Home Blog Page 1603

Conferment Of OFR On Pinnick Generates Mixed Reactions

May 30, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Conferment of Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR, on former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has generated reactions among sports loving Nigerians who questioned the rationale behind the award on the seasoned sports administrator.

Most importantly, some football enthusiasts insist that the former NFF boss is underserved of the prestigious award, citing his failures as the boss of the nation’s highest football governing body, particularly the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Others are angry with his leadership style, alleged arrogance, and high handedness, stressing that he doesn’t merit the coveted national honour bestowed on him.

Michael Anakwe, a Sport analyst, faulted the decision of former President Muhammadu Buhari to honour Pinnick, describing the action as rewarding failure.

He said, “It is disheartening how we treat things with levity. In saner climes, Pinnick would have resigned after the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for such global showpiece, rather, he waited for his tenure to elapse before leaving the saddle. It is that same person you are honoring shows that we have lost it as a nation as we celebrate mediocre”.

For Seun Femi Towobola, another sport analyst Pinnick did not take Nigeria’s football to the height expected of him as a seasoned administrator of the round leather game.

According to him, “Despite the misimpression created about his person and tenure, through biased criticisms and unrestrained reactions to differences in perspectives or boardroom politics, the government saw through it all, knew better and has now been moved to confer on him the fourth highest national honours, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.

“It is an award well deserved and I wish him well in his future endeavours”.

In his own reaction, Paul Obioha, said Pinnick administration wasn’t the only one that failed to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup, going down memory lane, he said the leadership of the NFF in 2006 also failed in qualifying Nigeria for to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

He said, “We should stop castigating or blaming the Pinnick administration, it has performed brilliantly well. Under his watch, the nation’s football enclave enjoyed successes in all ramifications. It is an honour well deserved. We don’t need to be hypocritical.

“If you could recall that the NFF leadership in 2006 after the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup said that going to the World Cup isn’t Nigeria’s birthright, and heaven didd not fall”, Obioha stated.

Pinnick was the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, for two terms, before handing over to the incumbent NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau.

But his terms was rocked by series of attacks from those who believe that his performance was below expectations, his opponents almost frustrated his bid into CAF and FIFA positions.

But characteristic of him, he braved the odds against him, and went ahead to reposition Nigerian football, according to his supporters, who claimed that Pinnick may not have delivered 100 Percent for the National Team, the Super Eagles, they say witnessed some achievements under him as NFF boss.

Under him, the Super Eagles made it to the Russia 2018 World Cup; the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, 2019 and 2023, in a row as well as the 2019 AFCON, in which the Super Eagles finished with a bronze, and the 2021 edition.

Nigeria also won laurels such as champions of the Chile 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup; bronze medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympic football event; champions at the 2014, 2016 and 2018 Women Africa Cup of Nations; the triumph of the U23 and U20 in Senegal Africa Cup of Nations; the 2018 WAFU U17 Championship; and the Rabat 2019 Women’s African Games football tournament at which the men’s team also had the silver.

The country also finished with silver medals at the 2018 African Nations Championship; the 2017 and 2021 WAFU U17 Cup; the 2016 and 2018 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations; and bronze in men’s football at the 2015 African Games.

According to his citation, the award was conferred on him for achieving financial autonomy for the NFF through sponsorship marketing and partnership building with the private sector and brands, from zero to almost 80 percent, as confirmed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a global leader in accounting and auditing.

This was hallmarked not only by Pinnick’s ability to bring back ace kit company, Nike, to the sponsorship of Nigeria football, but the fact that the Super Eagles jersey for the 2018 FIFA World Cup broke world record in global demand and sales, thus putting the Nigerian national team in the hearts of global fans.

This was confirmed by CNBC, a leading American cable network news:

“…you can find soccer fans worldwide proudly displaying their country’s jerseys — but you’d be hard-pressed to find a team kit as in demand as that of Nigeria’s Super Eagles…Prior to its official June 1 release date, Nike had already received 3 million pre-orders for the jersey…That sets a new pre-order record for an African team and even some of the biggest soccer clubs in the world. To put that into perspective, top-three soccer club Manchester United sold the most jerseys globally in 2016, with 2.85 million sales, ” CNBC said.

His other achievements include significant sponsorship from top brands such as Nigerian Breweries, Air Peace, Cadbury, MTN, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Aiteo, Coca-Cola, Revolution Plus and Premier Lotto.

These milestones were achieved, some say, despite his turbulent tenure as NFF president.

Senate Presidency: Kalu Aligns With Yari’s Camp

Akinwale Kasali

May 30, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The race for the Senate Presidency of the 10th Assembly is getting more intriguing as Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu is not resting on his oars in getting to the coveted seat.

The former Abia State Governor has revealed his alliance with the Senator-elect, Abdul’aziz Yari’s camp for the position of 10th Senate Presidency.

Though, there are feelers that the All Progressives Congress, APC, and majority of its members in the hallowed Chamber of the Senate are queuing behind Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio for the 10th Senate Presidency Seat, but Kalu is not leaving any stone unturned in his determination to get the nod.

Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District has revealed that he would not step down for anybody, adding that he was mulling an alignment with Yari’s camp.

“Well, I cannot step down for anybody. Yes, you are right. We are talking with Yari.

“Our group and his people are talking. We are in intimate partnership and talking to make sure that no one zone can produce a senate president.

“Like I used to tell you, no one zone can produce a president for Nigeria.

“It’s the same thing for senate president. What we are trying to play with Sen. Yari is a united partnership that works for Nigeria,” he said.

Kalu further stated that in the coming days and weeks, those partnerships would be unveiled.

“You will see what the partnership looks like. We are in serious talks. Yes, I cannot deny it. Yari is a friend of mine and I’m his friend, and we decided to talk together.

“We have been talking for the past four weeks and the talks will be unveiled by our sponsors.

“He (Yari) has his sponsors and I have mine. So the sponsors will come together to decide what direction this partnership will go,’’ he said.

He said he would be very happy to follow what the sponsors would say, adding that Yari also would be happy to follow what the sponsors would want them to do.

“We are two gentlemen; both of us are not hitting the nail. We are only thinking of the integrity of the senate and to support President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima who are our colleagues.

“If you, press people, are thinking that what happened during Saraki will also happen now. No, it will never happen again in Nigeria’s political life.

“We remember we cited a section of the law that there must be two-thirds of the senators before you are sworn in.

“Few people sitting somewhere and making decision on who become the senate president is no longer functional.

“What is functional is for all of us to sit together and decide on who gets what.

“It’s a game; it’s a contest, and we will congratulate whoever wins. If we win, let people congratulate us; if other people win, we will also congratulate them.

“They are our colleagues. We will be together in the next four years in the chamber. We are not enemies; it’s a contest,” he said.

Kalu assured that the 10th senate would not disappoint Nigerians.

“We are not going to disappoint Nigerians. We are capable of representing ourselves. Whether Yari-Kalu or Kalu-Yari, we will not disappoint Nigerians.

“We will give Nigerians what they want. We will support the Federal Government and Nigerians will not be disappointed,” he said

Governor Kabir Yusuf Partners With NDLEA, Constitutes Special JTF To Curb Drug Menace In Kano State

The Source

May 30, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The high rate of drug menace in Kano State has prompted the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to curb the anomalies in the State.

The Governor who expressed his readiness to fight drug abuse and phone theft, alongside other social crimes in the state, has however constituted a Special Joint Taskforce against phone snatching and other crimes within the Kano metropolis.

He stated his commitment to bring an halt to the drug menace in the State during his visit to Kiru Reformatory Centre, on Tuesday, his first day at work. He was accompanied by the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abubakar Idris Ahmad.

He said his administration is ready to cleanse the streets of social crimes.

“My first port of call after the inauguration, yesterday, was the Kiru Reformatory School, which will be fully reopened soonest for the purpose of rehabilitating drug addicts.

“Due to the persistent cases of armed robbery, especially phone snatching, and other violent crimes being perpetrated on the streets of our State, we have constituted a Special Joint Taskforce to battle phone snatching and other street crimes.

“This Taskforce comprises teams from law enforcement agencies and mobile courts that would work together to clear our streets of these criminals and bring all of them to justice swiftly,” he explained.

According to a statement issued and signed by the Acting Kano NDLEA spokesman, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, Governor Yusuf expressed his readiness to collaborate with NDLEA to curb drug abuse in the state.

He explained that the State Government’s commitment is commendable, and the people are happy to have him on board in raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse, and creating a drug-free society.

“We would like to urge the general public to join us in this crusade against drugs and other vices.

“Together, we can make Kano State and Nigeria at large, drug-free,” he stated.

Jonathan Mourns Dokpesi, Describes Him As Humane Entrepreneur, Bridge Builder

The Source

May 30, 2023

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed sadness over the passing of the founder of DAAR Communications High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, stating that the country has lost a true patriot and fair-minded nation builder.

In a condolence message to the Dokpesi family and DAAR Communications, the former President described him as a successful entrepreneur, media mogul and philanthropist who took the art of giving to a new level and made significant contributions to human progress.

Dr. Jonathan who was one of the early sympathisers to visit the Dokpesi family in Abuja last Monday, noted that he cultivated the kind of friendship with Dokpesi that stood the test of time.

The former President stated: “He was a humane businessman and philanthropist who took the art of giving and human relations to a new level.

“As a patriot and politician, he exemplified the virtues of loyalty, justice and service. A team player and bridge builder, High Chief Dokpesi played the kind of politics that promoted friendship, ethnic cohesion and national unity.

“High Chief Dokpesi will be remembered for his works of charity, devotion to his faith and inspiring leadership, especially serving as a trailblazer who pioneered private broadcasting and played a major role in advancing media freedom in Nigeria.”

Ikechukwu Eze
Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Subsidy Removal: Kyari Opens Up, Says FG Owes NNPCL N2.8 Trillion

Akinwale Kasali

May 30, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the announcement of Fuel Subsidy Removal by President Bola Tinubu in his inaugural address, long queues in Filing Stations all across the country have appeared. The product is, now, being sold at the rate of N600 Per liter. And some which some filling stations have closed shop, and refused to sell.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL has told Nigerians not to engage in panic buying as the products is available.

However, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, on Tuesday, in Abuja said the Federal Government owes the company N2.8 trillion spent on fuel subsidy.

Kyari, who made this disclosure after a closed door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. Aso Rock, said that the NNPCL is anxiously waiting for the FG to settle the N2.8tn of NNPC’s cash flow from the subsidy regime, and cannot continue to build on this.

Kyari also affirmed the stance of President Tinubu on Subsidy Removal, saying that the subsidy payment is no longer tenable as it makes it difficult for the company to fund its core businesses.

He said “Since the provision of the six trillion Naira in 2022, and N3.7tn in 2023, we have not received any payment whatsoever from the Federation.

“That means they (Federal Government) are unable to pay and we’ve continued to support this subsidy from the cash flow of the NNPC. That is, when we net off our fiscal obligations of taxes and royalty, there’s still a balance that we’re funding from our cash flow. And that has become very, very difficult and affecting our other operations.

“We’re not able to keep some of these cash for invest on our core businesses. And the end result is that it can be a huge challenge for the company and we have highlighted this severally to government that they must compensate and NNPC they must pay back an NNPC for the money that we have spent on the subsidy.”

Speaking further, Kyari who said that NNPCL has footed petrol subsidy from its cash flow said the government is unable to payback the N2.8tn spent so far.

“So today the country don’t have the money to pay for subsidy. There’s incremental value that will come from it. But it is not an issue of whether you can do it or not because today we can’t afford it and they are not able to pay our bill. That comes to how much is the federation owing NNPC now.

“Today, we are waiting for them to settle up to N2.8tn of NNPC’s cashflow from the subsidy regime and we can’t continue to build this,” he explained.

Kyari said the reemerging petrol queues nationwide are understandable as marketers will like to understand the meaning of the President’s pronouncement that “subsidy is gone.”

He said that the uncertainty on the remark also caused consumers to rush for the product, causing queues.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the government will initiate measures to cushion the effects of the discontinuation of subsidy.

President Tinubu’s Inauguration Speech, Uninspiring

The Source

May 30, 2023

By Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

On May 29, 2023, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Coming from the background of an activist, the hopes of the people of Nigeria were very high indeed, more especially given the status of the new President as the unofficial National Leader of his political party, the All Progressive Congress, (APC) during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Beyond controversy, President Tinubu was the one who sold President Buhari to the people of Nigeria, as the agent of change. As it has now turned out, nothing has actually changed, it was a project meant to oil the President’s personal ambition.

The political credentials of President Tinubu stand him out as about the first activist President to be elected democratically, having endured persecution by both the military and democratic leaders, first under the regime of General Sani Abacha and later under that of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Being a project that had taken so many decades to plan for, it is rather surprising that President Tinubu has no ready answer to the immediate and burning issues plaguing our nation. World over, the inaugural speech of the President should inspire hope and confidence in the people to be governed.

For instance, electricity has been the major clog to the wheel of Nigeria’s economic progress and there is nothing in the President’s speech on how he hopes to tackle and defeat the monsters of the power sector other than stating that he would continue with his predecessor’s programmes on infrastructure. Also in his speech, President Tinubu hailed the 2023 elections as the best that Nigeria has ever had, contrary to the motley of evidence and reports of electoral malpractices, voter intimidation, violence and thuggery and failure by the electoral umpire to follow its own rules and guidelines. In one absurd instance in Adamawa State, a Resident Electoral Commissioner declared one of the candidates in the President’s political party as winner of an inconclusive election and yet the President in his speech has no single programme for electoral reforms.

In his days as an activist, President Tinubu was one of the greatest apostles of restructuring, insisting and campaigning for fiscal federalism, resource control, devolution of powers, state police, etc. But now the President is silent on these critical issues for which he is well known, meaning that he intends to keep the current Constitution of 1999 which has held our nation down. The President said that the fuel subsidy is gone without some concrete details of how he intends to achieve that. We readily recall that whilst he was in the opposition, His Excellency openly campaigned against fuel subsidy removal so we do not know what has changed now. There is then the lingering issue of Naira redesign, which practically crippled the national economy and has since remained a matter of conjecture. These are policy issues that the President should tackle head on but the speech made no mention of this.

Our people are dying daily due to the collapsed state of our road network but this did not capture the attention of the President. The speech is rather uninspiring if not altogether disappointing. While I join other Nigerians to congratulate the President it is necessary for the new administration to address these critical issues and make its stand known to every Nigerian.

May Nigeria win.

Adegboruwa, SAN wrote from Lekki, Lagos

University Proprietor, Two Others To Die By Hanging For Murder Of OAU Postgraduate Student

Ayodele Oni

May 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Justice has prevailed on the death of a postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife, Timothy Adegoke as Osun State High Court, sentenced the Founder of Oduduwa University and popular hotelier, Dr Rahmon Adedoyin to death by hanging for the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a former Masters student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Delivering judgment in the celebrated case, an Osun State High Court found the popular hotel owner and school proprietor, Dr Rahmon Adedoyin, and three others guilty in the murder case of Adegoke, whose death occurred between November 5 and 7, 2021 at Hilton Honours Hotel, Ile-Ife.

Adegoke, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) student, travelled from Abuja to Ife to write his examination and lodged in the hotel only to be declared missing by the police on November 7, 2021.

A few days later, the Osun police command released a statement disclosing that the 37-year-old student was found dead without explaining the circumstances surrounding his death and how he was found.

The Court presided over by Chief judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Ojo, found Adedoyin and three of his staff members guilty of murder and conspiracy.

Ojo held that circumstantial evidence confirmed that Adedoyin and his staff members killed Adegoke and tried to conceal the situation.

The Court held that he shall serve a term of ten years in prison before the death sentence is executed.

Osun Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, while delivering her judgement, held that the circumstantial evidence available to the court, pointed to the killing of Adegoke while being a guest at the hotel owned by Adedoyin.

According to her, Adedoyin’s decision not to enter the witness box did not help him, as the circumstantial evidence had shifted the burden of proof on him.

Justice Ojo also said Adedoyin’s decision not to enter the witness box meant he agreed to the murder charge pressed against him by the prosecution, dismissing the alibi pleaded on his behalf by his counsel, who said the hotel owner was in Abuja for many days around the time the death of the late Adegoke occurred.

Adedoyin and three staff of the hotel were convicted of conspiracy to murder and murder of Adegoke.

Justice Ojo discharged three defendants – Magdalene Chiefuna, Lawrence Oluwole and Adedeji Adesola – from the counts of conspiracy to murder and murder.

However, they were found culpable of other counts in the charge.

Adedoyin was found culpable and hereby convicted of counts 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 15 and 16.

The Court held that the second autopsy reports signed by two pathologists from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital was thwarted as the court holds that “it’s a report by persons with vested interest”.

Justice Ojo established that the late Adegoke lodged in Hilton Hotel and paid into the account of the 7th defendant.

“I found the first defendant (Rahmon Adedoyin) culpable of the conspiracy to murder and murder.”

The court held that evidence presented before the court placed Oyetunde Kazeem “squarely among those who perpetrated the acts” and found guilty of the counts.

Seventh defendant (Adedeji Adesola) was “carefully chorographed into the act. The circumstance around her were not strong to found her culpable of the count 1, 2, and 3”.

“The 1st, 3rd and 5th defendants are culpable of the offence of conspiracy to improperly, indecently dumping of the deceased body and are guilty as charged.”

Ogene Mourns Dokpesi, Describes Him As An Icon

James Orji

May 30, 2023

Afam Victor Ogene, House of Representatives Member – Elect for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, has described the passing of popular media mogul and founder of the Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM, High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, as a big blow to the media industry and Nigeria’s democracy, both of which his innovation in the media industry helped to nurture and sustain.

The demise of Dr. Dokpesi, who pioneered the independent broadcast industry in Nigeria, by establishing both Raypower FM and AIT, was announced by his family on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Ogene, who is a former editor and also former Deputy Chairman, Media and Public Affairs Committee of the 7th House of Representatives, in a statement in Abuja, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the management and staff of AIT and Raypower, adding that the late Dokpesi’s foresight and ingenuity, helped to shape democracy in Nigeria, as both media establishments offer unfettered access, opportunities and platform for both free speech and inclusivity in national discourse.

According to Ogene, who is also the Labour Party’s caucus leader in the incoming Assembly: “High Chief Dokpesi was a media icon, who through hard work, creativity and doggedness in the face of both industry and institutional challenges, enshrined himself in the consciousness of the nation and remained very relevant at the national stage of both political and corporate Nigeria till the very end.

“He was not only huge in physical stature, he was also a giant at different fronts of life endeavours. As a great socialite, his contacts and relevance were beyond his generation, as he freely related with people of all generations across social class and ethnic and religious backgrounds.”

Ogene prayed that God grant the late Dokpesi’s soul peaceful repose, and his loved ones and mentees the fortitude to bear his sudden passage.

My Government Not Responsible For Fuel Subsidy Removal – Tinubu; Governors Go Tough On Marketers

Ayodele Oni

May 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu’s Media Centre has explained the announcement of the removal of the fuel subsidy during Monday’s inauguration. It said that Tinubu’s Governor is not responsible for the removal of fuel subsidy.

The Centre, in a statement, urged the public to relax panic-buying that has ensued as a result of his speech.

The statement explained the issue is neither a new development, nor an action of his new administration.

The Tweet reads, “The public is advised to note that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that “subsidy is gone” is neither a new development nor an action of his new administration.

“He was merely communicating the status quo, considering that the previous administration’s budget for fuel subsidy was planned and approved to last for only the first half of the year.

“Effectively, this means that by the end of June, the Federal Government will be without funds to continue the subsidy regime, translating to its termination.

“The panic-buying that has ensued as a result of the communication is needless; it will not take immediate effect.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu was clear about his plans to re-channel the funds previously devoted to the payment of subsidies into better investments that will cushion the effects of the removal on the general public, especially the poor of the poor.

“This includes, but is not limited, to investments in public infrastructure, education, healthcare and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and increase their earning potential.”

Early this month the immediate past administration of Mohammadu Buhari has told the nation that the issue of oil subsidy removal has been left for incoming administration to handle.

The statement was seen then as just an escape route for the past administration to escape the wrath of the organized Labour.

Meanwhile State Governors have resorted to drastic measures against fuel marketers that are hoarding products or selling above the official pump price as Nigerians again groan over artificial shortage.

Immediately after Tinubu’s inaugural address on Monday during which he announced position of his administration on subsidy, queue returned to filling stations as dealers hoard petroleum products.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned filling stations and marketers in the state against hoarding of petroleum product following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech on Monday.

The Governor urged the marketers to await further directives on the implementation of the planned subsidy removal by the Federal Government and avoid actions that are capable of inflicting hardship on the citizens.

In Kwara state, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman and State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has cautioned oil marketers to avoid imposing needless hardship on the citizens through creation of artificial fuel scarcity in the state and beyond.

“The Governor is seriously concerned about reports of sudden fuel scarcity in different parts of the state. This is totally uncalled for.

“He asks fuel marketers to immediately discharge fuel to the public under the normal pricing system since they had bought what they currently have at subsidised rates.”

A Government House statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye and made available to newsmen in Ilorin Tuesday morning states that “Creating artificial scarcity amounts to intentional misrepresentation of the statement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the question of fuel subsidy. The people should not be made to undergo any hardship.”

Also in Osun State, government has issued a stern warning to petroleum marketers, declaring that any filling station in the state caught hoarding fuel shall be sealed off.

The Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration also said operators of any of such filling stations found guilty of hoarding fuel shall be prosecuted for crime of economic sabotage.

The State Government issued the warning against the backdrop of deliberate hoarding of the product by some unscrupulous marketers.

As contained in a release by the spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, the state government was not unaware of plots by some marketers to cause artificial fuel scarcity in the State.

Gagdi, Congratulates President Tinubu, Shettima, Says Nigeria In For Positive Change

James Orji

May 30, 2023

The Chairman of the House Committee on Navy and major contender for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency, Plateau State), has joined other eminent Nigerians to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as they take over the leadership of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message personally signed by Hon. Gagdi, the Lawmaker hailed President Tinubu, saying that with his dexterity in governance and leadership, Nigeria is on a path to positive change.

He added that the new president has the capacity to right the wrongs of previous administrations and ensure that competent hands are engaged to revive comatose sectors of the country.

The House Committee on Navy Chairman added that President Tinubu’s political journey to the presidency is a deeply inspirational one that proves that with grit, sincerity of purpose, absolute trust in God and an unwavering commitment to empowering others, one can attain the greatest heights. He expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on the promise of democracy to the Nigerian people because his track record shows excellence and dedication to duty.

Going further, he saluted Vice President Kashim Shettima, who he said led Borno State at the darkest and most difficult of times, and did not for once desert his people or renege on his responsibilities.

According to him, “These are men who have demonstrated their commitment to our great country, and as President and Vice-President, our hope in a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria that works for all citizens irrespective of class, ethnicity and religion has indeed been renewed.

“President Tinubu has proven that with grit, sincerity of purpose, absolute trust in God and an unwavering commitment to empowering others, one can attain the greatest heights. I am confident in his ability to deliver on the promise of democracy to the Nigerian people because his track record is one of excellence and dedication to duty.
With His Excellency, Vice President Kashim by his side, I believe Nigerians can now rest, knowing that the country is in safe hands.”

1...1,6021,6031,604...2,952 Page 1,603 of 2,952