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Tag: Tinubu

  • Tinubu appoints Vice Admiral Ibas as administrator for Rivers

    Tinubu appoints Vice Admiral Ibas as administrator for Rivers

    Amid the political tension in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator in the oil-rich South-South state.

    Ibas was Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021.

    At a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President appointed Ibas to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu who were both suspended for six months.

    Aside from the governor and his deputy, Tinubu also suspended all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Tinubu said, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

    “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

    “The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”

  • Tinubu appoints Bishop Kukah Pro-Chancellor University of applied sciences Kachia

    Tinubu appoints Bishop Kukah Pro-Chancellor University of applied sciences Kachia

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.  

    The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

    According to the statement, the President also approved the appointment of key university officers, including Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as Bursar, and Prof. Daniel Abubakar as University Librarian.

    Additionally, Mr. Thomas Etuh (North Central), Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof. Femi Taiwo (South West), and Zarah Bukar (North East) were named as members of the university’s Governing Council.

    The statement emphasized that the appointees were selected for their outstanding careers, leadership experience, and commitment to advancing education in Nigeria.

    President Tinubu encouraged the new officials to leverage their expertise to establish the university as a center for academic excellence and research, in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He further urged the appointees to provide visionary leadership and build a strong foundation for the university, which is set to admit its first students in September 2025.

    The Federal University of Applied Sciences, previously known as Nok University, was renamed following the federal government’s acquisition of its assets.

  • [VIDEO] “My father is the greatest president in the history of Nigeria” – Seyi Tinubu

    [VIDEO] “My father is the greatest president in the history of Nigeria” – Seyi Tinubu

    The son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu has hailed his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history during the ongoing 30-day rant challenge by youths on social media.

    In a widely circulated video, Seyi commended the president for providing opportunities for young people and establishing an economy that he claimed benefits all Nigerians.

    “It was never politics, but they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, they keep coming for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the greatest president in the history of Nigeria,” he said.

    “He is the only president that has kept your people at home, the only president that considers youths, the only president that created a platform for young people to fly. The only president that created an economy that has benefitted everybody, the only president that is not trying to enrich his own pocket.”

    Seyi’s remarks come as frustration continues to grow among young Nigerians over the country’s economic situation.

    The 30-day rant challenge gained traction after a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye went viral for lamenting the high cost of living.

    In an emotional video, she complained about skyrocketing prices of goods and services, as well as the rising cost of transportation, electricity, and security.

    She described Tinubu’s government as “terrible” for not addressing these issues, adding that her NYSC allowance was no longer sufficient to cover basic expenses.

    Following the video’s circulation, the corps member claimed she received threats, allegedly from NYSC officials.

    This sparked the 30-day rant challenge, where Nigerians share their frustrations daily about governance and the economic hardship in the country.

  • “Tinubu has ruined the Nigerian economy,” says Sowore

    “Tinubu has ruined the Nigerian economy,” says Sowore

    Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, alleging they have caused severe hardship for Nigerians.

    Sowore’s remarks come in response to the trending controversy surrounding a Lagos National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, who was allegedly threatened by NYSC officials after she criticized Tinubu’s government on social media.

    In a statement shared X formerly Twitter, Sowore accused President Tinubu of mismanaging the Nigerian economy, claiming, “Mr. Tinubu has ruined the Nigerian economy, with 7.2 million businesses closed since he brought his bad economics to hunt down and kill the Naira. Inflation is at its worst, there are no jobs, no food, and wages can’t last most workers a week. Food prices, rent, medication, energy tariffs, and telecom services are unaffordable—this man came to finish Nigeria.”

    He also said, ” Nigerians must recognize this, rise, and fight back very strongly. We have NO time!”

    NewsClick Nigeria reports that the controversy was sparked by a viral TikTok video posted by a Lagos corper, in which she expressed her concerns as regards the economic hardships facing Nigerians under Tinubu’s administration. She later alleged that NYSC officials contacted her, threatening her to delete the video.

    While NYSC is yet to release an official statement, the incident has drawn widespread attention and sparked conversations about freedom of expression and government accountability.

  • Atiku backs corper facing threats over viral video

    Atiku backs corper facing threats over viral video

    Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who claimed to have received threats after her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Atiku praised Raye’s courage, describing her as a symbol of a new generation of politically engaged women committed to advocacy and democratic participation.

    “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.

    “I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” Atiku wrote.

    The former presidential candidate likened Raye to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Atiku called for support rather than hostility towards Raye.

    The former presidential candidate likened Raye to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Atiku called for support rather than hostility towards Raye.

    “Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” Atiku said.

    Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after a video she posted criticising government policies went viral.

    She later claimed to have faced threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.

    In the video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Raye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.

    She criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to easing citizens’ hardships.

    Authorities have yet to comment on her allegations.

  • Amnesty International condemns alleged threats against corps member for criticising Tinubu’s govt

    Amnesty International condemns alleged threats against corps member for criticising Tinubu’s govt

    Amnesty International Nigeria has criticized the alleged threats and intimidation directed at Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, following her viral TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu ’s administration for worsening economic hardship.

    In a statement shared on X on Sunday, the human rights organization condemned the reported actions by NYSC officials, asserting that Uguamaye was fully entitled to voice her concerns about the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

    “It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty International stated.

    Uguamaye’s video, which gained traction on social media, openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamenting that financial struggles have made hard work feel futile.

    She also complained about Lagos State’s poor sanitation, describing it as a “smelling state.”

    Shortly after the video went viral, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.

    She took to Instagram to express fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.

    “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue.

    “Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government, starting with the NYSC board.

    “They have my address. If you don’t see me online, you know who to hold accountable,” she wrote.

    Amnesty International’s statement also accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.

    “The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organization added.

    The controversy has sparked a national debate on free speech and the role of the NYSC in suppressing public criticism.

    Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand accountability, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye gaining traction.

    Reports state that NYSC has yet to officially respond to the allegations, but the incident, according to multiple reactions to the online content, has amplified concerns over the handling of public criticism amid worsening economic conditions.

  • VIDEO: Lagos corper alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu’s government

    VIDEO: Lagos corper alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu’s government

    A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, has raised concerns over alleged threats following her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over inflation and economic hardship.

    In a video shared on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Uguamaye expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, lamenting that hard work seems futile amid financial struggles.

    She openly criticised Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s efforts to alleviate citizens’ suffering.

    Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state,” complaining about its odour and poor living conditions.

    Shortly after her video gained traction, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the content.

    Frustrated by the backlash, she took to Instagram #iamraye__ to express her disappointment at what she described as attempts to silence her, insisting that she only spoke the truth about Nigeria’s realities.

    She wrote, “Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue. Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government starting with the NYSC board!

    “Dear Nigerians, they have my address. In case you guys don’t see me online, please you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong I just asked that they work on the inflation.

    “Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corper doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain.

    “Why can’t the government listen to the critics of its citizens? They believe they have a chain on me, which is NYSC, and they are using it to hold me. #officialasiwajubat I didn’t do anything wrong. I criticised your government and I demand that we are being heard.”

    She added, “Deleting this content is of no use: because they already know me. However, deleting it means whatever they do to me, nobody would know. If they decide to give me a hefty punishment, nobody would know because I used my own hands to cover it by deleting what I started.

    “She’s asking people to Identify me? I’m not a criminal. Reading the NYSC rules, I didn’t commit any crime. Ask the NYSC lady to stop asking people to point me out, ATP she’s acting scary.

    “All I did was lament, all I did was complain. I’m getting tons of messages like this from my fellow corpers. What is wrong with just one person complaining? Why are they looking for me like I’m a criminal? I’m not dumb.

    “I made sure to not accuse the government of anything maliciously! I questioned them. I asked questions. As an NYSC Corper, I didn’t sign off my freedom of speech.

    “Leave me alone bruh. they keep calling me and I’ve switched of my phones now they are texting me my personal details on WhatsApp to inform me they know me well.

    “Dear NYSC if you say a corper has faulted, you wouldn’t treat them like this and scare them! You are scaring me for my dear life. Please, leave me alone. You told me to report to the office on Monday. Okay! What else? Why are you looking for me? I just exercised my right to using the ‘Freedom of Speech’ this is the right of every citizen. Except they tell me being an NYSC Corper removes me from being a citizen.”

    Her allegations have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether the NYSC is suppressing free speech among corps members.

    Click the link to watch the video.

  • Tinubu Not Worried About 2027 Election — Presidency

    Tinubu Not Worried About 2027 Election — Presidency

    The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu is currently focused on positively impacting the lives of Nigerians and not the next general elections. 

    Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare who made the clarification in a statement on X on Friday, said the president’s achievement would at the end of his tenure, be how he has been able to bring development to the economy.

    Dare’s statement comes amid growing political tension and economic hardship in the country.

    Efforts to form a coalition that could challenge Tinubu in 2027 are on top gear, as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, decamped from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    The statement read “President Tinubu is not worried about the next election. He’s worried about the shared prosperity that he can bring to Nigerians.

    “He’s worried about how the reforms he has put in place will yield necessary impact. He is concerned about what happens to the economy of this country eventually. That’s the focus. “We’ve seen our foreign reserves go up. We’ve seen inflation come down. We’ve seen our trade surplus go up.

    “We’ve seen exports go up and imports drop.

    “We’ve seen the investments that have been attracted -over 50 billion. We are seeing prices dropping.

    “We have clear data and you have a President that is clearly in the driver’s seat, and he has stayed the course of the decisions he has taken.

    “And I think that the next election is not really in his view right now.

    “It’s how to make sure that at the end of his first term, he can sit back and say, look, “I have impacted the lives of Nigerians. I have turned this economy around”.

    Amid hardship rocking the country, Tinubu has assured Nigerians of hope, reiterating his commitment to running a government that listens to the needs of Nigerians.

    While receiving the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Friday, he told the bishops that he made a tough decision upon assuming office in 2023 by removing subsidies on petroleum products.

    He stressed the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.

    “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country,” the President was quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

  • Hardship: There’s hope, I’m ready to listen, Tinubu tells Catholic Bishops

    Hardship: There’s hope, I’m ready to listen, Tinubu tells Catholic Bishops

    Amid the hardship rocking the country, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of hope, reiterating his commitment to running a government that listens to the needs of Nigerians.

    Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday while receiving the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

    He told the bishops that he made a tough decision upon assuming office in 2023 by removing subsidy on petroleum products.

    He stressed the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.

    “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country,” the President was quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

    “There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that. What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet. I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.”

    The President also decried the situation in the country, lamenting that it affects everyone including Christians and Muslims.

    He stated that the security agencies were already curtailing the nation’s insecurity, stressing that adherents of all religions felt the impact of the efforts.

    “This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church.

    “But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen. We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door,” he stated.

    Tinubu thanked religious leaders for their prayers, as the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism. He highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.

  • Nigeria would’ve been bankrupt if we hadn’t taken actions – Tinubu

    Nigeria would’ve been bankrupt if we hadn’t taken actions – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday explained the reasoning behind his administration’s economic reforms, emphasizing that their primary aim is to safeguard the interests of future generations.

    The President shared this perspective at the State House in Abuja while hosting a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.

    “For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” Tinubu was quoted to have said in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.

    He highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties.

    “We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.  President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.

    “Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”

    He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.

    “I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.   “Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”

    Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.

    “I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

    “And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.

    The delegation also included Senator Bako Aufara Musa, Honorable Terwase Orbunde, Honorable Wasiu Logun, Honorable Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo, and Honorable Eze Nwauwa.