Nigeria’s industrial future.

    On October 21, 2025, a fact only revealed publicly days later, the President approved a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel. Not to punish citizens. Not to burden the struggling. But to send an irreversible signal: the age of importing jobs and exporting opportunity is dying.

    For decades, Nigeria’s status as Africa’s top oil producer has been paradoxical, crude exporter, fuel importer; dignity compromised, economy constrained, future mortgaged. With local refineries finally entering production, policy had to align with national interest.

    By tilting the market in favour of domestic refining, Dangote’s mega refinery, modular plants in Edo, Imo, and other regions, the President is building a bridge to energy independence. As analysts rightly observed, “this duty is not a burden. It is a bridge — from dependence to independence.”

    It is industrial policy, not sentiment. It is job creation, not short-term populism. It is economic sovereignty, not foreign dependency.

    Nations do not rise by luck; they rise by nurturing strategic sectors and protecting infant industries until they mature. Tinubu has chosen the path every competitive nation has once chosen — from the U.S. steel industry to South Korea’s electronics revolution. He has chosen future prosperity over present applause. That is statesmanship.

    Taken together, these actions form a coherent philosophy: Security is foundational, not symbolic; governance is moral courage plus humility; economic sovereignty is a patriotic obligation; Listening to citizens is strength, not capitulation. Nigeria must own its future — militarily, economically, psychologically.

    This is not accidental governance. It is strategic statecraft. It echoes his earlier battles; currency unification despite political risks, student loans for equity in opportunity, global economic diplomacy that repositions Nigeria in the world. Every decision leans toward one principle: Nigeria must stand on her feet, not on borrowed crutches.

    For Nigerians bruised by years of insecurity, economic disruption, and institutional paralysis, Tinubu’s actions last week do more than manage crises. They reaffirm a contract; a contract to lead with resolve, adjust with humility, and envision a nation where justice and security are not elite commodities but universal guarantees. For the cynic, leadership is about optics. For the statesman, it is about outcomes.

    The President told the service chiefs: “We are in a hurry to celebrate peace”. He told Nigerians through his actions: We will build a nation where mercy is disciplined, security is uncompromised, and national wealth circulates at home, not offshore. And he told the world: Nigeria is not a weak state. It is a rising state reclaiming its agency.

    If the week’s headline events, the decisive military reset, the humble recalibration on clemency, and the nationalist fuel-duty policy, revealed the architecture of President Tinubu’s leadership, his other engagements through the week stitched together the fabric of a leader fully present: honouring history, inspiring the present, and engineering the future.

    It began on a note of gratitude and national memory. On Sunday, the President celebrated two icons of culture and service — veteran journalist Oloye Lekan Alabi at 75 and former Culture Minister, High Chief Edem Duke, at 70. Both men, torchbearers of Nigerian heritage and public duty, were praised for lives spent in elevating the nation’s narrative. In a week dominated by security and economic headlines, Tinubu reminded the country that national identity is also shaped by storytellers, cultural diplomats and civic architects.

    On Monday, he extended the same respect to pillars of democratic transition and generational mentorship, elder stateswoman Margaret Shonekan at 84, and Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80, whom he described as “a principled statesman and brother.” It was a nod to political memory, a leader rooted in history, refusing to detach governance from gratitude.

    Mid-week brought global and generational bridges. On Tuesday, Tinubu hosted Denmark’s Bestseller CEO, Anders Holch Povlsen, deepening Nigeria’s investment diplomacy and signalling that his industrial-nationalist vision embraces both domestic capacity and international capital. By Wednesday, the President honoured legal luminary Kola Awodein at 70, and in the same breath celebrated a rising star — NASENI Chief Executive, Khalil Halilu, 35 — proof that in Tinubu’s Nigeria, age is neither barrier nor entitlement; merit is.

    He continued that theme by praising female leadership and civic grace in Alhaja Adiat Subair at 80, then honoured Lagos’ revered monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu at 82, affirming traditional stools as partners in the republic.

    Thursday was policy and innovation day. Beyond the security charge, the President launched NINAuth — a leap in digital sovereignty. He praised Senator Osita Izunaso’s unwavering political service, and then capped the day with a global economic stroke: approving a National Carbon Market Framework to unlock up to $3bn annually.

    The Tinubu Doctrine in Motion

    The week under review will be remembered not for the events themselves, but for what they reveal about the man steering the ship of state. Tinubu’s leadership last week fused firmness with fairness, resolve with reflection, nationalism with strategy. In a world where leaders often choose applause over principle, he chose Nigeria.

    In crushing threats, correcting errors, and constructing economic resilience, he has signalled that the era of improvisational governance is fading, giving way to strategic, self-confident statecraft. Nigeria does not merely need a president; it needs a steward, a strategist, a listener, a reformer, and above all, a patriot. In the week in review, President Tinubu was all of these.

    And as the nation braces for the seasons ahead; confronting threats, seizing opportunities, and forging destiny, one truth grows clearer: Nigeria is under a leader who knows that history rewards not those who avoid storms, but those who steer through them. And steer he has begun.

  • Tinubu rejects U.S. redesignation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Concern’

    Tinubu rejects U.S. redesignation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Concern’

    • Says nation’s constitution protects citizens of all faiths

    • Trump threatens military action, aid cut

     President Bola Tinubu yesterday faulted Friday’s redesignation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ by the United States.

    He  declared that allegation  of persecution of Christians in Nigeria  by President Donald Trump was way off the reality of the situation in the country.

    The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs,groups and  individuals took to social media and other outlets yesterday  to reject the US tag.

    The White House  had named Nigeria among countries accused of failing to prevent or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.

    In a follow up to his Friday redesignation of Nigeria,Trump yesterday threatened military strikes against the terrorists involved in the alleged Christian genocide.

    Tinubu in a statement  he posted on his verified X account, @officialABAT, insisted that the Washington characterization of Nigeria  did not  align with the nation’s reality or constitutional values.

    Nigeria, according to him, remains a pluralistic democracy committed to protecting the rights of all religious groups.

    “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions”, he said.

    He described  the U.S. designation as a misrepresentation of  decades-long efforts by successive administrations, religious institutions, and community leaders to uphold peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse faith communities.

    “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he said.

    President Tinubu reaffirmed that religious harmony has been an enduring principle of the country’s nationhood, adding that the Nigerian state neither promotes nor condones religious persecution.

    Continuing, he said:“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

    He also drew attention to  constitutional protection for  citizens of all faiths and  said his administration remains committed to engaging international partners, including the U.S, to strengthen mutual understanding and advance the protection of religious rights globally.

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    “Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” he said.

    Trump threatens military strike if ‘genocide’ persists

    President Trump ,in a statement yesterday  on Truth Social  said his country would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” should government “continue to allow the killing of Christians.”

    He said his soldiers would come to Nigeria “‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

    He directed the US Department of War to “prepare for possible action.”

    He added: “ If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”

    We’re not what you think, says MoFA

    Also rejecting the US re-designation of Nigeria yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked and worshipped together peacefully.

    Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said in a statement that the President Bola Tinubu administration remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.

    Ebienfa said the country will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States with a view to deepening mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.

    His words: “The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

    “While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.

    “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.

    “Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.”

    Categorisation based on outright falsehoods – Shehu Sani

    A former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, said President Trump was “misinformed by anarchists, lackeys and apprentices of neocolonialism” seeking to profit from division and discontent.

    Sani said on X that the killings and kidnappings in Nigeria were not driven by religion.

    Citing data of attacks over the last 15 years, the human rights activist said terrorists and bandits in Nigeria target victims “irrespective of their religious beliefs.”

    He said: “The designation of Nigeria is founded on outright falsehoods and wholesale misinformation.

    “Terrorists and bandits in Nigeria kill and kidnap their victims irrespective of their religious beliefs. The records are self-evident in the last 15 years.

     “Looking at the Muslim/Christian ratio in Nigeria, it’s technically impossible for one faith to persecute another. Nigeria is a Lion and Tiger situation, not a Lion and Zebra configuration.

    “Trump was misinformed by anarchists, lackeys, and apprentices of neo-colonialism who aimed to benefit from their seeds of division, divisiveness, and discontent. This particular weapon raised against this country shall never prosper.

    “Nigeria, like all nations battling terrorism, needs support and assistance to tackle its security challenges.”

    Ndume seeks engagement with US

    Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, urged the federal government to urgently engage the United States government on the development.

    Ndume said Government and the Senate should have taken appropriate steps soon after earlier warnings by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore.

    He said the silence allowed misconceptions about Nigeria’s religious crisis to fester internationally.

    “I had alerted the government. I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state. It’s not about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern,” Ndume said in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

    He asked the Federal Government to present verifiable facts to Washington, stressing that terrorism in Nigeria affects all citizens irrespective of faith.

    “We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians but Nigerians generally,” he added.

    The lawmaker further advised the Tinubu administration to involve seasoned diplomats in any engagement with the U.S., naming respected figures such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Prof. Sulu Gambari and Amina Mohammed.

    “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage experienced diplomats. The good thing about America is that if they know the truth, they will stick to it,” Ndume said.

    TMSG: Why claim is ‘fatally flawed’

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) said the tag was not only ill-conceived, misleading, and capable of undermining the country’s war against terrorism and insurgency, but also ill-conceived and fatally flawed.

    Its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, said in a statement that the designation was a “gross mischaracterization and oversimplification” of Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

    According to TMSG, the move could have far-reaching consequences, including the possible suspension of U.S. arms sales to Nigeria, one of the demands of right-wing American legislators who have been pushing the genocide narrative.

    “It is a fact that the U.S. action could lead to the suspension of arms sales to Nigeria.

    “Such a move would embolden terrorist elements and weaken ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” the group said.

    TMSG also highlighted that President Tinubu’s recent security sector reforms had ensured that Christians occupied leading positions across the nation’s military, intelligence, and security agencies.

    This, they said, further disproved claims of state-sponsored religious persecution.

    “It therefore amounts to standing truth on its head to peddle claims that state-sponsored Christian genocide exists in Nigeria.”

    The group recalled that in 2020, Trump had placed Nigeria on the CPC list under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998; a decision later reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

    This was after the U.S. government acknowledged that Nigeria, though facing serious insecurity, was not directly engaged in religious persecution.

    TMSG also accused opposition politicians of exploiting the development for political gains, noting that some were complicit in amplifying the “genocide” claims abroad.

    “Like many people, we are convinced that some opposition figures in the country were part of the odious advocacy, even when they know that terrorist groups wreaking havoc in Northern Nigeria have been targeting Muslims and Christians alike,” the group said.

    TMSG urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and take note of those “who would not mind the country being brought down as long as it helps their bid for political power.”

    While condemning the U.S. action, TMSG called on the Tinubu administration and the nation’s military and intelligence agencies not to be deterred in their mission to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.

    US funding terrorists, says Kawu, others

    Citizen Kawu Garba blamed those he called hypocrites for spreading the Christian genocide propaganda.

    “If you are wondering where Boko Haram terrorists are getting dollars and sophisticated weapons in Sambisa forest in Nigeria, the answer is here. Listen to this video as a US member of the representative speaks. It’s the US that is funding them,” he wrote on his X handle @KawuGarba.

    His post came with the video clip of a US legislator saying Boko Haram was receiving funds from Washington.

    Another Nigerian Imran U. Wakili (PULLO) warned Nigerians promoting the genocide agenda about the consequences of their action.

    “Most of you supporting this so called ‘Christian Agenda’ because you don’t like Tinubu, I want to tell you what you don’t know: you are giving the West what they desperately need; a reason to destabilise Nigeria. If you think this is the kind of politics you want to play, think again……

    “If this goes bad it means there will be ‘a reason’ to no longer supply us necessary ammunition to fight insurgents, which automatically means if they are killing 2,000 innocent people now, it will be at least 10,000 when we don’t have weapons to fight back. Nigerians both Muslims and Christians will be killed more.

    “When we weaken our supply lines, we provide an excuse for foreign powers to step in. We create the conditions for escalation. Before you know it, they will send their troops into Nigeria in the name of “trying to help”, further causing more commotion.

    “In no time, Nigeria will become a failed state, then boom, we are another Sudan, Libya or Syria. You won’t have a country to call your own simply because you don’t like who is the president now,” he said on his X account @IU_Wakilii.

    US Senator Cruz welcomes Trump’s CPC tag on Nigeria; moves to counter blasphemy, Sharia laws

    United States Senator Ted Cruz, who is one of the arrow heads of the anti-Nigeria campaign, hailed Trump for his action against Nigeria.

    He said his next move is to push for legislative measures to curb the enforcement of blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria.

    In a post on X on Friday, Cruz described the designation as a significant step toward holding to account Nigerian officials who, he said, have enabled or tolerated violence and discrimination based on religion.

    The senator claimed that his proposed legislation would strengthen Washington’s position by imposing consequences on individuals responsible for enforcing blasphemy and Sharia-related restrictions.

     “I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today,” Cruz said.

    “Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria.

    “My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures.

    Rapper Nicki Minaj hails Trump

    Trinidadian rapper and singer Nicki Minaj drew flak from liberal fans after emotionally praising President Trump for his move against Nigeria.

    Minaj said the Trump action made her “feel a deep sense of gratitude” .

    “We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” she said.

     “No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other,” the rapper who arrived in America illegally at the age of five from Trinidad and is yet to obtain US citizenship wrote.

    “Millions of families can’t feed their families today due to this government shutdown & Nicki Minaj using her platform to praise Donald Trump. What a weird a** bxtch ! I hope that next line you sniff takes you out bxtch,” a fan said.

    Trump said on Friday that Christianity was ‘facing an existential threat in Nigeria” and “thousands of Christians are being killed.”

    The US president blamed radical Islamists for the “mass slaughter”.

    He subsequently tagged Nigeria a country of particular concern a term by the US Secretary of State (under authority delegated by the President) of a country responsible for particularly severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 (H.R. 2431) and its amendment of 1999 (Public Law 106-55).

    The Trump action stemmed from pressure by US lawmakers.

    When the US designates a state as a CPC, Congress is notified to impose non-economic policy options to bring about cessation of the particularly severe violations of religious freedom. Where these options have been exhausted, an economic measure follows.

    Examples of both options could include strong diplomatic engagement and public condemnation, restricting or withdrawing development assistance, limiting or suspending security assistance, opposing loans, or blocking export licences.

    The Secretary of State had on December 29, 2023 also designated Burma, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern.

    Trump, in his first term, had placed Nigeria on the CPC list, but this was overturned by the Biden administration.

  • Ndume urges Tinubu to engage US over Trump’s ‘Country of Concern’ tag on Nigeria

    Ndume urges Tinubu to engage US over Trump’s ‘Country of Concern’ tag on Nigeria

    Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently engage the United States Government following President Donald Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

    Ndume, who represents Borno South, accused the Federal Government and the Senate of complacency in responding to earlier warnings by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore before Trump’s announcement. 

    He said the silence allowed misconceptions about Nigeria’s religious crisis to fester internationally.

    “I have alerted the government. I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state, it’s not about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern,” Ndume said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    He called on the Federal Government to present verifiable facts to Washington, stressing that terrorism in Nigeria affects all citizens irrespective of faith.

    “We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians but Nigerians generally,” he added.

    The lawmaker further advised the Tinubu administration to involve seasoned diplomats in any engagement with the U.S., naming respected figures such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed.

    “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage experienced diplomats. The good thing about America is that if they know the truth, they will stick to it,” Ndume said.

    He suggested that Nigeria should work to be reclassified as a “country of special concern” instead, to attract U.S. support and access to arms to combat terrorism effectively.

    President Trump had on Friday declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern” in response to allegations of Christian persecution. 

    In a post on Truth Social, later shared on the White House’s X handle, Trump said Christianity was facing “an existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging that “radical Islamists” were responsible for the killings of thousands of Christians.

    He directed Congressman Riley Moore, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, and other U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter and report back.

    A “country of particular concern” designation, under U.S. law, applies to nations that violate human rights or act contrary to U.S. interests. 

    Such nations may face restrictions on military aid, trade, and diplomatic engagement, while senior officials linked to repression could face visa bans.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu faults U.S. designation of Nigeria as religious-freedom violator

    BREAKING: Tinubu faults U.S. designation of Nigeria as religious-freedom violator

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged persecution of Christians, insisting that the characterisation does not align with the nation’s reality or constitutional values.

    The United States had named Nigeria among countries accused of failing to prevent or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom—an allegation the Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed since it first surfaced within some American policymaking circles.

    Reacting in a statement on his verified X account, @officialABAT, on Saturday, President Tinubu maintained that Nigeria remains a pluralistic democracy committed to protecting the rights of all religious groups.

    “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” the President declared.

    He stressed that the U.S. designation misrepresents decades-long efforts by successive administrations, religious institutions, and community leaders to uphold peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse faith communities.

    “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed that religious harmony has been an enduring principle of the country’s nationhood, adding that the Nigerian state neither promotes nor condones religious persecution.

    “Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” the statement reads. 

    While underscoring that constitutional protections cover citizens of all faiths, Tinubu said his administration remains committed to engaging international partners, including the U.S., to strengthen mutual understanding and advance the protection of religious rights globally.

    “Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” he concluded.

    The latest designation marks the second time Nigeria has been placed on the CPC list in recent years, reviving a debate that Abuja has often described as politically driven and inconsistent with ground realities in Africa’s most populous nation, where Christians and Muslims have long coexisted despite sporadic security challenges.

  • Tunji-Ojo: no opposition can stop Tinubu’s re-election

    Tunji-Ojo: no opposition can stop Tinubu’s re-election

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared that no level of opposition or political gang-up can stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    Tunji-Ojo, speaking through his support group, BTO for PBAT, on Saturday, said the President’s bold economic reforms and transformative policies have made his second-term bid “unstoppable.”

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Folajimi Adewumi expressed unwavering confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the preparedness of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power.

    “Nobody can stop President Tinubu from winning the 2027 general election. Unless there are no elections in Nigeria or the President himself opts not to run, nothing can prevent Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from emerging victorious in 2027,” Adewumi stated.

    He reaffirmed the group’s strong belief in Tinubu’s political strength and wide-reaching influence across the country.

    According to Adewumi, members of BTO for PBAT 2027 have been traversing various parts of the nation to gauge public sentiment and showcase the administration’s achievements.

    “We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Tinubu’s policies on infrastructure, security, and economic reforms. Nigerians are beginning to see tangible results, and by 2027, the Renewed Hope mandate will be reaffirmed,” he added.

    Director-General of the group, Ogbeni Adojutelegan Adesuyi, said the APC had drawn vital lessons from its 2023 electoral experiences.

    Adesuyi noted that the party had critically reviewed its performance, particularly losses in strategic states like Lagos and Kano, and had since revitalized its grassroots structures.

    “The APC has reconnected with the people, learned from past mistakes, and fortified its base. The challenges faced in 2023 will not be repeated,” Adesuyi said.

    He added that the group is intensifying its nationwide mobilization and direct engagement with citizens to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda and consolidate public support for the Tinubu administration.

  • Tinubu walking the talk on women enpowerment — APC

    Tinubu walking the talk on women enpowerment — APC

    The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says Nigerian women have been greatly empowered under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Saturday, said that the president’s actions reflected his long-standing belief in gender equity and capacity-based leadership.

    Oladejo said the administration had elevated women’s participation, recognition, and inclusion in governance, business, and leadership across the country.

    He said Tinubu had demonstrated a genuine commitment to fairness, competence, and inclusivity through appointments and empowerment initiatives targeting women at all levels.

    “From the cabinet to the grassroots, Nigerian women today stand as equal stakeholders in shaping the nation’s development,” he said.

    According to him, women now hold some of the most strategic positions in government, contributing to national growth with integrity and excellence.

    Oladejo said the Renewed Hope Agenda had also increased  women’s access to finance, business development, and skills training through programmes such as CreditCorp and SME loans.

    He said President Tinubu’s policies had transformed many women from dependants to wealth creators and job providers, nationwide.

    He described Lagos as the model of women empowerment, recalling Tinubu’s legacy of appointing women as deputy governors, chief judges, and commissioners.

    Oladejo APC  had institutionalised women’s participation in governance.

    He called on Nigerian women to support the Tinubu administration as it had  given them “not just a voice, but power and prominence.”

    (NAN)

  • CRVN applauds Tinubu for approving 15% import duty on petrol, diesel

    CRVN applauds Tinubu for approving 15% import duty on petrol, diesel

    …says it will strengthen local refining and protect jobs

    The Conference of Registered Voters in Nigeria (CRVN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel, describing the policy as bold, strategic, and critical to transforming Nigeria’s petroleum sector and protecting local investments.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National President, Dr. Ebikeme Edesiri, hailed President Tinubu for showing courage and foresight in strengthening Nigeria’s refiningj capacity and advancing the country toward energy self-sufficiency.

    Dr. Edesiri noted that the decision underscores the administration’s commitment to building a resilient economy that prioritises local production, safeguards jobs, and boosts investor confidence.

    “President Tinubu has once again shown that he is a reform-minded leader who understands what it takes to build a stable economy. This import duty is not punitive—it is protective. It shields our local refineries from unfair competition, supports Nigerian workers, and secures the future of our oil and gas industry,” the statement reads.

    According to the CRVN, the policy will encourage investment, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The group added that the new import tax is expected to promote healthy competition, strengthen the naira, and boost government revenue for national development.

    “This policy is a win-win for government, industry, and the people. By curbing the influx of cheap imported fuel, we will be protecting the huge investments made in domestic refining. It is a practical step toward energy independence and national pride,” the statement added. 

    Edesiri noted that the measure aligns with the President’s broader reform agenda, which includes removing fuel subsidies, unifying the exchange rate, and expanding non-oil revenue sources to strengthen the economy.

    “Each of these reforms reflects a consistent and visionary economic direction. President Tinubu is not playing politics with policy. He is making tough but necessary decisions that will set Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth,” Edesiri said. 

    The CRVN urged the federal government to ensure that revenue generated from the import duty is transparently managed and invested in improving critical infrastructure, especially roads, power, and healthcare.

    The group also called on Nigerians to support the reforms, noting that the benefits of the current policies would soon become evident through improved local capacity, job creation, and economic stability.

    “We must be patient and support these policies. No country achieves self-sufficiency overnight. What we are witnessing is a deliberate rebuilding of our economy from within. It requires the cooperation of every Nigerian,” the group admonished.

    Edesiri commended the President’s vision for aligning Nigeria’s petroleum policy with international standards that prioritise domestic value addition over import dependence.

    “This 15 percent petroleum import duty is an act of national renewal. It will protect Nigerian refineries, stimulate growth, and secure jobs. We stand solidly behind the President and urge him to sustain these noble reforms that bring development closer to the common man.”

    The group reaffirmed its confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as “a man of courage, conviction, and vision” who is steering the country toward genuine economic independence.