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Declaration, lifting of emergency rule in Rivers won’t affect Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, says Arise
- …faults PDP, ADC, others for criticising President’s action
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ekiti state, Senator Ayodele Arise, at the weekend, declared that the imposition and lifting of the six months emergency rule in Rivers State will not affect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election chances in 2027.

He faulted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and those who continue to criticize the President’s imposition of the emergency rule:

Recall that President Tinubu had in March, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

The President subsequently appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as administrator “to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

The Rivers State Governor and his deputy have since resumed office along with the suspended lawmakers, following the expiration of the six months emergency rule.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Senator Arise noted that the actions instigated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara such as the demolition of the State Assembly building, actually posed a grave danger to representative government.

The Senator who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007- 2011 also recalled bombings of oil installations in Rivers State before the emergency proclamation, an action he described as inimical to the economic survival of the country.

Arise said: “By and large, we have to thank Mr. President for taking the decision he took, the situation in Rivers State before the emergency rule was proclaimed was almost getting out of hand.

“Following the demolition of the structure of democracy itself which is the State House of Assembly, the lawmakers could not sit and oil installations were being bombed and these necessitated the emergency rule that the President had to declare at that time.

“Governor Fubara’s actions against the State Assembly and the demolition thereafter actually gave a lot of room for a third party intervention, particularly the President.

“Being the President of the Federation, and the way tension was building in Rivers, a very important state when you look at our source of revenue, he had no choice but to act decisively.

“Rivers contributes a significant amount of money into the federation account, ditto other states in the Niger Delta region.

“Instigating violence there would drive away the engineers working in the oil rigs and those living in the Port Harcourt area. So if the place becomes ungovernable and people live in fear, the President would have failed in his responsibility if he didn’t take the action he took.”

“I believe the action taken by Mr. President will ensure that there is peace in Rivers State even though I am not privy to the peace deal.

“The governor has come out in clear terms to say that he wants peace. So those who believe that there must be perpetual acrimony between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, should begin to look in a different direction so that peace can reign in the interest of residents of Rivers State.”

Senator Arise equally dismissed insinuation that voters in Rivers State who were not happy with the President’s action would vote against him in the 2027 presidential election.

The APC chieftain who recalled that the APC won 14 out of the 23 local government in Rivers State in the last presidential election expressed confidence that the ruling party would retain its feat going by its performance in the last local government election conducted in Rivers State.

He declared that Governor Fubara like his colleagues in the Niger Delta region would align with the second term aspiration of President Tinubu.

He said, “Why will Fubara not identify himself with him and say, this man, I am all for him. Even if he says he isn’t, Wike will still defeat him in an election.

“So, anyway you look at it, I think the President is sitting pretty well in Rivers, particularly if you look at the number of employment, the people that Wike has put into jobs in the FCT from Rivers State. Those ones will go back home and go and work.

“Wike is still controlling the structures, the APC won in almost all the local government. Those ones, they will want to retain their jobs and they are the ones to do the job.

“They are closer to the grassroots, they are the local government chairmen and they will want to do things that will endear them to the people . So once he has that, he is already controlling the grassroots and that is what we will see.”
September 21, 2025
Adeola lauds First Lady Tinubu at 65

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC – Ogun West), has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 65th birthday anniversary, describing her as a true mother of the Nigeria nation.

Adeola in a statement by his media aide, Chief Kayode Odunaro, in Abuja, hailed the First Lady for her many firsts in her life including being a three term elected female Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the only woman to be a first lady at the state and federal level.

He described the First Lady as a blessing to many individuals including himself as well as to the Nigeria nation.

“I want to heartily rejoice with Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who I regard as my mother on this joyous landmark occasion.

“I thank God for her life and all she does for me, others and the nation. She is truly a patriotic Nigerian who has contributed immensely to the development of the nation” he said.

Senator Adeola commended the First Lady for her various humanitarian efforts to lift the women folk, the underprivileged and distressed Nigerians across the nation.

He added that her role in the faithful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) programme is a major contribution to national development.

He prayed for long life and good health with divine wisdom for the First Lady to continue to excel and contribute to the welfare of humanity and national development.

September 21, 2025
In Rivers, Tinubu walked into storm, steadiedship, brought it safely back to harbour

Last week was another of those periods when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seemed to operate quietly from the background, with fewer public appearances and personal engagements. Yet, it turned out to be a decisive week, one that underscored the weight of leadership not by sheer presence but by the quality of actions taken. The President returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening, cutting short his annual working vacation in Europe, and by the following day, he made one of the most consequential pronouncements of his administration: the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

The decision was not a routine announcement. It marked the conclusion of a difficult but necessary intervention that had occupied the national conversation for months. When President Tinubu proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, it was met with an outpouring of opinions—legal, political, and civic. Many described it as unconstitutional, a federal overreach, or a needless imposition. Yet, standing firm in his conviction, Tinubu had insisted that the declaration was the only available tool to halt the drift into anarchy in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.

Now, six months later, with the emergency lifted and democratic governance restored, the wisdom of that action shines through. What once seemed like a radical overreach has proven to be an act of foresight, averting what could have been a prolonged paralysis with grave consequences for both Rivers State and the nation at large.

At the heart of the Rivers crisis was a complete breakdown of governance. The Governor and the State House of Assembly were locked in open conflict, with only four lawmakers supporting the executive while 27 others lined up behind the Speaker in opposition. The standoff meant that the governor could not present an appropriation bill, leaving the machinery of government starved of funds. Critical economic assets, including vital oil pipelines, were increasingly exposed to vandalism, while legal disputes between both arms of government multiplied without resolution.

The situation was so dire that even the Supreme Court, in one of several judgments arising from the crisis, acknowledged that there was effectively “no government in Rivers State.” For a state that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth and stands as a hub of commercial activity, such paralysis was untenable.

Efforts at reconciliation, including interventions from elder statesmen and traditional rulers, failed to thaw the hardened positions of both camps. It was against this backdrop that Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Constitution to proclaim the state of emergency, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the House of Assembly for six months.

It was a painful decision, as the President himself admitted in his address last week. But it was also an act of responsibility, guided not by political expediency but by the need to preserve order, protect national assets, and safeguard the people of Rivers State from descending into chaos.

From the moment the proclamation was made, critics pounced. Legal experts questioned the validity of suspending duly elected officials. Rights activists argued that the will of the people had been undermined. Opposition politicians claimed it was an abuse of power. Over 40 cases were filed in courts across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa to challenge the emergency rule.

Tinubu, however, did not shy away from these voices of dissent. Rather, he welcomed them as part of the democratic process. As he reminded Nigerians in his address, “That is the way it should be in a democratic setting.” The courts, after all, exist to test the limits of executive power and ensure accountability. But he also stressed that the Constitution itself provides for a state of emergency precisely for moments when ordinary governance mechanisms collapse.

And collapse they did in Rivers. The President’s refusal to succumb to pressure and his insistence on deploying the constitutional safety valve showed not authoritarian impulse but democratic responsibility. It was the harder choice—one that carried political risk but was anchored in the broader interest of peace and order.

The six months of suspended governance were not a wasted period. On the contrary, they created a necessary pause, giving all parties the time and space to reflect. Without the daily theatrics of a hostile Assembly and an isolated executive, Rivers’ political actors were forced into sober consideration of the larger picture—the welfare of their people.

President Tinubu’s decision effectively pulled the brakes on a runaway conflict. It prevented the crisis from spilling into violent confrontations on the streets of Port Harcourt. It shielded critical oil infrastructure from opportunistic saboteurs. And most importantly, it gave the people of Rivers the assurance that the federation would not abandon them in their hour of governance collapse.

By September, intelligence available to the Presidency indicated a remarkable shift in attitudes. Stakeholders across the divide had begun to show “a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” to resume normal governance, as Tinubu noted in his declaration. The embattled governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule, once bitter rivals, had begun to signal a willingness to find common ground.

On Wednesday, President Tinubu announced the end of the emergency, effective midnight, and restored the governor, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly to their offices. With that, a painful chapter closed, and Rivers State re-entered the mainstream of democratic governance.

But the more significant outcome lies in the lesson it offers. By intervening when he did, Tinubu ensured that the people of Rivers would not remain hostages to political brinkmanship. He reminded governors and legislatures nationwide that power is a trust held in the service of citizens, not a weapon for factional battles.

“People who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism,” the President observed. His words cut to the core of the crisis—not just in Rivers, but as a warning to the entire federation.

What if Tinubu had not acted? The picture is chilling. Rivers might have remained without a functional government, with civil servants unpaid and state services grinding to a halt. The fragile peace of Port Harcourt could have broken into factional violence, spreading instability across the Niger Delta. Oil production, already beset with challenges, might have plummeted further. And Nigeria, at a delicate economic moment, could ill afford the turbulence.

By declaring an emergency, Tinubu prevented this grim scenario. In so doing, he showed not only political courage but also a deep sense of responsibility. Leadership, at its core, is the ability to make difficult choices that others shrink from.

Today, as Rivers State resumes normal governance, the wisdom of Tinubu’s action is apparent. What his critics derided as overreach has, in hindsight, proven to be a demonstration of goodwill and foresight. By absorbing the criticisms, braving the lawsuits, and standing firm in the storm, the President created the conditions for reconciliation.

Read Also: Tinubu’s Kaduna visit a political masterstroke beyond 2027 – DOJ

The people of Rivers now have a renewed opportunity to demand governance that works for their welfare and prosperity. Their leaders have been reminded that office is not a prize for partisan battles but a platform for service. And the nation has been shown, once again, that constitutional tools exist not as ornaments but as safeguards for democracy.

The Rivers state of emergency will remain one of the defining moments of Tinubu’s presidency. It illustrates the delicate balance between respecting democratic freedoms and ensuring that democracy itself does not collapse under the weight of reckless politics.

By bringing the emergency to an end after six months—no longer, no shorter—Tinubu demonstrated both firmness and restraint. He neither prolonged extraordinary measures unnecessarily nor shirked from wielding them when required. In doing so, he reinforced the principle that governance exists for the people and that no political stalemate should ever compromise their welfare.

Leadership is sometimes about walking into storms others flee. In Rivers, Tinubu walked into the storm, steadied the ship, and brought it safely back to harbour. And for that, the people of Rivers—and indeed Nigeria—owe him a measure of gratitude.

Meanwhile, besides the Rivers emergency rule expiration and his pronouncement of the return of proper democracy, President Tinubu’s week was marked by other events and activities, both solemn reflection and significant engagements, with his visit to the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna taking centre stage.

On Friday, the President assured Buhari’s widow, Aisha, and other family members that his administration would uphold the legacy of honesty, patriotism, and integrity left behind by the late leader. “A loss in flesh is not a loss in the spirit, and the spirit that he left with us is a spirit of hard work, dedication, patriotism and honesty, and we are doing that,” Tinubu said, pledging to carry forward Buhari’s values for the unity and progress of Nigeria. In her response, Mrs Buhari described the visit as a source of comfort and urged Nigerians to emulate her husband’s virtues.

The President’s presence in Kaduna also extended to a more joyous occasion as he attended the wedding of Nasirudeen Abdulaziz Yari, son of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to Safiyya Shehu Idris. At the Sultan Bello Mosque, Tinubu formally received the bride’s hand-in-marriage on behalf of the Yari family and advised the young couple to build their union on faith and mutual respect.

Earlier in the week, the President approved portfolios for five new executive directors of the North Central Development Commission, underscoring his commitment to regional development. He also congratulated Nigerian achievers, including business leader Farouk Gumel, hurdler Tobi Amusan, and transport engineer Biodun Otunola, for their feats on the global stage. Midweek, he hailed former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu on his birthday, while on Thursday, he condoled with families affected by the tragic fire at Afriland Towers in Lagos, urging greater vigilance to avert future disasters.

The President capped the week with tributes to HID Awolowo on her 10th remembrance anniversary, congratulations to FAAN boss Olubunmi Kuku on her election as ACI Africa Vice-President, and heartfelt condolences over the passing of renowned physician Prof Oyinade Elebute. He also joined Nigerians in celebrating music icon 2Baba at 50, lauding his artistry and global impact.

September 21, 2025
2027: CPC bloc restates backing for Tinubu, denies Atiku endorsement
- Ex-state chairmen demand APC addresses alleged marginalisation
- Presidency to ADC: Tinubu delivered stability, peace in Rivers
The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change yesterday reiterated its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

It also distanced itself from the recent visit of some of its members to the Abuja residence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, describing it as the personal decision of a few individuals who did not represent the position of the group.

The Forum also urged the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress to address what it called the continued marginalisation of the CPC bloc within the APC.

Former Vice President Atiku, who has since renounced his membership of the PDP, is reportedly wooing many opposition figures to rally round him in a bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Although he is yet to declare for any of the existing political parties, there are indications that the ex-Vice President will formally join the African Democratic Congress ahead of the polls.

Already, CPC chieftains including former governors of Kaduna and Rivers states, Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, have teamed up with Atiku to work against Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Earlier in the week, Atiku had taken to his social media handles to announce the visit of some ex-CPC state chairmen, stressing that he advised them to encourage their supporters to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.

However, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman); Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary); Olalekan Obolo (South West Coordinator); Enyinnaya Nnachi (South East Coordinator) and Ahmad Dawayo (North East and North West Coordinator), the Forum clarified that out of its 37 members, only 16 have pledged their support to Atiku while 20 others are in the same boat with President Tinubu.

The statement claimed that allies of the opposition have been pressuring the forum with offer of financial incentives to dump the APC in preparation for 2027.

The statement reads in part: “We wish to categorically state that 20 members of the group remain committed to the All Progressives Congress.

“We wish to state clearly that for some time now our Forum has been put under intense pressure, which includes financial gratification by opposition leaders, which accounts for why nine of our members succumbed to their pressure a few months ago and seven others joined them only last week as it appears they could no longer resist the pressure.

“As we speak, however, 20 of us remain unwavering as we have lost one of our members from Borno State.

“This moment, however, calls for reflection, especially by the presidency and the APC leadership, to urgently address the continued neglect of the CPC bloc, particularly the Forum of State Chairmen, who are feeling increasingly alienated.

“Without the fear of sounding immodest, we remain the direct link to the grassroots structures that gave the CPC its national relevance, and we were the chairmen that worked with President Muhammadu Buhari of blessed memory to achieve the much touted 12.5 million votes.”

The group noted that the gathering of the CPC elements at Atiku’s residence was nothing short of a move to give the former Vice President a misleading impression of “widespread support.”

Reaffirming its loyalty, the Forum expressed support for the leadership of the defunct CPC bloc, led by Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Aminu Masari, and Tajudeen Abbas.

“We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand for better patronage just as we pray that the Almighty God shall continue to guide Mr President and indeed all our leaders,” the statement added.

Loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari, under the aegis of the Forum of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had recently declared support for President Bola Tinubu.

The declaration came amidst speculations that Buhari’s loyalists were displeased with Tinubu and were planning leave the ruling party en masse.

Read Also: CCII rallies Ibadan indigenes for Ladoja’s coronation

Those who met in Abuja in May and declared support for the president included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas who sent in his apologies; Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda; the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, who also sent in his apologies; Foreign Affairs minister, Maitama Tuggar; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Almakura; former Katsina State Governor and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Bello Masari and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, General Buba Marwa (rtd).

Others included a former Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika; former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria VoN, Osita Okechukwu, former presidential aide, Okoi Obono Obla, former National Secretary of the APC, Arc. Waziri Bulama, former House of Representatives member, Farouk Adamu and many others.

Presidency to ADC: Tinubu delivered stability, peace in Rivers

The Presidency yesterday dismissed criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over President Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State emergency rule.

It argued that the President’s intervention delivered stability, restored democratic institutions and returned peace to the state.

In a post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, described ADC’s allegations of autocracy, manipulation and undermining federalism as “laughable” and an exercise in “nuisance politics.”

Dare said the President acted constitutionally under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), invoking emergency powers to prevent bloodshed and restore governance at a time of grave threat to law and order in Rivers State.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear: under Section 305, the President has the power — and the duty — to act when law and order are under grave threat.

“What the President delivered is stability, the return of democratic institutions, and peace in Rivers State.

“Nigerians can see the difference: President Tinubu acted right. That is what posterity will remember him for,” Dare said.

He dismissed ADC’s claims of federal manipulation, noting that officials in Rivers were not reduced to presidential appointees but rather protected from chaos until conditions allowed for their reinstatement.

“To accuse the President of undermining federalism is laughable; as a former governor, no Nigerian alive presently has fought harder for state autonomy than Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“What ADC offers Nigerians is late pontification and empty noise. What the President delivered is stability, peace and order,” Dare said.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu’s decision was neither whimsical nor partisan, but a constitutional necessity to protect the state and, by extension, the federation.

It’s Tinubu or nothing in 2027, Lagos LCDA declares

In another show of support for the President yesterday, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, expressed strong conviction that the 2027 election will be a walk over for President Tinubu.

Obasa made the declaration at the launch of a Tinubu 2027 support group in Ojokoro LCDA of Lagos State.

At the carnival-like event which took place at the local government playing ground, Obasa commended the council for taking the initiative to mobilize support for Tinubu, urging them to match their words with actions.

He said: “The President is doing wonderfully well. Within two years, his achievements are unprecedented. We can imagine what more he will still do. Let’s play our parts by being available to our people and by drawing them closer.

“If we do this, I am sure the election will be a walkover for APC and President Bola Tinubu come 2027.”

The coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Oltu, the lawmaker representing Ijaiye II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, had earlier declared that the move became necessary to prove that the council area remains Tinubu’s stronghold.

The Chairman House Committee on Agriculture said the council had put structures in place to galvanise mass support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

2027: Kwara South leaders root for Tinubu

Political leaders and opinion moulders from Kwara South senatorial district have declared that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has attracted recognition and opportunities to the area..

They accordingly encouraged the President to throw his hat in the ring for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at the Kwara South Leaders’ Roundtable in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, said the district had every reason to align with President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the appointments and federal attention given to their people.

The roundtable was themed “Unity for Progress: Charting a Sustainable Future for Kwara South.”

“There will be a new Kwara South. You will be inspired, you will be taught a new lesson, and you will see the changes yourself.

“If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not making Nigeria a great nation, I would not remain in APC,” he said.

Senator Ashiru said the endorsement was driven by a vision for progress and not politics, adding that “we are saying this because we want Nigeria to be great. We are saying it because we want Kwara South to develop.

“The President has recognised us and has done so much for us. The best thing any leader can stand on is the interest of his people.”

Ashiru also praised Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s strides in education, especially in Kwara South, urging him not to retire after 2027 but take on bigger responsibilities at the national level.

He further expressed his support for any son or daughter of Kwara South who may contest the governorship in future.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye, also emphasised that unity is the foundation for development.

“Kwara South desires a platform for unity. Only when we are united can we think of development.

“We must also appreciate our Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the wonderful work he is doing,” he noted.

In his remarks, one of the opinion moulders in the district, Chief Abiodun Dada, called for political harmony among stakeholders, stressing that unity is the key to sustainable growth in the district.

“Our elders say one tree cannot make a forest. In the same way, no single town or group can build the future of Kwara South alone. Unity is the very heartbeat of development”, he said.

Dada highlighted the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Kwara South has never enjoyed the kind of recognition it has now, pointing to appointments such as the Deputy Senate Leader, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Group Managing Director of NNPCL.

“Have we enjoyed political patronage like this before? The answer is no. This is a clear indication that Kwara South has a greater future in this dispensation”, he stated, urging leaders to work towards securing the governorship in 2027.

Former APC chairman in Kwara State, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, aligned with the resolution, commending the people of Kwara South for coming together to endorse President Tinubu.

“Genuine, dedicated, courageous, progressive, forward-looking people of Kwara South have gathered here to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office given his track record,” Bolarinwa said.
September 21, 2025
Tinubu’s Kaduna visit a political masterstroke beyond 2027 – DOJ

The Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) have described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Kaduna State as a political masterstroke that extends beyond the 2027 general elections.

National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, in a statement, said Tinubu’s political journey was not ordinary but divinely orchestrated, stressing that his emergence and resilience were guided by grace, foresight and destiny.

According to him, Tinubu had gone far ahead on the 2027 path even before contesting in 2023, adding that his calmness should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Those who underestimate him are playing a dangerous game. Tinubu is not only strategic; he is divinely shielded and destined to succeed,” he declared.

Alawuje likened Tinubu’s critics to eagles grumbling at the vulture, warning that those attacking the President on ethnic grounds would only end up deepening divisions.

“Their moves will backfire politically, socially and spiritually,” he said.

Read Also: How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

He argued that the battle for 2027 was already over before it began, noting that the real contest was fought and won in 2023.

“Anyone who contributed to Tinubu’s victory in 2023 cannot undo their support. It is too late. Victory is not built on popularity contests but on divine will and strategic alliances,” he said.

The DOJ leader said those currently raising their voices against Tinubu were only seeking relevance ahead of 2031.

“Their noise is necessary for democracy, but it will not alter the reality of Tinubu’s mandate,” he added.

He insisted that Nigerians must come to terms with Tinubu’s leadership as part of God’s plan for the nation, describing the President as “a divine project.”

Reaffirming loyalty, Alawuje said the DOJ would remain committed to the Tinubu project “as long as he continues to work for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.”

September 21, 2025
Tinubu grants automatic employment to children of late FCT HoS

President Bola Tinubu has approved automatic employment for the four children of the late Head of the Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Grace Adayilo.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Saturday during the funeral service at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

Top government officials, civil servants, family and friends gathered to pay their last respects to Adayilo.She died recently in Abuja.

Wike described her death as a painful loss, noting that she was a committed, humble and diligent public servant whose contributions to the FCT Administration would be missed.

The Minister praised Adayilo’s dedication to duty, recalling how she discharged her responsibilities with passion and without excuses.

He noted that she was instrumental in ensuring timely payment of salaries and entitlements for civil servants, while also being a respected mobilizer within her community.

Wike said: ” We all know that we will die one day, that is guaranteed.

“When you get to meet with people in life, you know that there are people that you will never pray to miss. There are people you work with in life, you want it to continue.

“It becomes more painful when there is no sign that somebody whom you are relating with, somebody you are working with, he just comes to work and the next day you hear that the person is no longer there, the person has passed on. It is very, very painful. I have worked with people of different categories.

“When I came to FCT in August 2023, I have worked with civil servants from the state, from the local government, and down to the federal level. I can see that there is a difference, that there are people who are so passionate, and committed to every assignment you give them. I didn’t know her personally, but I think I saw her when she was appointed and was the first set of permanent secretaries appointed by Mr. President.

“Of course, all of us know that before this period, there were no permanent secretaries in FCTA. Permanent secretaries were been posted from the federal civil service, but by the grace of God, Mr. President changed that to encourage the civil servants who will retire when they get to their director level, and that has given so many people the opportunity to be appointed as permanent secretaries. And that was my first time, I can say I met her.

“On behalf of Federal Capital Territory administration on behalf of Mr. President, I want to say, sorry. We send our condolences to the families, to the children and extended family.

“Mr. President has directed me to give the four children automatic employment. Because, Mr. President understands, that now that there is no bread winner for them to survive. She is all and all for the family”.

September 20, 2025
Kaduna: For President Tinubu, a resounding political validation

By Sunday Dare

It was another journey to Kaduna by President Bola Tinubu. It was one to demonstrate the depth of friendship and showcase the value of commitment to the ties that bind.

Kaduna, once the undisputed epicentre of northern Nigeria’s politics, still retains its aura as the crucible of power and influence in the region. More than a city, Kaduna is the spiritual and intellectual home of the north — a melting pot where history, politics, and culture intersect.

Kaduna houses the famous Arewa House, the intellectual sanctuary dedicated to the study and preservation of northern Nigeria’s history. It was here that the foundations of northern political consciousness were forged.

From 1917 until 1967, Kaduna served as the capital of the old Northern Region, the administrative heartbeat of half of Nigeria. Abuja may be the seat of federal power now, but Kaduna was once the furnace from which national leadership was moulded.

This is the city that birthed the famed Kaduna Mafia — a loose but powerful network of northern technocrats, politicians, military brass and businessmen who quietly shaped policy and leadership recruitment in Nigeria, while also defending northern interests across decades.

Kaduna is also the city of the Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and his contemporaries: Ali Akilu, Hassan Katsina, R. B. Dikko, and later, the erudite historian Bala Usman. It is the spiritual base of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the political launch pad of late President Muhammadu Buhari, whose reach across the north — and indeed Nigeria — was unmatched in modern times.

Time and again, Kaduna has been the place to which the north retreats to recalibrate and relaunch — whether during the military era when key decisions were hatched in smoky rooms, or in the democratic dispensation when alignments and re-alignments found their root. From crises resolved within its walls to alliances born in its corridors, Kaduna’s pedigree as the lodestar of northern politics remains unchallenged.

It was into this charged political environment, months after opponents had fanned narratives of hostility to him, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose to walk boldly. Whispers of “a no-go area” hung in the air: the opposition had spread a conspiratorial message that the north “hated” Tinubu and the APC support base would abandon him in future elections. But the President, true to his character, came unafraid — carrying with him the fruits of loyalty to old friendships and the evidence of sound policies beginning to touch lives.

Breaking myths in few hours:

In less than five hours, long-held myths dissolved, stereotypes shattered, and sentiments shifted. From the streets to the mosques, the connection between the people and their President was instant. The excitement was palpable, their smiles wide, their chants loud. Kaduna — once whispered as hostile terrain — showed love, loyalty, and warmth.

President Tinubu moved with aplomb, from a wedding ceremony to a condolence visit, demonstrating not only his respect for tradition but also his personal touch as a leader. In both joy and sorrow, he stood with the people, embodying the compassion and humility expected of true statesmanship. Kaduna felt it; Nigeria saw it.

Politics without bitterness:

Perhaps the most symbolic moment came inside the Sultan Bello Mosque. There, political giants from across the spectrum gathered — from PDP to Labour, from ADC to APC stalwarts. Among them was former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, a long-time critic and one of Tinubu’s fiercest opponents. Only weeks earlier, Lamido had falsely accused Tinubu of supporting the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election — an accusation that was without basis.

Yet when Lamido approached, President Tinubu did not recoil, nor offer a cold shoulder. Instead, he welcomed him with an expansive smile and hearty laughter. Their exchange was brief, warm, and telling. For many inside that mosque, it was a masterclass in citizen diplomacy, showing that politics can be practiced without bitterness.

It was also deeply symbolic: Lamido himself had once served as National Secretary in then Senator Tinubu’s days of the Social Democratic Party. The President’s gesture of camaraderie sent a powerful signal. Leadership, he showed, is not about grudges but about building bridges.

The effect was immediate. The politicians present, hardened veterans of the northern firmament, saw a President secure in his mandate and magnanimous in his dealings. It was a subtle but strong reminder: Tinubu is President for all Nigerians, not just for his supporters.

The power of friendship and loyalty:

The visit was crowned by an emotional stop at the home of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. After a befitting burial in Daura and a special FEC session in his honour, Tinubu’s journey to Kaduna to console Buhari’s widow and family underscored one of his defining traits: loyalty.

He did not go alone. The Kaduna State Governor led the way, flanked by governors from Ondo, Kwara, Niger, Sokoto, and four former governors of Zamfara. Senate Deputy President Barau and Senate Majority Leader Bamidele were also present. It was a show of solidarity that cut across regions and political lines — a testament to the respect Buhari commanded, and the loyalty Tinubu preserves.

Kaduna as metaphor for northern political sophistication:

Kaduna’s history has always been one of sophistication, strategy, and symbolism. The city’s political pedigree is unmatched; its corridors steeped in the legacies of giants. President Tinubu’s visit tapped into this heritage — not as an outsider, but as a leader with cosmopolitan support, bridging divides, disarming critics, and reaffirming friendships.

The lesson from Kaduna is clear: Nigerian politics, at its best, is about maturity, tolerance, and loyalty. It is about recalibration, not recrimination, unity, not division. And in Kaduna, the north delivered a resounding message — that behind President Tinubu stands not just a mandate, but a coalition rooted in history, friendship, and shared destiny.

Kaduna has come of age once more. And in its rebirth, it offered Nigeria a glimpse of the leadership the times demand and the promise of the backing of one of the most sophisticated political blocks on the continent.

-Dare is the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication

September 20, 2025
Tinubu has put creative economy on growth path -Abubakar

The National Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, Abubakar Yakubu, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the growth and development of the nation’s creative sector for enhanced contribution to national economy.

The AGN scribe gave the commendation in a recent chat with newsmen in Abuja, adding that the President’s Renewed Hope mantra was already reflecting in the creative sector.

He stressed that as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy mainstay from oil, its robust creative industry was a veritable alternative if given adequate attention, lamenting that successive governments have paid little or no attention to the sector.

Yakubu, however, noted that President Tinubu broke the jinx by taking the bold step to create a stand-alone Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in 2023.

According to him: “With the creation of the historic stand-alone ministry, the entertainment industry and the creative economy at large in Nigeria has received unprecedented government involvement and guidance.”.

“You know, President Tinubu has been a man who believes in inclusivity and support for creativity, and he demonstrated that during his time as governor of Lagos State.

“He’s a very creative man, he came and has expressed that by setting up a separate ministry for us because he understands the role of creativity and how the world is changing, as creative talents now rule the world.

“He has a special love for us, not just the film industry , but the entire creative space and he has so far demonstrated this by building the right environment in the form of good policy direction and infrastructures for creativity to thrive in Nigeria.”

The AGN National Secretary also lauded Minister of Arts, Culture,Tourism and Creative Economy , Hannatu Musawa for her passion in championing the administration’s reforms for the sector.

He noted:“The minister has so far shown genuine interest in what we are doing as creatives and this was clearly demonstrated in her support when the AGN national office was formally opened here in the FCT some few months back.

“With our National Secretariat now in the nation’s capital, we hope to work closely with all relevant authorities in the collective effort towards ensuring that the industry contributes more to GDP and creates jobs for teeming Nigerian talents.”

Yakubu, who has served as the Guild’s National Secretary in the past six years, is vying for the office of the National President in an election slated to hold later in the year, as the tenure of the current leadership of the guild comes to an end soon.

According to him, having been part of a team that worked tirelessly to stabilize the guild in recent years, he understands the dynamics of leading actors of the second largest film industry in the world, and has decided to bring his wealth of experience to bear in order to consolidate on the giant strides the guild has recorded.

He stressed: “ I have been the National Secretary for six years now, and I was also part of the government that initiated peace, under this current National present president when he was the National Secretary.

“I was the National PRO under the government of national unity ,and we championed the idea of having to bring peace, stability and unity to our noble guild after challenging times,” he said.

If elected National President , Yakubu, a graduate of Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), would be the first thespian from northern Nigeria to emerge helmsman of the AGN in its over 25 years of existence, a trajectory many industry players and watchers have described as ideal and apt for even representation of the nation’s thriving film industry-Nollywod.

September 20, 2025
Tinubu, Atiku, Kwakwanso, others to grace Ladoja’s coronation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Kano Governor, Rabiu Kwakwanso and others are part of dignitaries expected at the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Rasidi Ladoja.

Tinubu and Ladoja served at the Senate during the aborted third Republic. Aside that, while Tinubu was serving his second term as Lagos State Governor, Ladoja was also serving as Oyo Governor.

Ladoja is billed to be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland next Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja, few days ago while recieving some visitors who came to paid him courtesy visit at his Bodija residence, said Tinubu and other top dignitaries have promised to be in attendance at his coronation.

Chairman of the Coronation Committee of the 44th Olubadan, Chief Bayo Oyero while speaking with journalists during a press conference held at Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan also confirmed that President Tinubu and other top eminent personalities would be in attendance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Oyero described installation of Ladoja as the new Olubadan as a great cultural and historical significant, adding that the installation will not just be a coronation but reaffirmation of unique and timeless chieftaincy system of Ibadanland.

He said Ibadan succession process is a testament to it’s democratic and orderly tradition, a system that has ensured peace and stability for generation.

He said: “The ascension of Oba Ladoja is a journey of many years back, a path meticulously followed and guided by the wisdom of the ancestors.”

He noted that Ladoja, being a former Senator, Governor, and now Olubadan will be equipped with unique understanding of the grassroots to the corridor of power.

He however said Ibadan people are confident that Ladoja would bring his wealth of experience to the throne, leading Ibadanland into a new era of progress, peace and prosperity.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo described Olubadan stool as a revered stool and pride cultural identity not just to Ibadanland, but Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

He said Ladoja’s coronation signified unity, peace and fundamental celebration of Yoruba heritage.

September 20, 2025
‘Tinubu’s tax reforms most audacious in Nigeria’s history – Olori

Elder statesman and renowned businessman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has described the tax reforms introduced by the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu as the most audacious since Nigeria’s Independence.

Speaking during a briefing in Ughelli, Delta State, Olori, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, stated that the reforms represent the administration’s most significant achievement to date, asserting that the measures would steer Nigeria towards rapid economic development.

“President Tinubu deserves commendation for these audacious tax reforms. No Nigerian leader (President) has taken such a daring and courageous decision in the country’s history. As a businessman with over 60 years of experience, this is the best decision any Nigerian President could make. This is highly commendable,” Olori said.

A major investor in the real estate, hospitality, and oil and gas sectors, Olori emphasised the importance of sound economic policy, especially tax reform, for any nation striving for progress, urging Nigerians to be grateful for the emergence of President Tinubu at a time he described as a critical juncture for the country.

“President Tinubu met a dead economy from the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerian governments at all levels were finding it difficult to pay salaries and execute projects. But for the bold decision of the President to remove fuel subsidy, there is now surplus funds, even for councils, to execute projects at the grassroot level,” Olori stated.

According to him, the reforms are already creating fiscal space for development, and would also resolve long-standing issues such as multiple taxation and under-taxation that have discouraged investment.

“The tax reforms will, among many things, fix myriads of tax challenges, especially multiple taxation, which has forced many businesses to flee the country. I can confidently tell you that many foreign investors will rush back to do business with the government,” he added.

Olori also called for transparency and sincere implementation in order to ensure the long-term success of the reforms.

He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of Aviation, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), for the “tremendous achievements” in their respective ministries.

“If Wike remains the minister of the FCT beyond 2027, Abuja would witness unprecedented infrastructural growth. I just returned from the FCT and what Wike is doing there on behalf of Mr. President is so massive. Wike has surpassed the record of any other minister of the FCT. I commend his infrastructural drive and his hunger to achieve more,” he said.

On Keyamo’s performance, he noted: “Another minister in the Tinubu’s government is Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN. His record in the aviation cannot be compared. Nigeria under him is signing all necessary agreements to expand our aviation space in the world. Our airports are wearing new looks. I hope he extend his giant strides to Osubi airport.”

Olori also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership in Delta State, particularly in terms of infrastructure and fostering peace among the diverse ethnic groups in the region.

“With the achievements on ground, Deltans would re-elect him for a second term in 2027,” he declared.

September 20, 2025