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Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • Tinubu Chairs ECOWAS Summit to Address Political Crisis in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali

    Tinubu Chairs ECOWAS Summit to Address Political Crisis in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali

    By Daniel Edu

    Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, is currently leading an Extraordinary Summit at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. The summit focuses on the political, peace, and security situation in the West African region, specifically addressing the challenges in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger.

     

    The gathering brings together leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc established almost fifty years ago, comprising 15 member countries with its headquarters in Abuja. President Tinubu is spearheading discussions aimed at potentially easing sanctions imposed on military-ruled member states in response to their grievances.

     

    The military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in late January, citing concerns over what they perceived as “illegal sanctions” adversely affecting their populations. They accused ECOWAS of being influenced by external governments whose interests diverged significantly from those of West African people.

     

    In response to the political turmoil, ECOWAS had imposed stringent measures, including the suspension of commercial and financial transactions and the freezing of assets. The member states, however, declared their secession effective immediately, deviating from the customary one-year notice required for withdrawal.

     

    The ongoing summit is crucial as it seeks to address these unprecedented challenges within the region. Leaders aim to explore avenues for reconciliation and the restoration of peace and stability across West Africa. The meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in finding solutions to the political crises in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as well as fostering unity within the ECOWAS community.

  • APC Dismisses Court Order for Tinubu’s Academic Records, Calls it a Fruitless Endeavor

    APC Dismisses Court Order for Tinubu’s Academic Records, Calls it a Fruitless Endeavor

    By Daniel Edu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scoffed at the attempts by the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to obtain President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University (CSU).

    A United States Court in Eastern Illinois recently ordered the University to release President Tinubu’s academic records to Atiku within two days.

    However, the ruling party has expressed confidence, asserting that President Tinubu has consistently maintained that he has nothing to hide.

    Atiku had sought a court order in the US to compel CSU to disclose Tinubu’s academic records, alleging forgery.

    President Tinubu’s credentials indicate that he graduated from CSU in 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, and Management. Nonetheless, allegations of certificate discrepancies have arisen.

    The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Duro Meseko, told Punch that the ruling party is unfazed by the court order, emphasizing that Tinubu has nothing to conceal.

    He stated, “The President has repeatedly declared that he has nothing to hide. His records are accessible to everyone. Chicago University has also officially affirmed his association with them. There is no reason for concern. It is an exercise in futility.”

    In response, the Presidency asserted that Tinubu’s academic records hold no significance for the PDP presidential candidate, suggesting that Atiku and his party are pursuing an empty cause.

  • Tinubu Arranges Stopover in UAE to Address Visa Ban and Flight Suspension Disputes

    Tinubu Arranges Stopover in UAE to Address Visa Ban and Flight Suspension Disputes

    By Daniel Edu

    Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has arranged a technical stopover in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing diplomatic disputes between Nigeria and the UAE regarding visa issues and flight operations. This meeting will occur as President Tinubu departs from New Delhi, India, where he participated in the G-20 Summit and explored investment opportunities in Nigeria with Indian investors.

    The diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UAE escalated in 2022 when the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerians. Additionally, Emirates, the national carrier of the UAE, suspended flight operations in Nigeria due to difficulties repatriating funds. In response, Nigerian carrier Air Peace also suspended flights to the UAE as the UAE had halted visa issuance to prospective travelers.

     

    President Tinubu, in late August, assured the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, of his commitment to resolving the issues promptly and personally intervening. True to his promise, President Tinubu is now en route to Abu Dhabi to meet with UAE leadership and address these matters.

     

    A statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on September 10, 2023, confirmed the upcoming meeting and outlined its objectives. The meeting will build on previous discussions held during the UAE Ambassador’s visit to the State House in Abuja.

     

    The statement noted, “The President is maximizing the opportunity of the stopover to equally advance his investment promotion objectives with high-level authorities in the public and private sectors of the United Arab Emirates.”

     

    After successful investment initiatives on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit and active participation in the summit itself, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja following the bilateral engagement in Abu Dhabi.

  • “Minister Nyesom Wike: Judiciary’s Contrasting Roles in Peter Obi’s Political Journey”

    “Minister Nyesom Wike: Judiciary’s Contrasting Roles in Peter Obi’s Political Journey”

    By Daniel Edu

    Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his views on the judiciary’s role in the political career of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

    During an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Wike asserted that the judiciary made the right decision when it allowed Peter Obi to reclaim his mandate as the governor of Anambra State in 2007. However, he believes the judiciary made an incorrect decision when Obi lost at the presidential tribunal recently.

    Wike raised the question of whether Peter Obi had to resort to bribery to secure his victory at the Supreme Court when he was initially removed from office as governor. He stated, “Did Peter Obi not win at the Supreme Court when he was removed as governor? Did he pay a bribe? Let him tell the world now. When he was removed as a governor, did he not reclaim his mandate at the Supreme Court? The judiciary was right, but now that the decision has happened, the judiciary is wrong.”

    Wike also shared his perspective on the 2023 presidential election. He described himself as a realist and indicated that he did not believe Peter Obi would win the February 25, 2023 poll. Wike disclosed that he supported Bola Tinubu rather than Obi or Atiku, who were both members of his party (PDP).

    He praised the conduct of the election and credited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the process. He emphasized that, despite sentiments, Obi could not have won the election. He pointed out that although many preferred a younger candidate like Obi, they failed to consider the significant factors of ethnicity and religion that influence Nigerian politics.

    Wike highlighted the role of generational change and the influence of these factors on the election outcome, emphasizing that young voters may have wanted a change but underestimated the complexities of Nigerian politics.

  • New Insight Into Why Tinubu Appointed Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff

    New Insight Into Why Tinubu Appointed Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff

    By Daniel Edu

    President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff (CoS) is rooted in a desire to avoid a repetition of Nigeria’s experiences during the first term of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the late Abba Kyari served as CoS, according to sources cited by Daily Sun.

    A source within the Presidency explained that President Tinubu was acutely aware of the intricacies of Nigerian politics, particularly after Kyari’s influential tenure in the same position. Tinubu, known for his decisiveness and meticulous consideration of key appointments, was determined to select a CoS with specific qualities, experience, and a proven track record, which were non-negotiable criteria. His intention was to enter the presidency with a Chief of Staff who had already mastered the art of supporting a president in running a nation.

    The source emphasized that the selection of Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023, along with other principal officers of the administration and cabinet members, followed a rigorous process to identify individuals with a unique blend of qualities necessary to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics successfully.

    Furthermore, the source highlighted Gbajabiamila’s exceptional performance during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives. His ability to manage various national challenges, including handling national strikes and negotiating with unions, set him apart from other contenders for the role. None of the other candidates came close to matching the nation-building experience Gbajabiamila had gained as the fourth-ranking official in the country.

    The decision to appoint Gbajabiamila gained momentum after the removal of the fuel subsidy, which initially raised concerns about national stability. President Tinubu needed a Chief of Staff who could maintain calm and peace during this challenging period while remaining loyal and supportive.

    The source also noted two additional factors that influenced Gbajabiamila’s selection: his strong work ethic and his ability to utilize government resources to benefit the people. Gbajabiamila’s dedication and hard work during the campaign, as well as his role in the successful passage of the Students Loan Bill, which garnered widespread support, impressed President Tinubu.

    The careful and meticulous process behind President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff selection underscores his commitment to providing effective leadership for Nigeria. His vision for a strong, competent, and experienced Chief of Staff reflects his determination to navigate the complex political landscape and address the nation’s pressing challenges.

    The source described President Tinubu as a visionary leader who understands the importance of the Chief of Staff role in his administration. He emphasized that Gbajabiamila and other key officials in the administration were chosen based on a thorough evaluation of their unique qualities to successfully navigate Nigeria’s political complexities.

    President Tinubu’s reputation for selecting capable individuals for key positions, from vice presidents to governors, ministers, and legislative leaders, highlights his deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape and his commitment to effective governance.

  • Wike Affirms Loyalty to Tinubu, Clarifies Position on APC

    Wike Affirms Loyalty to Tinubu, Clarifies Position on APC

    By Daniel Edu

    Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has clarified his political allegiance, asserting that he is working for President Bola Tinubu and not the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    During an appearance on Channels TV Politics Today, Wike stated, “I am not working for APC. I am working for Tinubu who has trust in me to help him deliver the renewed hope.” He continued, “I owe nobody any apology at all. I was in the PDP and I worked for Ahmed Bola Tinubu to become the President of Nigeria.”

    Controversy arose when Wike’s name was included in the APC’s campaign council for the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states scheduled for November 11. This led to discussions about his party affiliation and possible disciplinary actions from the PDP.

    The APC, however, issued a statement disavowing the campaign council lists, calling them unofficial documents and urging their disregard.

    Wike reaffirmed his membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and expressed confidence that no one within the party has the authority to suspend him. He emphasized, “With all due respect, I have not seen that person who will suspend me. Nobody will do it. Who will discipline me? I should be the one calling for the discipline of these people who violated the party’s constitution. Who dare say they will suspend me? Who is the person?”

    His remarks come in response to widespread debate and speculation surrounding his political stance and affiliation within the Nigerian political landscape.

  • Tinubu Vigilant as Events Unfold in Gabon, Says Ngalale

    Tinubu Vigilant as Events Unfold in Gabon, Says Ngalale

    By Daniel Edu

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed his strong disapproval of the military coup in Gabon, closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the country. He has also voiced his apprehension about the political state and overall social stability of Gabon.

    Tinubu’s response followed swiftly after a group of Gabonese military officials took to television to announce their overthrow of the current regime, while also invalidating an election that had, by official records, declared President Ali Bongo Ondimba as the winner.

    President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed his sentiments to the press. Ngelale emphasized that Tinubu firmly believes in upholding the rule of law and using constitutional means to resolve electoral disputes in Africa, and he is deeply troubled by the apparent spread of autocratic tendencies throughout various parts of the continent.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is closely monitoring the developments in Gabon, with a profound concern for the nation’s socio-political equilibrium and the worrisome growth of autocratic behavior that seems to be infecting different regions of our cherished continent,” Ngelale conveyed.

    Highlighting Tinubu’s dedication to democracy and his personal sacrifices for its advancement, Ngelale explained that Tinubu firmly holds the belief that power should reside in the hands of Africa’s resilient people and not be dictated by the threat of force.

    Ngelale further underlined that Tinubu’s stance upholds the principle that adherence to the rule of law and utilizing constitutional mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes must be safeguarded across the African continent.

    He affirmed that Tinubu is actively collaborating with other African Union heads of state to formulate a comprehensive consensus on the appropriate steps to take in response to the Gabon crisis. This collaboration aims to chart a course for the continent’s reaction to the worrying spread of autocracy.

  • Chicago State University Restricts Access to Information Following Public Interest

    Chicago State University Restricts Access to Information Following Public Interest

    By Daniel Edu

    Chicago State University in the United States has taken its official X page offline for public viewing after a surge of inquiries from Nigerians seeking to confirm the graduation status of President Bola Tinubu from the institution.

    The move comes after a petition submitted by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in a United States court, requesting access to Tinubu’s academic records at the university.

    The X page, which was initially accessible to the public, has now been made private, displaying a message stating that only confirmed followers can view the content.

    Reports from earlier this year confirmed that Tinubu had attended Chicago State University. Beverly Poindexter, who handles transcript requests and degree verification at the Office of the Registrar, confirmed Tinubu’s attendance via email, suggesting that formal requests for additional information be directed to the studentclearinghouse.org website.

    A letter dated August 20, 1999, signed by the then Registrar, Lois Davis, also authenticated Tinubu’s enrollment at the university from August 1977 to June 1979. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Administration with honors, majoring in Accounting.

    Furthermore, during his 2003 gubernatorial re-election campaign, a commendation letter from Chicago State University was attached to Tinubu’s form CF004 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, recognizing his high academic performance.

    Tinubu’s educational credentials have been a subject of debate, particularly following the 2023 general election. The increased attention has led to Chicago State University taking measures to restrict public access to its information amid the inquiries.

  • Seyi Law Challenges Accusation of Insulting Peter Obi, Offers Reward for Proof

    Seyi Law Challenges Accusation of Insulting Peter Obi, Offers Reward for Proof

    By Daniel Edu

    Seyi Law, the well-known Nigerian comedian, Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile, has announced his intention to give one million Naira to anyone who can provide concrete evidence that he insulted Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), during the 2023 general elections.

    This decision follows a fan’s criticism of the comedian, who is a staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu, after he shared a photo with his wife. The fan accused Seyi Law of being disrespectful to the Igbo community despite being married to an Igbo woman.

    In response, Seyi Law clarified that he did not insult the LP candidate or the Igbo people. He made a pledge to reward one million Naira to anyone who can furnish evidence to support the claim of his alleged insult.

    He expressed, “I have repeatedly asked them to provide proof of where I insulted the Igbos during the elections, but so far, none of them has presented any evidence. They claim I said GRV can’t be the governor in Lagos, and I’ve asked them to show me where I mentioned GRV during the elections.”

    Seyi Law continued, “By the way, there’s a one million Naira reward for such evidence. I never instructed anyone to vote for my preferred candidate. I openly declared that ASIWAJU and Sanwoolu were my candidates. They believe they can berate me for my choice, and I’ll remain silent. I’m just taking it easy.”

    He added, “Ask them to provide proof of where I endorsed violence, attacked anyone, or warned against voting for their choices. If they can do that, I’ll apologize immediately. However, if I was responding to an insult, I’d likely react similarly. If my choice bothers them, it seems they’re not prepared for different opinions.”

  • Interfaith Coalition Conference Urges President Tinubu to Stay Focused Amid Criticism of Ministerial Appointments

    Interfaith Coalition Conference Urges President Tinubu to Stay Focused Amid Criticism of Ministerial Appointments

    By Daniel Edu

    Mr. Daniel Kadzai, Chairman of the Interfaith Coalition Conference, has advised President Bola Tinubu not to allow himself to be sidetracked by the opposition he’s facing regarding certain ministerial appointments. In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Kadzai responded to comments made by some clerics who criticized Tinubu’s recent selections for ministerial positions.

    Kadzai stressed the importance of unity among Nigerians, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds, emphasizing that the nation belongs to all its citizens. He highlighted the significance of unity and cooperation across all regions for the advancement and growth of the nation.

    He commended the government for involving dialogue in the selection and appointment process, which he saw as a positive step. He also challenged the notion of religious sentiments being used to influence politics, asserting that Nigeria is a secular state where people should not protest appointments based on religion or attack others based on ethnicity.

    Regarding the criticism faced by President Tinubu for appointing a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from Rivers State, Kadzai argued that the focus should be on national progress rather than such divisive sentiments. He reminded Nigerians that disasters would affect all individuals regardless of their ethnicity or religion.

    Kadzai called for a shift in focus, encouraging discussions on how to rescue the nation and how the newly appointed ministers can best serve the Nigerian people. He emphasized that ministers should be dedicated to serving the nation and its citizens, rather than pursuing personal enrichment or promoting sectional interests.

    Finally, he lauded President Tinubu’s efforts in promoting his “Renewed Hope Agenda” and encouraged him to continue building connections with different regions across Nigeria for the country’s progress.