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PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE AT APC NEC MEETING, PLEDGES TO WORK HARDER FOR NIGERIA’S PROSPERITY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday expressed his determination to work harder for the country’s greater good, assuring that the Nigerian economy was on the path of recovery. The President spoke in Abuja at the All-Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee meeting, during which he received a vote of confidence for his administration’s good performance. Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the President thanked Nigerians for their continued belief and trust in the All-Progressives Congress (APC). Onanuga said President Tinubu pledged to continue working assiduously with other arms of government to ensure the greater good for Nigerians and commended APC governors and executives for their continued and unwavering commitment. “I am happy with your vote of confidence, and I accept it. The vote is a challenge to do more work; we will vigorously pursue our sovereignty in food security, investment and development. “I am happy with food prices coming down, especially as Ramadan approaches. The Sun is high, and the sky is bright outside. While the rest of the world unravels, we see growth in Nigeria. We are seeing a gradual return to stability. We are seeing improvements. I thank you, governors,” President Tinubu said. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu also commended the party’s National Working Committee for its performance and called for measures to end some of the crises in the states. “The National Working Committee is doing a very good job; I am pleased with them. However, there are a few conflicts in the various states. Let’s set up committees to look into the lingering problems in the states and appeal to these party leaders in various states to please be calm and be collaborative,” the President said. Bayo Onanuga noted that the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked members for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured them that the party would continue to deliver on its electoral promises. “Though the journey has been very challenging for us as a ruling party, given the big task we have at hand and the expectations from Nigerians, We can sufficiently submit that we have collectively risen to the occasion and challenges,” he said. Onanuga said President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic and developmental woes. “The Senate will expeditiously pass bills that would enhance our national development, improve the economy and redirect our national pathway,” he said. Bayo Onanuga stated that Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas commended the President for his vision and courage in making unpopular but essential decisions. He said the decisions were pivotal for Nigeria’s developmental efforts. Onanuga added that the APC National Executive Council meeting took place a day after the party’s caucus meeting on Tuesday night. At the Caucus meeting, party leaders also praised President Tinubu’s administration for turning the economy around, with GDP growing by 3.84 per cent in the last quarter of 2024 and inflation going downhill.

EL-RUFAI CLAIMS TINUBU CHANGED HIS MIND ON MINISTERIAL NOMINATION, NOT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY REJECTION

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has revealed that he was not rejected by the National Assembly as a ministerial nominee, contrary to public perception. In an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, El-Rufai claimed that President Bola Tinubu simply “changed his mind” on his nomination. El-Rufai explained that after serving as governor for eight years, he had planned to move on, but President Tinubu appealed to him to put his plans on hold and eventually agreed to nominate him as a minister. However, El-Rufai stated that Tinubu later changed his mind, and he was not confirmed by the Senate. “Please, don’t believe the story that the National Assembly rejected me. The President didn’t want me in his cabinet, he changed his mind. Whatever it is, frankly, I don’t care,” El-Rufai said. In August 2023, the Senate withheld El-Rufai’s confirmation as a ministerial nominee, citing security reports from the State Security Service. However, El-Rufai’s latest revelation sheds new light on the circumstances surrounding his nomination.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DANIEL BWALA ON 50TH BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, on his 50th birthday. In a statement, President Tinubu praised Bwala’s exceptional ability to articulate government policies, ensuring the public understands the administration’s agenda. The President commended Bwala for utilizing his expertise as a lawyer, political analyst, and public affairs commentator to perform his duties effectively. Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, noted that Bwala brings clarity and insight to his work, ensuring robust public engagement and understanding of government initiatives. Onanuga added that Bwala’s insights on government policies and programmes continue to strengthen the administration’s outreach efforts. President Tinubu expressed his well-wishes to Bwala, saying, “On this milestone birthday, I join family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating Daniel… May the years ahead bring him continued fulfillment and greater opportunities to advance our collective vision for a thriving Nigeria.” Onanuga stated that President Tinubu wishes Bwala continued success and more years of impactful service to the nation. Bwala, a member of the Nigerian and English Bar, has been serving as Special Adviser on Policy Communication. Bayo Onanuga stated that the President’s congratulatory message is a testament to Bwala’s hard work and dedication to the administration. Onanuga reiterated that President Tinubu values Bwala’s contributions to the government.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS CHIEF EDWIN CLARK

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, a former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said President Tinubu described Chief Clark’s passing as a deeply sobering loss. President Tinubu reflected on the life of the late statesman, saying Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. Onanuga stated that the President acknowledged Chief Clark as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice. “Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic,” President Tinubu said. Bayo Onanuga added that the President noted Chief Clark’s commitment to national unity, saying, “Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.” Onanuga quoted President Tinubu as saying, “As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.” President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss. Bayo Onanuga stated that the President extended his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BACKS AFRICAN UNION REFORMS, REJECTS PROPOSED SPLIT OF AU’S DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS, PEACE AND SECURITY

The Nigerian government has thrown its weight behind the move to reform the African Union (AU), making the continental body more vibrant, viable, and relevant to the needs of member states. President Bola Tinubu, whose statement was delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, commended his Rwanda and Kenya counterparts, Paul Kagame and William Ruto, for the reform proposals. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu acknowledged the recommendations outlined in the draft decision on the AU reform and said the Nigerian government supports the proposal to establish a Heads of State and Government oversight Committee for the AU Reforms under President Ruto’s leadership. Onanuga added that the Nigerian government also endorsed the proposal that the agenda of the AU Summit feature no more than three strategic items. President Tinubu, however, rejected the proposal to create a new department out of the existing Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, citing unnecessary expenditure and potential destabilization of the AU’s political affairs and peace and security process. “We do not support the proposal to reconfigure the Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) as the reconfiguration of the PAPS Department in the way currently suggested will only lead us to incur more expenditure needlessly,” President Tinubu said. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu emphasized the need for inclusiveness and transparency as an integral part of the reform of the AU system. “It is in this connection that Nigeria wishes to reiterate that instead of seeking to reach consensus on all fronts of our reform at one sweep, we should concentrate on areas where we have already reached consensus,” President Tinubu said. Onanuga noted that President Tinubu also said Nigeria would continue to support the reform process as long as it remained transparent and inclusive and did not needlessly destabilize the status quo. Bayo Onanuga stated that this position was reiterated in a statement on February 16, 2025.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES NASIR EL-RUFAI ON 65TH BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on his 65th birthday, praising his endeavours for democracy, meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation. In a statement, President Tinubu acknowledged El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his contributions to the party’s success in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu commends El-Rufai’s resourcefulness and brilliance, noting that he is a founding member of the APC. Onanuga added that El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years and held various positions, including Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007. President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation. Onanuga stated that the President values El-Rufai’s contributions to the nation and looks forward to his continued service. Bayo Onanuga noted that this birthday wish is a testament to the President’s appreciation for El-Rufai’s dedication to democracy and national development.

PRESIDENT TINUBU ARRIVES ETHIOPIA FOR AU SUMMIT

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday night to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government. The President was received at the airport by the Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the charge d’affaires of the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu. The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that Ambassador Tuggar later briefed President Tinubu about the summit and some diplomatic wins for the country, a session that stretched until about 2 a.m. on Friday. Among the wins was the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. Nigeria also retains its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council, reaffirming, in the words of Ambassador Tuggar, “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent”. Onanuga stated that the briefing was attended by several ministers, including Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance; Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defence; and Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Trade and Investment. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, also attended the briefing. This year’s AU summit focuses on reparatory justice and racial healing, with the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”. President Tinubu will deliver a speech at the Summit-level meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, where discussions will focus on current security challenges on the continent, including the escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Onanuga noted that the President will participate in meetings on health financing, establishing an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change. President Tinubu will return to Abuja on Monday, February 17. Bayo Onanuga said the President’s participation in the summit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to African unity and cooperation.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS IFC’S $50 MILLION INVESTMENT IN LAGOS FREE ZONE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its continued confidence in Nigeria’s economy. The President made the commendation following IFC’s $50 million equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone, a Tolaram initiative to support the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based, private special economic zone. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu described the investment as a testament to the growing trust of global financial institutions in Nigeria’s economic direction under his administration. Onanuga added that the President emphasized that such strategic partnerships reinforce the country’s position as a prime destination for foreign direct investment and industrial growth. “The expansion of the Lagos Free Zone is critical to our vision of positioning Nigeria as the gateway for trade and investment in West Africa and across the continent,” President Tinubu said. Onanuga stated that the Lagos Free Zone, strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, is designed to ease import and export operations, strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional and global value chains, and create a more efficient business environment. Bayo Onanuga also noted that the IFC’s investment will support land development, industrial expansion, and logistics infrastructure within the 860-hectare zone, ensuring full integration into Nigeria’s broader economic diversification strategy. The President also acknowledged Tolaram’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that the group’s deepening investments reflect Nigeria’s strong potential as an investment destination. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu welcomed the company’s continued efforts to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and foster economic growth. Bayo Onanuga added that while appreciating the IFC’s investment, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts even larger, transformative investments across key sectors. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu also highlighted the IFC’s growing partnership with Nigeria, including its $70 million support for power sector initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security. “We value the IFC’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic progress and look forward to deeper engagements that will drive large-scale infrastructure projects, strengthen our industrial base, and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians,” the President added.

NIGERIA MUST REJECT DECEPTION AND CORRUPTION: WHY TINUBU AND RIBADU CANNOT BE TRUSTED IN 2027

Written by Salihu Garba-mama Aliyu (#SAGMA), Published on 6th January 2025 Our Intention: We are committed to promoting integrity, truth, and justice. We do not harbor hatred toward any of God’s creations—least of all, human beings. What we oppose is corruption, injustice, and all forms of tyranny and oppression. Our stance is rooted in a deep love for truth, justice, and mercy, and it is this unwavering commitment that guides our words and actions. Yes, it’s obvious, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. And the choice before us in 2027 is not merely about electing new leaders—it is about reclaiming our nation’s dignity, restoring integrity in governance, and ensuring that deceitful, corrupt, and opportunistic politicians are never trusted with power again. It will so foolish on our part to allow scorpion’s sting twice from the same hole. Today, we are once again exposing the dangerous attempt to whitewash the corruption-ridden past of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his ally, Nuhu Ribadu. We dismantle the lies, deception, and manipulative narratives designed to mislead Nigerians into believing that these men can offer credible leadership. This is part of our unwavering commitment to promoting democratic accountability, exposing corruption, and ensuring that Nigeria secures the quality political leadership it truly deserves in 2027 and beyond. Earlier, I played a key role in halting partisan criticism and personal attacks on air by political pundits in Adamawa who castigated Ribadu and his leadership style. My conviction then was that the time for politicking was over. As an indigene of Adamawa entrusted with the highly sensitive role of National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Ribadu should have been supported and encouraged to deliver on the critical task of ridding Nigeria of insecurity, including the scourge of banditry, Boko Haram, and the rampant kidnappings for ransom. However, we have now come to realize that Ribadu himself is part of Nigeria’s problem—corruption! Yet, while we expose his misdeeds, we must not generalize or tarnish the reputation of all Nigerian police officers, the institution from which Ribadu hails. Our fight is against corruption and bad leadership, not against individuals who uphold integrity in service to the nation. In my previous posts, including a rebuttal to Reno Omokri’s failed attempt to “launder the unlaunderable”—Nuhu Ribadu and his boss, Bola Ahmed Tinubu—I reaffirmed our determination to remain steadfast in this awakening journey until the ultimate goal is achieved: purging Nigeria’s leadership of corruption. This article builds upon that commitment, strengthened by newly available information, as we persist in our mission to expose and disqualify Ribadu and Tinubu as opportunists unfit for leadership—men Nigerians must unequivocally reject in 2027. Nuhu Ribadu: From Anti-Corruption Crusader to a Servant of Corrupt Masters Nuhu Ribadu once stood as a beacon in the fight against corruption. As the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he earned public trust by taking on powerful figures involved in financial crimes. However, his descent into political servitude and hypocrisy has eroded his credibility, making him unworthy of any leadership role—especially as he sets his sights on the governorship of Adamawa State in 2027. One of Ribadu’s alleged transgressions, previously exposed in our articles, is his clandestine alliance with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to undermine the Fombina Kingdom. He played a key role in the governor’s illicit scheme to balkanize traditional institutions, using them as commodities in a political black market. Through this corrupt arrangement, Ribadu reportedly facilitated the purchase of a royal throne for his younger brother from Fintiri’s auction of traditional authority. This betrayal of public trust and disregard for the sanctity of cultural heritage further cements Ribadu’s unfitness for leadership. Ribadu’s betrayal of the truth and trust is continuing unabated. This is evident in his recent denial of ever accusing Tinubu of corruption. However, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other critics exposed his lies, stating that Ribadu directly accused Tinubu of corruption at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting when he was EFCC chairman. Why is Ribadu shamelessly lying now? Because he has chosen power over principles! Or is it the “serious amnesia” he is allaged to suffer from? The same man who once vowed to clean up Nigeria now serves as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to a man he previously investigated for corruption. This hypocrisy disqualifies Ribadu from any further public trust. Reading through the article titled “Ribadu – El-Rufai: Before Today, There Was Yesterday, and There’ll Be Tomorrow,” one cannot ignore its innocently dangerous attempt to romanticize political betrayal. It reduces real issues of corruption and power struggles to mere personal grudges and shifting alliances. While the author may have intended goodly to reconcile El-Rufai with his old friend Ribadu, a deeper analysis exposes an insidious manipulation of emotions—framing Ribadu’s past acts of sympathy toward El-Rufai as though personal kindness should override present political realities. This is a deliberate oversimplification. The article wrongly paints both men as victims of the same system, ignoring the glaring truth: El-Rufai actively worked to sideline Ribadu under Buhari, and today, Ribadu is complicit in Tinubu’s corrupt administration. By pushing a fatalistic view of politics, the piece subtly discourages Nigerians from demanding accountability—portraying corruption and betrayal as inevitable. Nigerians must reject this defeatist narrative. Ribadu’s loyalty to Tinubu is not an accident; it is a calculated alignment with corruption. And El-Rufai’s opposition to Ribadu should not be seen as an ideological purity; it is purely power struggle. The real lesson here is simple: never trust political actors who switch principles for survival—whether Ribadu, Tinubu, or any of their enablers. I will say it for the umpteenth time, our focus must remain on Nigeria’s well-being and its over 200 million citizens, not the political survival of individuals. Idolization of president Buhari in past should be an open book example in this regard. Going forward, we must separate personal relationships from matters of national governance. Four years ago, on October 3, 2020, I had the privilege of being among the invited guests at the wedding Fatiha between

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES NKEM OWOH ON 70TH BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to veteran Nollywood actor, comedian, singer, and scriptwriter, Mr. Nkem Owoh, as he marks his 70th birthday. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu celebrates Owoh’s impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry and his legacy as one of its most beloved figures. Popularly adored by fans as “Osuofia,” Nkem Owoh has captivated audiences for decades with his wit and versatility. As a trailblazer in Nollywood and TV drama, he has garnered numerous accolades, including the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2008. Onanuga added that President Tinubu commends Owoh’s dedication to storytelling, which has entertained millions and showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. “Today, we celebrate a true legend whose talent has brought joy to generations of Nigerians and Africans across the globe,” President Tinubu said. “Through his iconic roles, particularly as Osuofia, Mr. Owoh has etched his name in the annals of our cultural history. He used laughter and creativity to reflect our society’s vibrancy and resilience.” Onanuga stated that President Tinubu wishes Mr. Owoh continued health, happiness, and creative fulfillment in the years ahead. “On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I wish Mr. Nkem Owoh a joyous 70th birthday celebration. May his infectious spirit continue to inspire the younger generation of entertainers,” the President added.