General News
TINUBU, GERMAN CHANCELLOR MERZ PLEDGE COLLABORATION ON SECURITY, POWER SECTORS
President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, focusing on security, power infrastructure, and railway development. The two leaders reached the resolution during a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, where they also discussed potential partnerships in creative arts and skill development.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement. The presidential spokesman said the discussion centered on the Presidential Power Initiative, with President Tinubu indicating that Nigeria would require assistance with power transmission. According to the statement, Chancellor Merz pledged that Siemens would be ready to assist in that regard, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance the project.
The two leaders expressed shared concern over the security situation in the Sahel region. President Tinubu specifically called for the supply of used helicopters to aid intelligence reconnaissance efforts in the area. The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed, the Nigerian President was quoted as saying during the nine-minute conversation, which began at 2.01 pm and ended around 2.10 pm.
Onanuga noted that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany have been in place for up to 65 years. Chancellor Merz conveyed his country’s anticipation for the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany. The German leader also spoke about the importance of the arts and called for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts.
The statement from Onanuga confirmed that both leaders resolved to improve bilateral relations and expressed willingness to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors.
Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Thursday conducted a search at the residence of former Nasir El-Rufai as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties linked to his time in office.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, who acknowledged that anti-graft officials carried out the operation earlier in the day.
Reacting to the action, one of the former governor’s lawyers, Ubong Akpan, criticised the search, describing it as unlawful and a violation of due process as well as his client’s fundamental rights.
Sources indicate the probe is connected to alleged financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State. Reports further suggest that he has been in ICPC custody since Wednesday night after previously securing administrative bail from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a related matter.
The anti-corruption agencies have not publicly disclosed full details of the allegations, and no formal charges had been announced as of press time.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has carried out its first-quarter unannounced fire drill simulation as part of efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce safety standards within the facility.
The exercise, conducted on Wednesday in Abuja was organised in partnership with the Federal Fire Service.
According to the hotel’s management, the drill forms part of a structured safety programme designed to ensure a high level of emergency readiness and seamless coordination with relevant authorities.
Management stated that the initiative highlights the hotel’s continued commitment to the safety and well-being of both guests and staff.
“We successfully carried out our Q1 unannounced fire drill simulation with the support of the Nigeria Fire Service. This exercise is part of our structured safety programme, aimed at ensuring effective emergency response and coordination,” the management said.
The safety exercise comes shortly after the hotel concluded its Valentine’s Day weekend promotion, which featured special offers across its rooms and restaurants and attracted significant guest participation.
As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, management assures guests of a secure, serene, and memorable experience, reaffirming its dedication to maintaining high safety standards.
The hotel also expressed appreciation for guests’ understanding and apologised for any inconvenience the drill may have caused
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his assent to the amended Electoral Act, describing the move as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the amendment was rushed despite objections from members of the public.
It argued that the speed of legislative passage and presidential approval raises concerns about transparency and could erode confidence in future elections, particularly the 2027 general polls.
The ADC further contended that certain provisions in the revised law introduce ambiguity and grant excessive discretion in the collation and transmission of election results.
According to the party, this comes at a time when many Nigerians are calling for greater accountability and full modernization of the electoral system, insisting that the changes do not strengthen trust in the electoral process.
It also questioned why an administration that controls a majority of state governments and wields significant influence in the National Assembly would fast-track amendments to the electoral framework, suggesting the urgency may reflect fears of facing a fully transparent and competitive electoral environment.
While warning of potential tensions in future elections, the party reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and constitutional means in defending democratic principles.
It added that it would mobilise citizens toward vigilance, unity, and active participation to safeguard their constitutional rights.
The ADC concluded that the will of Nigerians must prevail and maintained that no legislative amendment should undermine the country’s democratic aspirations.