In a significant political gathering, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed principal officers of the National Assembly to an Iftar dinner at the State House in Abuja. The event, which underscores the strong relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, took place during the sacred period of Ramadan. The lawmakers arrived at the State House forecourt at approximately 7:00 p.m. in two Toyota Coaster buses. Shortly after, Senate President Godswill Akpabio joined the high-profile assembly, marking an important moment of unity and collaboration. This Iftar dinner represents the second hosted by President Tinubu during the ongoing Ramadan, demonstrating his commitment to fostering unity among Nigeria’s top government officials. Dignitaries in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and various chairpersons of Senate and House committees. Their presence highlights the importance of this engagement in strengthening governance and policy discussions. For more on President Tinubu’s engagements, visit Nigeria’s Official Government Website. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his decision to remove the fuel subsidy is aimed at safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s younger generations. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to empowering the youth and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Strategic Move for National Development Addressing the gathering, Tinubu reaffirmed that his policies are geared towards long-term economic growth. He stated: “Today is not for lengthy speeches, but I want to assure you that you are the hope of this nation. Every decision I have made is centered on securing the future. By removing the fuel subsidy, we are ensuring the economic stability of generations yet to come. Infrastructure development is essential, and we must invest in it.” The President also highlighted the issue of migration, known as ‘Japa’ syndrome, where young professionals leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. He stressed that by fostering economic prosperity at home, young Nigerians would find more reasons to stay and contribute to national growth. “When we create economic opportunities and empower our citizens, they will have fewer reasons to leave. This is your home, and it is your responsibility to build it into a thriving nation.” Economic Growth and Investment Prospects Tinubu acknowledged the challenges his administration faced initially but expressed optimism about the country’s economic progress. “When we started, things appeared uncertain and difficult. It felt like drawing water from a dry well. However, today, our economy is stabilizing, prices are dropping, and investor confidence is rising. Technology is advancing, creating new opportunities for young people.” The President urged Nigerian youth to take an active role in shaping the country’s future. He encouraged them to openly express their concerns and suggestions for national development. “Speak to me directly. Share your concerns and recommendations. We will work on implementing ideas that promote Nigeria’s prosperity.” Empowering Youth Through Technology and Agriculture During the event, Tinubu officially inaugurated the Youth Congress Planning Committee and urged them to embrace technology in every aspect of their work. “Let’s harness technology, explore agricultural opportunities, and create sustainable solutions to empower the youth. We must also work towards achieving food sovereignty for Nigeria.” Expressing his admiration for the younger generation, he added humorously: “I admire you all. If I had a chance to be young again, I would seize the opportunities available today. Unfortunately, that is not possible, but I remain dedicated to supporting you.” Youth Inclusion in Governance Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended Tinubu’s commitment to youth engagement. He assured that the upcoming youth conference would serve as a platform for young Nigerians to contribute ideas for national progress. Olawande also revealed that the committee includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Finance, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international partners such as the World Bank. Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, a key member of the planning committee, praised Tinubu’s administration for recognizing the role of youth in governance and national development. Conclusion Tinubu’s administration continues to emphasize economic reforms and youth empowerment as key drivers of national development. The removal of fuel subsidies, investment in infrastructure, and prioritization of technology and agriculture are expected to secure Nigeria’s future and create sustainable opportunities for young citizens. Read more about Nigeria’s economic policies. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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As Nigeria gears up for the February 20, 2027, presidential election—now just 715 days away—the political landscape is already buzzing with intense strategic moves and alliances. Key aspirants and their supporters are actively engaging in consultations and networking, seeking the right alignments to secure victory. Northern Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently declared that the North is fully behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. He emphasized that the region would regain power in 2031, following the established North-South rotational leadership tradition. Similarly, Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Bello Matawalle, reaffirmed the North’s commitment to Tinubu, stating that the president’s developmental strides across Nigeria deserve continuity until 2031. These pronouncements, however, have sparked differing opinions among Northern leaders. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Tinubu is actively engaging political figures in the South-East and South-South to strengthen his electoral prospects for 2027. Tinubu’s 2027 APC Ticket Almost Secured Barring unforeseen developments, the APC’s presidential ticket for 2027 appears firmly in Tinubu’s grasp. According to Nigeria’s electoral requirements, securing a second term necessitates a majority vote and at least one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. During the 2023 election, Tinubu faced significant setbacks in Lagos, Osun, and Abuja, where he failed to secure 25% of the votes. This was a key argument raised by opposition parties contesting his victory in court. Despite being a Southern candidate, Tinubu struggled in the South-East and South-South, securing only the South-West. His lowest regional performance was in the South-East, where he obtained just 127,605 votes (5.8%). However, Tinubu secured major victories in three of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: North-West, South-West, and North-Central, with his highest votes coming from the North-West. 2023 Election Results Breakdown Below is a summary of how Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) performed across the six geopolitical zones: South-West South-South South-East Tinubu’s Outreach to South-East and South-South Leaders To improve his chances in the South-East and South-South for 2027, Tinubu is reportedly reaching out to key political figures in these regions. Insiders suggest that apart from ongoing infrastructure projects, negotiations are underway to allow opposition governors to retain their seats in exchange for their support in Tinubu’s re-election bid. Governors such as Professor Charles Soludo (Anambra, APGA), Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu, PDP), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom, PDP), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta, PDP) are said to be involved in these discussions. If the strategy succeeds, Tinubu could gain substantial support without the need for political defections, although those wishing to join the APC would be welcomed. Northern Reactions to Ganduje and Matawalle’s Statements Ganduje, speaking at a gathering of the Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum (TNYF), dismissed speculations about a Northern presidency in 2027. He emphasized that after Tinubu’s eight-year tenure, power would naturally shift back to the North in 2031. Matawalle also countered criticisms from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Babachir Lawal, reiterating that the North remains firmly behind Tinubu’s leadership. However, not all Northern leaders share this sentiment. Former APC North-West Vice Chairman Salihu Moh. Lukman criticized Ganduje, suggesting that political parties should encourage internal negotiations rather than unilateral declarations. He argued for a more inclusive democratic process where all candidates can contest freely without party-imposed restrictions. Reevaluating Regional Loyalty in Nigerian Politics Abdul-Azeez Suleiman of the Northern Elders Forum highlighted the need to prioritize competence over regional loyalty. Reflecting on the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Suleiman emphasized that regional affiliation alone does not guarantee effective governance. The Northern region, which had high expectations of Buhari, faced increased insecurity and economic challenges under his administration. As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 election, Suleiman urged the North to focus on selecting a leader based on capability rather than ethnicity. Democracy Without a Strong Opposition Is Ineffective — Az Sani Anthony Sani, the former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), remarked that Ganduje’s statement about the North waiting until 2031 for the presidency stems from the role northern APC governors played in ensuring President Bola Tinubu’s emergence in line with the tradition of power rotation between the North and the South. Sani noted that since there is no nationwide consensus on identity politics, as reflected in rotational leadership, northern politicians who aspire to contest in 2027 are free to do so—just as Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso did in 2023. Despite their efforts, Tinubu still secured significant votes from the North. He emphasized that both Ganduje’s statement and the opposition to it are merely democratic expressions. In his view, a democracy without a credible opposition is meaningless. He further explained that politics is shaped by collective interests, unity, and strategic alliances rather than individual pursuits. Thus, the ongoing debate is a natural consequence of differing group interests. Ultimately, the electorate will determine the outcome at the polls. Ganduje’s Statement Is Justified — Kwankwaso Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, a prominent APC figure in Kano and Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin, defended Ganduje’s stance. He argued that the North should indeed wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency again. According to him, Tinubu’s administration has significantly contributed to northern development. He cited initiatives such as the North-West Commission, championed by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and approved by Tinubu, with a budget of over ₦600 billion. Additionally, the approval of ₦150 billion for Kano’s metro rail construction, spearheaded by House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chairman Abubakar Bichi, is another testament to the administration’s commitment. Kwankwaso stated that the North is currently benefiting from numerous projects supported by Tinubu’s government, and even more will be accomplished if Tinubu secures re-election in 2027. Ganduje’s Remarks Are a Political Wake-Up Call for the North — NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), asserted that Ganduje’s comments serve as a
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Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has dismissed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s claim that ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida tormented Bola Tinubu during the military era. Osinbajo made the statement while reviewing Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, at its recent launch in Abuja. He reflected on Tinubu’s role as a senator during the tumultuous period following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, suggesting that Tinubu faced challenges from the military regime, including Babangida. However, during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Onanuga countered this narrative. He asserted that Babangida was not Tinubu’s adversary but rather a catalyst for his political journey. He highlighted Babangida’s advocacy for “new-breed” politicians in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which drew several technocrats and professionals, including Tinubu, into politics. Onanuga clarified that Tinubu’s real conflict with the military came under General Sani Abacha’s regime when Tinubu and some lawmakers attempted to reconvene the Senate in Lagos, leading to a series of political struggles. The presidential aide also praised Babangida for finally acknowledging that Chief MKO Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, though he expressed regret that such recognition came long after the event. This clarification aims to correct the public record regarding Tinubu’s political history and Babangida’s influence, offering a more accurate understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu gave Nigerians hope that better times are coming and presented a positive outlook for the country’s future.As he presented Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, with the new rank of Lieutenant General in his office at the State House in Abuja, the President credited the military’s “synergy” for the success in combating terrorism and banditry and urged the service chiefs to maintain good relations for the benefit of the nation.“The country has been calmed by your cooperation, and we need that stability to continue,” he remarked. We must reassure every citizen that prosperity is within their reach. The military was praised by President Tinubu for its steadfast bravery, commitment, and patriotism in preserving national security.The President said, “It is a privilege and an honor to decorate you today.”“Your dedication and service to the Nigerian military, demonstrated by your stellar record, are reflected in this commendation.The President remarked, “We appreciate everything you have been doing to keep the nation safe and stable.” President Tinubu gave the military his word that the government will always take their suggestions into consideration and steer the nation toward prosperity and peace.“We are having difficulties, but we are making progress,” he continued. Lt. Gen. Oluyede, the Acting COAS, conveyed his sincere appreciation, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, and reaffirmed his dedication to preserving the Chief’s vision. of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Army Staff, and to preserving national harmony.On September 19, 1992, Lt. Gen. Oluyede (N/9318) received a Regular Combatant Commission as a second lieutenant, joining the 39 Regular Course. Seniority in the same rank was conferred on September 12, 1987. He took part in a number of missions, such as Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast, and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia. READ ALSO: National grid collapse: TCN blames line tripping, says will be restore
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Kenneth Okonkwo of the Labour Party (LP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to offer an apology to the children who were arraigned as part of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations. In response to several demonstrators who were charged last week for demonstrating against poor governance in August, he made the call on Tuesday while appearing as a guest on Arise Television. The youngsters must receive compensation, according to Okonkwo, who called the charges against them “wrong.” “The president must apologize to those children and provide them with appropriate compensation,” he stated. It was a grave mistake. The accusations were incorrect. “The method used to hold them was incorrect. The arraignment procedure was incorrect. During the entire process, they were simply mistreated, hungry, and mistreated. The police ought to express regret to them. Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi was ordered by President Tinubu on Monday to drop the charges against the youngsters. A federal high court in Abuja dismissed the lawsuit against 119 people who were reportedly involved in the protest on Tuesday. READ ALSO: Tinubu criminally hijacked 2023 election from me, Atiku cries out
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President Bola Tinubu declared that the tax reform proposals would not be removed from the National Assembly notwithstanding the uproar surrounding them. This was revealed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy. Instead, he clarified that the proposals ought to pass the legislature. “The National Economic Council recommended that the tax reform bills already sent to the National Assembly be withdrawn for further consultation,” the statement said of President Bola Tinubu. The Nigerian leader also praised the recommendations given by the members of the National Economic Council, particularly Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 state governors. He feels that without rescinding the measures, the legislative process, which has already started, offers a chance for input and required modifications. from the National Assembly. President Tinubu welcomes more discussions and involvement with important stakeholders to allay any concerns over the legislation as the National Assembly considers them for passage, but he also urges the NEC to let the process run its course. President Tinubu had only one goal in mind when he established the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023: to realign the economy for increased productivity and efficiency and create a more favorable business and investment climate. This goal is still more important now than it has ever been, the statement said. NEC Demands Tax Reform Bill WithdrawalNEC voiced concerns on Thursday on the Tax Reform Bill that President Bola Tinubu sent to the National Assembly. The Based on the findings and suggestions of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, which the President established to aid in increasing the nation’s revenue generation, the measure was sent to NASS. The NEC unanimously demanded that the bill be withdrawn. This was one of the decisions made at the NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Following the meeting, the governors briefed State House Correspondents, pointing out that the proposed reforms require enough agreement among the stakeholders. According to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who briefed reporters, NEC noted that sufficient consultations were required to gather the opinions of stakeholders, including state governors, in order to guarantee that the legislation is favorable. to every Nigerian. “The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms presented to NEC today. Fair taxes, prudent borrowing, and sustainable spending are their top priorities,” he stated. The Council recognized that the nation is underperforming on every metric, including the yield from its main sources of income, the tax to GDP ratio, and others. Following much discussion, NEC concluded that the suggested improvements require adequate agreement between and among the stakeholders. Therefore, the Council recommends that the tax reform bill now before the National Assembly be withdrawn in order to broaden consultations and foster agreement on these reforms for the good of the entire nation and to provide people with They should be aware of our goal and the direction we are taking with regard to tax reform, since there is a great deal of disinformation and misunderstanding,” Governor Makinde stated. Northern Governors Turn Down the BillThe action was taken just days after some of the proposals—most notably the VAT-sharing template in one of the bills—were rejected by the powerful Northern Governors’ Forum. Following a meeting in Kaduna, the northern governors came to this decision, calling for justice and equity. This is due to the fact that businesses pay VAT according to the location of their tax office and headquarters, not the location of the goods and services that are used. Given the aforementioned, the forum unanimously denounces the proposed Tax Amendments and urges National Assembly members to oppose any legislation that would endanger “the welfare of our people,” stated Inuwa Yahaya, the forum’s chairperson as well. To be clear, the Northern Governors’ Forum has nothing against policies or initiatives that promote the growth and development of the country. However, in order to guarantee that no geopolitical zone is overlooked or undervalued, the forum demands equity and fairness in the execution of all national policies and programs,” he stated. READ ALSO: Court approves N1.1 billion bail for 114 protesters charged with arson against public facilities. The governors that attended were Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara, and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa. The deputy governors of the other governors represented them. Gombe State Governor Yahaya reading the statement declared during the conference that the tax proposals were not in the best interests of the North and gave northern lawmakers instructions to oppose them. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our NewsLetter.
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President Bola Tinubu has received praise from US President Joe Biden for the two nations’ cooperation in law enforcement and the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who was arrested in Nigeria on money laundering accusations. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that Mr. Biden also promised to strengthen strategic alliances with Nigeria. According to Mr. Tuggar, who briefed State House correspondents, Mr. Biden made the promise to Mr. Tinubu over the phone at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. According to Mr. Tuggar, Mr. Tinubu then commended the United States for its partnership and collaboration in many sectors. They also talked about the need for cooperation throughout Africa, especially in West Africa, with regard to security. According to him, the collaboration involved exchanging intelligence, using technology, training, and both kinetic and non-kinetic elements. READ ALSO He also gave President Biden his word that the cooperation would last, saying that Africa was crucial to the world’s future and that this partnership must continue. “The United States is committed to seeing Africa have two permanent seats,” President Biden reiterated as the two leaders talked about the UN Security Council and permanent seats. “Given its position in Africa, its stature, and its importance, he also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria,” Mr. Tuggar added.
