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KADUNA GOVERNMENT REFUTES EL-RUFAI’S CLAIMS ON PROJECTS COMMISSIONED BY PRESIDENT TINUBU

The Kaduna State Government has strongly refuted claims made by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the projects recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to the state were initiated by his administration. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibraheem Musa, described El-Rufai’s claims as “bare-faced lies” and “blatant distortion of the truth” in a statement. Ibraheem Musa said the three major projects commissioned by President Tinubu, including the Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, and 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses, were not initiated by El-Rufai’s administration. “The three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development were fully initiated and completed by the administration of Governor Uba Sani,” Musa stated. The government emphasized that the institutes are pivotal to Governor Sani’s human capital development agenda, designed to equip Kaduna’s youth with practical, future-ready skills. Collectively, they are projected to graduate at least 36,000 youths annually. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has certified these institutions as the best-equipped skills development centers in Nigeria, with NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, describing Kaduna State as the “hub of skills development in Nigeria”. Ibraheem Musa further explained that the 100 CNG Buses are another initiative of Governor Sani’s administration, launched to provide reliable and eco-friendly transportation while mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal. Workers, retirees, and students will enjoy free rides for the first six months, with substantially subsidized fares available to the general public thereafter. Regarding the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, the government clarified that the project was originally conceived during the administration of former Vice President Namadi Sambo. However, it was only completed and fully equipped under Governor Sani’s administration. “The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital stands as a signature achievement of Governor Uba Sani’s administration. He gave it his all—failure was never an option,” Musa said. In light of these achievements, the Kaduna State Government remains committed to good governance, transparency, and sustainable development, and will not be distracted by misinformation or political bitterness. “Our focus is on serving the people of Kaduna State and building a united, inclusive, healthier, and more prosperous society—free from toxicity, discrimination, division, and exclusivity,” Ibraheem Musa reiterated.

AS BENUE BURNS: ‘ENOUGH NOT ENOUGH’, MR PRESIDENT, DO SOMETHING

By Ehichioya Ezomon  Once again, communities in Benue State – the acclaimed “Food Basket of the Nation – are under attack, with death and destruction everywhere. Naturally, the survivors, from crying, moaning and wailing, will run to seek refuge and shelter in neighbouring and distant communities or internally-displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps to mourn their losses, resign to faith to avert the next attack, which will come in the cycle of orgy that’s taken over Nigeria. This was the situation in the Yelewata community, Guma local government area of Benue overnight of Saturday, June 15, 2025, when over 100 people were massacred, either shot, butchered or burnt alive beyond recognition in their houses doused with petrol and lit. A heart-rending aspect to the carnage is that the invaders gave advance notice, and this warning was communicated to the relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies. But when the attackers arrived, those sworn to defend and protect the people were found wanting! And all we do, as a people, and as a self-governing entity, is to throw up our hands in the air, express sympathy, promise to deal with the perpetrators, throw foods and cash at the victims, and go back to our comfort zones with no real solution to the endless carnage of INNOCENT INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. (Emphasis mine) So, it’s not enough for President Bola Tinubu to declare that, “Enough is now enough” to the blood-letting in Benue because, there’s no time – and nowhere – killing of innocent people is seemingly permitted as in Nigeria. A presumed innocent’s life can only be taken away via duly applied law. Any other means is barbaric, illegal, and punishable according to the offence of murder! Hardened criminals have their day with the law until found guilty. And they’ve the luxury of appeal and even pardon. But the innocent Benue people – and others across Nigeria where criminals appear to have the free rein to perpetrate and perpetuate cold-blooded murder and plunder – don’t have such luxury. Where does Mr President’s “Enough is now enough” come from? Are we to imply or believe that the blood-thirsty vampires, parading as herders, bandits, Boko Haram, ISWSP, Lakurawa, and the lately identified terror group, Mamuda, are given time and space to rape, kill, destroy and plunder before they’re stopped?  Defenceless, helpless and hopeless, innocent indigenous people are attacked in their farms, in their homes in the dead of night, in their markets, in their worship places, in their schools, and in hospitals and on the highways. Displaced from their ancestral homesteads, the people move in droves to brace the elements in uninhabitable open market stalls, or make-shift IDPs’ camps, where, sooner than later, the marauders will visit them with further deaths and destruction. There’s nowhere to run, and no place to hide from the killers!  Mr President cautioned on Tuesday, June 17, that, “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings. They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.”  There’s nothing we don’t hear in Nigeria! Let’s not muddle up things, Mr President. You went to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, due to the massacre of community people, mainly farmers, even in the IDP camps. These attacks don’t result from inflammatory utterances and provocations that cause further killings and reprisal attacks, but are planned and executed to attain a certain end. The cycle of mindless raping, killing, destruction, plundering and pillaging is no longer herder-farmer clash, banditry or cattle-rustling. Let’s call it by its real, actual, and proper name: Ethnic cleansing and genocide! During your visit, Mr President, the Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, told you that the Benue repeated attacks weren’t herder-farmer clashes, but genocidal invasion for land-grabbing. The Tor Tiv’s words: “Your Excellency, it is not herder-farmer clashes. It is not communal clashes. It is not reprisal attacks or skirmishes. What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits.” Mr President, the aim of the attackers is, first, to occupy, subjugate, dominate and convert; and then to annihilate, eliminate, exterminate, extinct and erase any traces of the people and their tradition, culture, language, and heritage. To achieve this goal, they create fear, panic, inflict pain and put to flight those alive to abandon their lands and communities, which the invaders occupy and rename in their own language. Talking about foreign invaders, do they come and forcefully occupy our communities? NO! The unpatriotic collaborators and backers within and outside the government – for reasons of politics and/or ethnic and religious domination – invite, harbour, accommodate, plan and collaborate with the hoodlums to carry out nefarious activities. Have we forgotten how a former Governor of a Northern state confessed to how he and other opposition politicians invited bandits from neighbouring countries, to help create insecurity in Nigeria during the 2015 General Election? And that after the poll, which the opposition won, the bandits refused to return to their countries despite huge monetary compensations offered to them? What about the open invitation the head of the government from that election extended to all Fulani, anywhere in Africa, to come and make Nigeria their global home? The foreign Fulani have honoured the invitation with exodus from Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, Tchad, Cameroun, Central African Republic and several other countries. Sadly for Nigerians, the Fulani invitees come into Nigeria as outlaws armed with dangerous weapons and charms. And joined by some local herdsmen, they’re responsible for the human and material atrocities we daily experience in the country today. Also during the heated debate on ranching, to curb alleged herder-farmer clashes, one presidential candidate equated cows as having equal fundamental rights as Nigerians; and that herders were free to roam and graze their cattle anywhere without let or hindrance from farmers and state governments that’ve

PRESIDENT TINUBU ATTENDS JUMU’AH PRAYERS IN ABUJA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended Friday Jumu’ah prayers at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque in Wuse 2, Abuja. The gathering underscored the significance of unity and shared faith among the nation’s leadership during a time of collective reflection. The President was joined by a distinguished group of leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and several governors. The governors in attendance included AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Sen. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. Also present was Deputy Senate President Sen. Barau Jibrin. The attendance of these prominent leaders at the Jumu’ah prayers highlights the importance of faith and unity in the country’s leadership. The gathering served as an opportunity for collective reflection and spiritual rejuvenation.

PRESIDENT TINUBU ADDRESSES JOINT SESSION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON DEMOCRACY DAY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025. In his speech, Tinubu reflected on the country’s progress since the return of democracy in 1999 and highlighted the importance of preserving democratic institutions. “With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go,” Tinubu said. “To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.” Tinubu paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for making June 12 Democracy Day and acknowledging Chief Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as the winners of the June 12, 1993 elections. He also honored the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy, including Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane. The President emphasized the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government, saying, “I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.” He also highlighted the country’s economic progress, citing a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024 and a fivefold increase in net foreign reserves. Tinubu announced the conferment of national honors on several individuals, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Senator Shehu Sani. He also conferred posthumous national honors on Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine. The President assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to boosting the economy’s productive base and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. “We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said. Tinubu concluded by rededicating himself to the ideals of June 12, including freedom, transparency, and social justice. “Let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed,” he said.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF KANO ACCIDENT, NIGER FLOODING TRAGEDY

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said the President extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident. Bayo Onanuga said, “This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages,” as quoted from President Tinubu. Onanuga further stated that the President affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord the victims is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems. The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families. “We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response—one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery,” the President said in a separate statement regarding the Niger State flooding tragedy. Onanuga said President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has led to the loss of lives and the displacement of numerous families. The President directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and has since been fully briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs. Search-and-rescue operations are underway, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the Niger State Government’s response. Relief materials and temporary shelters are being deployed without delay. “I assure all those impacted that our government stands with you,” the President said. Bayo Onanuga added that the President directed security agencies to assist in emergency operations and mandated that NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre provide continuous coordination and updates.

PANDEF COMMENDS SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS FOR LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended the Governors of the South-South region for their leadership and commendable performance in governance. In a statement, National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, saluted the Governors for their unwavering commitment to infrastructural development, including major road constructions, bridge expansions, urban renewal projects, agricultural development, and the initiation of port facilities. Ambassador Igali specifically praised Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Prince Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, for their efforts in enhancing connectivity between the people, fostering regional integration, and laying a solid foundation for sustained economic growth. Igali also noted that the Governors have demonstrated a strong commitment to social welfare policies, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and the well-being of civil servants. He said, “If this trajectory is maintained over the coming years, the region is poised to set national benchmarks and serve as a guiding model for other parts of the country.” However, Igali reminded the Governors that there is more to be done and urged them to remain optimistic about the region’s growth and development. He said, “With our eyes on the ball, we should remain optimistic that the South-South region will continue on this path of growth and emerge as a beacon of hope, progress, and development in Nigeria as a whole.” Igali also called on the people, especially the vibrant citizens, respected monarchs, elders, and community leaders, to offer their full support and cooperation to the Governors. Despite acknowledging the various challenges that persist, including the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Igali reaffirmed PANDEF’s commitment to peace, stability, and progress in the entire Niger Delta.

POPE LEO XIV INVITES PRESIDENT TINUBU TO HIS INAUGURATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja for Rome, Italy, on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. The invitation was extended by the Pope himself, who emphasized the importance of President Tinubu’s physical presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.” Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Pope Leo XIV expressed his fondness for Nigeria, saying, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.” Onanuga said President Tinubu will be accompanied by top Catholic leaders, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop of Owerri and President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be formally installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The Conclave of Cardinals elected him 27 days after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21. President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20. Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu will attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, highlighting the significance of the event for the Catholic Church and the world. Pope Leo XIV has already made headlines with his first Sunday prayer, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people and calling for a just and lasting peace in the conflict with Russia.

DANGOTE THANKS TINUBU FOR OIL AND GAS SECTOR REFORMS

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assembling a capable leadership team at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. Dangote made the commendation during a visit to the President, where he expressed his appreciation for the appointments of Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman. According to Dangote, the new management team brings a wealth of technical expertise and managerial experience essential for revitalizing Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise. “The new team, under the leadership of Bashir Bayo Ojulari and Ahmadu Musa Kida, reflects the President’s strategic intent to drive reform and innovation across the energy sector,” Dangote said. Dangote expressed confidence that the team will address systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, and reposition NNPC Limited for operational excellence and long-term sustainability. He also noted that the recent activities and structural reforms introduced by NNPC Limited serve as strong indicators of the organization’s renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability. When asked about his previous statement that he is still fighting for the survival of his $20 billion refinery, Dangote clarified that it was not connected to the new leadership of NNPC Limited. Instead, he revealed that the “cabals” he was referring to are some major oil marketers and traders who were bent on frustrating the efforts of President Tinubu in revamping the nation’s economy. “The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” Dangote added. With optimism, Dangote expressed confidence that the new leadership of NNPC Limited will propel the country’s energy industry to new heights and reaffirmed his group’s commitment to supporting the collective vision of a prosperous, energy-secure Nigeria.

PRESIDENT TINUBU VISITS FRONTLINE TROOPS IN KATSINA, ASSURES THEM OF GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has visited the frontline troops of Operation Fansa Yamma in Katsina State, reaffirming the government’s commitment to their welfare and the fight against terrorism. Director, Information and Public Relations, Patience Ituke, in a statement, said the President’s visit aimed to assess the security situation and boost the morale of the troops. Ituke said President Tinubu commended the troops’ dedication to their mission and urged them to remain resolute in the fight against terrorism and other security threats. “The fight you are waging here in Katsina and across the country is not just a battle for territory; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria,” Tinubu stated. “Nigeria depends on you, and I am with you today, tomorrow, and always. Stay strong. Stay focused.” The President emphasized the significance of his personal visit, stating that it underscores the urgent need to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Ituke quoted Tinubu as saying, “My gallant officers, brave soldiers, and defenders of our great nation, I stand before you today not just as your President and Commander-in-Chief, but as a fellow patriot, deeply humbled by your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the peace, security, and sovereignty of our great nation.” Tinubu assured the troops of the Federal Government’s unwavering support, saying, “We are taking bold steps to equip you with advanced technology, superior intelligence, and robust logistical support to not only defend this nation but to dominate and defeat every adversary.” Ituke said the President’s visit served to boost morale and reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of the troops.

PRESIDENT TINUBU EMBARKS ON WORKING VISIT TO PARIS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit, during which he will assess his administration’s mid-term performance and key milestones. The President will use the retreat to review ongoing reforms, engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary, and deepen ongoing reforms to accelerate national development priorities in the coming year. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said the President’s commitment to economic reforms is evident in the significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion, a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion. Onanuga added that the President will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities while away. “This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year,” Onanuga said. The President’s working visit to Paris is expected to last about a fortnight, during which time he will continue to work with his team to drive national development priorities. As Onanuga noted, the President’s administration has made significant strides in economic reforms, and this visit will provide an opportunity to review progress and plan for the future. Onanuga reiterated that the President remains committed to his administration’s goals and will continue to work tirelessly to achieve them. Upon his return, President Tinubu is expected to implement new strategies and plans to drive national development.