Home Blog Page 603

“No Northerner Helped Tinubu’s Election More Than El-Rufai Did, The President Owes Him” – Fmr. Minister Shittu

April 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Minister of Communications under the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, Adebayo Shittu, has said that President Bola Tinubu should have treated the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai better than he has been treated. His advice: The President should reach out to El-Rufai, and draw him close.

According to Shittu, no Northerner contributed to the reality of Tinubu’s Presidency more than El- Rufai. He recalled how El-Rufai stood by Tinubu through thick and thin to see that the Presidency went to the South, and even went to Court during the Central Bank’s deliberate cash crunch in the country. When no Northerner was bold enough to publicly support Tinubu, Shittu said, El-Rufai did, mobilising.

Shittu who spoke in an interview with The Punch insisted that El-Rufai deserved fair treatment than he has been given.

Said Shittu: “With regards to El-Rufai, I keep remembering the pivotal role he played in getting the North to support a Tinubu Presidency. I mean, there is no running away from that fact.

“We know, also, that Tinubu really courted his support with promises that he would be brought into governance. So, when we see what has happened, naturally, as a human being, El-Rufai will be disappointed. For me as an individual, and I am speaking the truth in accordance with my conscience, I don’t see any Northern politician who did much more for Tinubu’s emergence as El-Rufai. I don’t see it and I am being fair because being a very courageous person, when other people were not sure of supporting Tinubu, he came out boldly, agitating and mobilising.

“You also recall that at a stage, he took the Buhari government to Court when they were playing pranks about money redesign and all of that.

So, I think that President Tinubu should try and forge a new alliance with him. It is very important and it is only fair. To whom much is given, much is expected. I think he should be rehabilitated and brought in. It is better to make more friends than allow your friends to become enemies.”

Tinubu had nominated El-Rufai as a Cabinet member, but the Senate shockingly did not clear him. El-Rufai was later to disclose that they did that on Tinubu’s instruction after Tinubu had promised him he would be the Minister for Power.

El-Rufai, also, a former FCT Minister, has recently dumped the APC which founding member he is, for the Social Democratic Party, SDP. He is now mobilising against Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. A few days ago, he described Tinubu’s Government as the worst ever in the history of Nigeria as well as the most corrupt.

Ease Of Doing Business: VP Shettima Calls For Stronger Synergy Among Ministries, MDAs

James Orji

April 18, 2025

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, of government, as well as members of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, to deepen collaboration in order to foster a more conducive environment for doing business in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at the closing session of the PEBEC Retreat for heads of MDAs and MDA Reform Champions held in Abuja, Vice President Shettima emphasized that the overarching goal is to ensure Nigeria remains a preferred destination for investors.

He stated: “This retreat was convened by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), an institution I am privileged to chair, not just to review reform progress, but to deepen something even more critical: synergy.

The business of government is too complex to be solved in silos. We cannot afford the luxury of working in isolation, while the problems we are tasked to solve are increasingly intertwined.”

Among the attendees was the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who commended PEBEC for organizing the retreat. He noted that it provided a valuable platform for peer review and constructive engagement among Federal Government appointees, aimed at improving institutional performance and reform delivery.

President Tinubu Preaches Unity At Easter Celebration

Ayodele Oni

April 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has admonished Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress.

The President, who Felicitates with Christians on the celebration of Easter restated his administration’s resolve in delivering a promise of renewed hope.

Tinubu stated in his Easter message released on Friday that “I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

“The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.

“As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.

“The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused.

“Let me assure you that my administration’s resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay.

“With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.

“We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

“During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis’s recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.

“I earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.

“I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.

“May the risen Christ bless our homes with peace and our nation with continued unity and prosperity. Happy Easter to all my fellow Nigerians.”

“But For Tinubu, Who Knew Babachir Lawal?” – Fmr. Minister Shittu

Adesina Soyooye

April 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“In his State, Babachir Lawal is a minority. In the North, generally, he is, also, a minority. He wanted to be Tinubu’s running mate. How many votes could he have delivered?”

Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications under President Muhammadu Buhari has, literally, dismissed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal as a nobody until President Bola Tinubu made him somebody. “Before Tinubu recommended him to Buhari as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who knew Babachir”, Shittu asked.

The former Minister, who is now the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, said this in an interview with the Punch Newspaper of Friday.

Lawal and the President were very close friends. In the heat of a corruption allegation against him when he was the SGF, Lawal had said he didn’t need money from anybody; that Tinubu gives him money until he would almost beg him to stop. But the once enviable, solid, relationship has broken down irretrievably.

Things fell apart between them when after Tinubu won the Presidential ticket of their party, the All Progressives Congress in 2023, against Lawal’s advice, he picked Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Lawal, a Christian from the North, hit the roof. He considered Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate as an insult to Christians in the North. He was strongly against a Muslim-Muslim ticked. Lawal turned against Tinubu, and fought him every inch of the way so he would lose the Presidential Election.

The fight has not stopped.

After failing to stop Tinubu in 2023, Lawal is one of the arrow heads in the North fighting against a second term for Tinubu in 2027. Shittu, however, dismisses all that and gives Tinubu a 75 per cent chance of winning a second term in office.

Tackling Lawal, Shittu said he felt sorry for him, and asked who he was before Tinubu picked him for the position of the SGF. He disclosed that Lawal is bitter because Tinubu refused to pick him as his running mate in preference to Shettima. According to Shittu, Lawal does not have any clout either in his State or in the North generally to attract voters. He described Lawal as one who bites the fingers that feed him.

Shittu: “Babachir Lawal, I feel so sad about him. We were in the same Cabinet together. He told me it was Tinubu who recommended him for appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Before that appointment, who knew Babachir Lawal? You don’t bite the fingers that feed you. So, his fight against Tinubu because of the Muslim-Muslim ticket was unnecessary.

“If they had picked him instead of Kashim Shettima, could he have delivered the votes Shettima delivered? In his State, he is a minority. In the North generally, he is also a minority. This is an advantage that Shettima had over him.

“Babachir was expecting that because of the friendship he had built over the years with Tinubu, automatically, he would pick him as a Christian candidate. But Tinubu was strategic in picking the people who could deliver votes. That was what was important at that stage, not religion.

“So, Shettima, number one was a Borno person. He was, also, a former Governor and had influence in the North- east area of Nigeria. Again, the majority Northern North would still prefer a Muslim who could represent their interests, I mean, perceptibly.

“So, what would it have paid either Tinubu or even Babachir if they had picked him and he lost the election?

“Recall that the Presidential Candidate of the PDP is a Muslim from the North. So, if you bare not having a Presidential Candidate from the North and all that you could get from the North is a Vice Presidential Candidate, should you not go to the majority force in the North to pick a candidate who could be seen as representing their interest in the North? It’s bullsh*t.”

In 2023, Babachir Lawal worked for the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi. Now, against 2027, he is one of the Leaders of the Coalition against President Tinubu’s re-election.

“Rotimi Amaechi, Antagonistic, Bad Loser” – Shittu, His Fmr. Minister-Colleague

Adesina Soyooye

April 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Minister-colleague of Rotimi Amaechi, Adebayo Shittu, has berated him over his attitude towards President Bola Tinubu and his Government.

Both Shittu and Amaechi were Ministers of Transportation and Communications, respectively, under the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration.

However, while Shittu has remained loyal to the Party – All Progressives Congress – and the Tinubu Government, Amaechi has not only been absent in Party activities, he is a strong critic of the Administration.

Amaechi’s attitude is a direct reaction to the outcome of the APC Presidential Primaries in 2023 where Tinubu beat him to a distant second place. Since then, Amaechi, a former political ally of Tinubu, two of them having come together in 2014/2015 to push President Goodluck Jonathan out of office, has given Tinubu a loud space, and has become a bitter critic. A couple of days after the Primaries, Amaechi said that the delegates were bought, obviously referring to Tinubu’s victory.

But analysing Amaechi’s attitude in an interview with the Punch on Friday, Shittu dismissed the former two-term Governor ofvRivers State as a sour loser. He also referred to him as antagonistic. He asked if there was any Presidential aspirant then, who didn’t give delegates one thing or the other. He said Amaechi made a big mistake by antagonising the Centre, knowing that he no longer has any root in his home State.

Shittu: “Rotimi Amaechi, he’s my friend, but I think he’s been most unfair to the process. There was a primary election to produce a Presidential Candidate. He participated in it. Tinubu participated too. When he lost, he was claiming that Tinubu bought the delegates. Could there have been anybody who did not pay delegates either for transportation or for whatever? I think he’s just bitter at being a bad loser. Besides, how old is Rotimi? He still has so many years ahead of him and needs to be patient. Just because you lost an election, you are now trying to throw away the baby with the bathwater.

“I think it is not reasonable, and it is not in his long-term interest. He’s not too comfortable in his State. At the National level, instead of him to sustain friendship through peace building and all of that, he’s very antagonistic. I don’t think it is in his best interest. The election has come and gone. That is the Primary election.

“If he had issues, he ought to have gone to Court to challenge the process if he was sure that he could have won, or that immoral measures came into the success or triumph of Tinubu. But he didn’t do that.

“So, merely mouthing all over the place condemning Tinubu on the baseless allegation that people were bought, how does he hope to prove that. And how does that remedy his loss?”

Amaechi, a foundation member of the APC, and once the engine room of the party in Rivers, and very prominent and solid at the National level, has been pushed out of relevance by Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory and Amaechi successor as Rivers State Governor.

Wike controls both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State. At the National level, the APC recognises Wike, even though he is not, officially, an APC member, more than it does Amaechi.

Easter: Jonathan To Nigerians: “Embrace Lessons Of Sacrifice, Hope Of Victory”

The Source

April 18, 2025

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged Christians and other Nigerians to leverage the lessons of Christ’s resurrection and imbibe the message of hope and victory over the nation’s current challenges.

In his 2025 Easter message Dr. Jonathan encouraged Nigerians to remain positive and draw strength from Christ’s love and sacrificial death for humanity and his gift of salvation.

He reminded leaders to be selfless and embrace the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

The former President stated: “I join millions of Christians around the world to commemorate Good Friday. This day reminds us all of the sacrificial death of Christ for humanity and His gift of salvation and redemption to all believers.This moment reminds Christians of servanthood and passion of service, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who died to save humanity from sin and reconcile all to God.

“At Easter, we reflect on the power of Christ’s love, the gift of righteousness and the triumph of hope over despair and every challenge in life.The death and resurrection of Christ on the Cross awaken us to the boundless love of God towards us; a reminder of the possibilities faith in God offers to us on earth.

“I urge all citizens to be encouraged by the story of the resurrection of Christ and the lessons of hope and victory that are contained in it. Let us be reminded about the purpose of salvation and the essence of mercy and the triumphing power of faith and hope over all circumstances.

He further urged the citizens to remain positive of the possibilities within our nation and draw strength through “hope that we will triumph over challenges we face both as individuals and collectively as a nation.”

Addressing the leaders, Dr. Jonathan stated: “This moment points us to the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service. Let us recommit to pursuing peace and justice for all.”

He said further: “As a people, let this season renew our faith, strengthen our hope and guarantee us peace. Let us continue to imbibe and pursue these virtues and work towards building a nation of peace, unity and love.”

Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Fubara ‘Gone’ As Gov- Wike Boasts

James Orji

April 18, 2025

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has nailed the coffin of Governor Siminalaye of Rivers state. The suspended governor of the oil rich state is ‘gone’ and not coming back to office, the immediate past governor of the state said.

The minister made the assertion on Friday during a media chat in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Wike, who was the political godfather of the governor before they went their separate ways over the struggle for the control of the state, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring an Emergency Rule in the crisis ridden state.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu had while declaring Emergency Rule in the state in February, following the protracted power struggle between the governor and his former ally, suspended Fubara, his Deputy and all members of the state House of Assembly.

Not a few Nigerians have described the president’s action to be illegal, amidst calls on him to reinstate Governor Fubara.

But speaking on Friday Wike affirmed that those calling for the governor’s return to office should perish the thought, he’s not coming back as his fate has been sealed, the minister said.

He also lauded President Tinubu for suspending the governor, the president’s action, according to him saved Fubara from being impeached by the lawmakers in the State House of Assembly loyal to him, scolding the people of the state for criticising the president for his action, he said, they should rather praised Tinubu for saving the state.

Part of what Wike said: “As a politician, I am not happy about the state of emergency in Rivers state..

“I wanted the outright removal of Governor Fubara. The president, by declaring a state of emergency, saved Fubara.

“However, people must tell the truth. The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him.

“Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘can we wash your feet for saving us?’”

On March 18, 2025 President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his Deputy and the state lawmakers, saying he exercised his powers under the Constitution as the Commander-in-chief to stop the oil rich state from conflagration.

Rivers NBA To Ibas: “Stop Dismantling Democratic Institutions, Stop Undemocratic Appointments”

Ayodele Oni

April 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Rivers State Chapter, has called on the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, rtd to desist from dismantling of democratic institutions and stop undemocratic appointments in the State.

The NBA advised that the Interim Administrator should rather concentrate on his mandate of ensuring the security of Federal Government’s assets and interests, and the stability of the State.

The Association in a statement, signed by all Branch Chairmen in the State, charged that the Administrator should also desist from carrying out political activities which would further escalate tensions in Rivers State.

It added that “he is expected to be apolitical and not to conduct himself as a stooge of any of the parties in the political imbroglio.

“Accordingly, we advise the Sole Administrator to desist from going beyond the mandate as given to him by the President and approved by the National Assembly.

“We condemn the harassment, intimidation and assault of peaceful protesters and Journalists in the State by officers of the Nigerian Police as they are in violations of their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“We categorically state that the NBA Human Rights Committees in the State would be available to pursue the legal claims of any victims of the said Police action.

“Accordingly, we call on the Nigerian Police and other security Agencies to desist from further aggravation of the tension in the State.

“Rather, they should concentrate on doing their lawful duties of maintaining peace and security in the State.

“We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to take necessary steps to rein-in the Sole Administration in Rivers State and ensure he keeps within the mandate given to him on

his appointment, to save Rivers State from further crisis.

“We also urge the Presidency to do everything within its power, in line with the Rule of Law, to ensure the return of full democratic governance to the State on or before the 6(Six)months tenure of the Sole Administrator.

“We call on the Peace or Reconciliation Committee of the National Assembly to swing into action and dispassionately carry out its role of reconciliation and peace-building in Rivers State to avoid further economic losses and degeneration of the political crisis and

escalation of tension in the State.

“Accordingly, we wish to emphasize the position of our National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (S.A.N.)that the NBA is ready and available to be part of the reconciliation process.”

Boko Haram Not In Lagos – Police

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 18, 2025

The Lagos State Police command has refuted reports that some suspected Boko Haram terrorists have moved into the state.

The report had claimed that some members of the deadly sect were arrested by the security agencies in the last few days, raising apprehension among the residents, particularly as Christians are celebrating the Easter.

The magazine reported that the IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed all police formations across the country to step up security in strategic places, in other to make the Easter celebrations a hit-free event.

Reacting to the report, the Spokesman for the state Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin, said Boko Haram members were not arrested, he however stated that the Command has commenced full investigation on the issue.

According to him, the police had dispatched investigators to ‘the indicated places’ as soon as the report broke, but the report was debunked by ‘ leaders, drivers, and operators in the community, urging residents in the state to go about their duties without fear as security agencies are on top of security in the state.

Hundeyin also advised journalists to verify stories before going to the press.

He said, “The outcome of the investigation reveals that there is nowhere throughout Lagos State that the group mentioned in the report – Boko Haram – were seen or sighted or arrested.

“Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators, and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities.

“Members of the public are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.

“The writer of the story is advised to verify facts and truth of any information before going to the press. ” the police spokesman said.

Easter: IGP Orders Tight Security In Churches, Recreation Centres

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 18, 2025

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed the Commissioner of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to step up security during the Easter celebrations.

The federal government had declared Friday and Monday, April 18 and 21 respectively as public holidays to enable Christians in the country celebrate the death and Resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP has ordered all the commissioner of Police, and Supervising Assistant Inspector General of Police, IGP, to provide tight security so as to ensure a peaceful celebrations for the citizens.

In doing that, the Police Chiefs, Egbetokun said must step up surveillance, intelligence gathering and vigilance in all the public places across the country to deter criminals from fomenting problems.

These include churches, recreational centres, highways, amongst other, the IGP said in the statement. He also admonish Nigerians to promote peaceful co-existence in the spirit of the season.

Part of the statement: “‎The IGP hereby directs Commissioners of Police across all State Commands and Formations, and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to enhance visibility policing, extended vigilance, and intelligence gathering to ensure a safe and secure festive celebration for all citizens.

“He also emphasises the critical importance of enhanced patrol and strategic deployment of personnel to places of worship, recreation centres, major highways, and other public spaces to deter criminal activities and provide swift responses to any security challenges that may arise.”

The magazine reports that fears have mounted in some parts of the country following the killings in Plateau and Benue states by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Over 150 persons, predominantly Christians had been killed in the renewed attacks on some northern communities by the suspected criminals within the last three weeks.

1...602603604...2,913 Page 603 of 2,913