Tag: Bola Tinubu

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Bayelsa Gov Douye Diri dumps PDP

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Diri, who announced this on Wednesday at the exco chamber in the Bayelsa State Government House.

He said his decision was for an obvious reason, but did not state the reason or the political party to which he will be moving.

“After extensive consultations, today, October 15, 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he announced.

The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was absent, but the governor said all those not present at the meeting were on official assignments.

He also stated that the chairmen of all the local government areas will move with him.

His decision was backed by 23 members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker,  Abraham Ngobere.

The meeting was attended by 10 members of the House of Assembly.

The 24-member House of Assembly has 20 PDP lawmakers, three All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, and one member from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The Speaker said the PDP does not have the ability to present a presidential candidate and win the 2027 election.

Diri’s defection came 24 hours after his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mbah officially dumped the PDP for the APC on Tuesday during a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state.

He said the move was driven by the need to better serve the interests of the people of the state, and not a betrayal.

“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandoning.

“It is more about thinking I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a cost on me carrying that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people,” the governor told journalists shortly after announcing his defection.

The two governors’ defection came months after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, moved to the ruling party with all their officials and appointees earlier in the year.

But the PDP said it was disappointed by the defection of the Enugu governor to the APC.

It urged serving governors in the PDP to continue to recognise their role as leaders in the opposition party entrusted with political power by the people who voted for them.

“The PDP is utterly disappointed by those actions, having regard to what we know behind the scene. But having said that, people have a right to decide what they want to do; the consequences can follow,” the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.

Ologunagba also said that the PDP was aware of moles undermining the party’s progress.

He, however, assured that the PDP national convention scheduled to be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November would help rejuvenate the party from its foundation and reposition it for future elections.

“There are some people from within our fold that continue the undermine the party and its progress. We recognise that, but we are dealing with that,” he added.

But President Bola Tinubu said the APC would not close its doors to members of the opposition parties who chose to join the ruling party.

He also said he would neither bother about the crisis in the opposition parties nor help them fix the problems, adding that it was a pleasure to see opposition parties in disarray.

“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” Tinubu said while addressing the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day.

“For me, I will not say, ‘Try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so either.’ It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” the President added amid cheers from supporters and federal lawmakers on the platform of the APC.

When formally received by the leadership of the APC, Diri’s defection will reduce the number of PDP governors in the South-East and South-South to one — Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State — and eight nationwide. (Channels)

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Enugu Gov Peter Mbah dumps PDP for APC

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the declaration during a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state.

The governor defended his decision to switch camp, saying the move was necessitated to connect the South-Eastern state to the central government.

“There comes always a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny. Today, after a long reflection, we have made a decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah stated.

The governor thanked the PDP for the support through the years, stressing that the shift is imperative to achieve his administration’s goals.

“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory.

“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes always a time where everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny,” he added.

According to Mbah, his decision to join the APC is to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the party’s vision for development and progress.

The governor also reiterated his commitment to advancing the state’s interests and expressed confidence that the APC platform would provide greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Mbah also commended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying the state has enjoyed massive support under the President.

The PDP governor, moved to the ruling party with House of Assembly members, councillors, chairmen of councils and others.

His exit from the PDP will be followed by that of Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, whose defection, it was learnt, had been finalised.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Obvwevori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno moved to the ruling party with all their officials and appointees earlier in the year. (Channels)

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Tinubu, CAN, others mourn Rev Ukpai

President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have joined  the Christian body to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

In a personal tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose life and ministry shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond.

“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”

Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings and many challenges to answer God’s call, leading powerful revival movements in Nigeria and parts of Africa.

“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.

The President praised Ukpai’s lifelong efforts to unite the Christian fold, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations.

“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

Tinubu extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying that God grants them strength and solace.

The Christian Association of Nigeria described Rev Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.

In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said Ukpai’s life was dedicated to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.

“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh stated. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”

CAN extended its condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that “the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the strength to bear this great loss.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the late evangelist as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” noting that his death created a massive vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the nation.

In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said Ukpai was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their long-standing father-son relationship.

“Our father in the Lord, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”

The governor described his passing not as death but as “a journey to higher glory,” praying that God would strengthen his family and uphold the enduring fire of faith he ignited in the vineyard of the Lord.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”

In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Fellowship said Ukpai’s passing came at a sensitive time, as preparations were underway for the PFN’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”

He added that the forthcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”

Bishop Oke extended condolences to Ukpai’s family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.” (Punch)

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Tinubu’s presidential pardon undermines justice, emboldens criminality – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has openly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s latest use of the presidential pardon, describing it as a reckless action that undermines the principles of justice and accountability.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku Abubakar noted that the presidential prerogative of mercy is intended to balance justice with compassion.

However, he criticised the most recent round of pardons, saying it has reduced the process to a mere triviality.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, granted clemency to 175 convicts and former convicts, including notable figures such as the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other members of the Ogoni Eight.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the decision was based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The presidential pardon also extended clemency to individuals convicted of various serious crimes, including homicide, illegal mining, and fraud.

Reacting to this, Atiku condemned the inclusion of such offenders, arguing that it undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system and, in his words, “emboldens criminality.”

He maintained that the exercise of clemency should never serve as an accomplice to crime or erode the foundations of justice.

“Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state. When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance.

“Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite. The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds.

“At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under the weight of insecurity, moral decay, and a surge in drug-related offences, it is both shocking and indefensible that the presidency would prioritise clemency for those whose actions have directly undermined national stability and social order,” the statement said.

Atiku specifically pointed to the number of individuals convicted of drug-related offences among the pardoned, describing the move as especially concerning in light of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug abuse and the vulnerability of its youth population.

“Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2% percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation is still struggling to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.

“Even more disturbing is the moral irony that this act of clemency is coming from a President whose own past remains clouded by unresolved and unexplained issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government over drug-related investigations.

“It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise.”

The former Vice President further stated that “A presidential pardon is meant to symbolize restitution and moral reform. Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralization of law enforcement, and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.”

He added, “Clemency must never be confused with complicity. When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.
“Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivializes it.” (Channels)

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Innovation minister Nnaji resigns amid allegations

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation. (Punch)

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AFRIMA lauds Tinubu, CBN for National Theatre revamp

The All Africa Music Awards has commended President Bola Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Bankers’ Committee for their role in the successful revamp and unveiling of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

AFRIMA, in a Wednesday statement, described the restoration of the cultural landmark as a bold step in safeguarding Nigeria’s creative heritage and empowering the arts sector.

The historic edifice, originally opened in 1976, has been revamped and upgraded as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s creative economy. The project, undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation, was unveiled during the country’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations on Wednesday.

The Bankers’ Committee had in July announced the completion of the renovation and upgrading of the facilities at the theatre.

The renovation covered different spaces, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, exhibition halls, cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, clinic, fire station, lobbies within the four National Theatre entrances and extensive roof repairs.

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, described the development as a milestone for Nigeria’s cultural industries and a symbol of renewed confidence in the creative sector.

“The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee to supporting the creative economy. This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent,” Dada said.

Beyond the theatre, AFRIMA used the occasion to congratulate Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary. Dada hailed the country’s resilience and influence in shaping Africa’s creative and cultural industries, pointing to its leadership in music, film, fashion and digital culture.

“On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,” he added.

He further noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA had amplified African music on the global stage while promoting unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African music, nurturing young talent and using culture as a tool for continental pride and development. (Punch)

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Soyinka accepts National Theatre naming honour

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has accepted the renaming of Nigeria’s National Theatre in his honour despite his past criticism of public monuments named after individuals.

At the reopening of the refurbished venue in Lagos on Thursday, the 90-year-old playwright acknowledged “mixed feelings” about the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, as the complex in Iganmu is now known.

“I am notorious for having criticised many appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, where everything is named after them,” Soyinka said.

“However, when I examined the history of theatre in Nigeria, and the lack of recognition for my predecessors, I believe somebody has to carry the can.”

The renaming, announced in July 2024 by President Bola Tinubu’s administration without Soyinka’s prior knowledge, sparked debate given his opposition to self-glorifying tributes.

The National Theatre, built in the 1970s under military rule, had fallen into disrepair, which Soyinka once described as a “slum” unfit for cultural events.

He recalled a near-fatal incident in the 2000s when exposed wiring endangered actors during a performance of his play Camwood on the Leaves.

The building’s Bulgarian-inspired conical design, which he had mocked as a “general’s hat,” became a symbol of neglect.

On Thursday, Tinubu inaugurated the restored theatre, rehabilitated with funding from Nigerian banks after years of decay. Soyinka, who staged Death and the King’s Horseman there in 1977, praised the effort as a “tasty morsel” of redemption, reversing his earlier support for a private takeover.

The centre is expected to host international festivals and youth programmes aimed at strengthening Lagos’s creative sector.

Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel literature laureate in 1986, used the event to recognise figures such as Hubert Ogunde and Duro Ladipo, who helped establish Nigerian theatre during colonial and post-independence periods.

A co-founder of the Orisun Theatre Company in the 1960s, Soyinka’s works, including The Bacchae of Euripides, combine Yoruba traditions with global themes. His activism, including imprisonment during the 1967–1970 Biafran War, has also defined his public life.

Tinubu described the naming as a tribute to a figure of rare stature. (Guardian)

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At 65, Nigeria on the right track — Akpabio

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that Nigeria is moving in the right direction as President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results.

The former Akwa Ibom State governor also dismissed claims that Nigeria is “finished” or irredeemable, insisting the country is on the right track under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akpabio made the appeal in a congratulatory message to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.

However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.

The statement read: “At 65, we are mature and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people. We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.

“In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria,’ I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms.

“We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms. But I want to assure you that very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.”

Continuing, the Senate president urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for a little while longer in the interest of the future generations.

Akpabio also dismissed insinuations by critics of the current administration that the country has finished running its course.

“I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable.

“We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.

“If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land,” he stated. (Punch)

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Protocol arrangement kept me from Olubadan coronation – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday attributed his absence at the coronation of the former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to protocol arrangements.

Atiku gave the explanation when he, alongside prominent African Democratic Congress coalition leaders, paid Ladoja a visit at his private residence in Ibadan.

With Atiku were a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu; ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent ADC members.

The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was crowned last Friday in a grand ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and a host of dignitaries.

Atiku clarified that his absence was not deliberate, describing the new Olubadan as a statesman who had played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political history.

 “We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.”

“We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you.

Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme,”he added.

In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left partisan politics behind, stressing that his new role demanded impartiality. He recalled his long association with Atiku and others during his political years but emphasised his focus on justice and fairness as monarch.

He said,”I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other thing than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

“We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create identity, I went to Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

“All the religious leaders, they said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people, Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,” the monarch stressed. (Punch)

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Shettima heads to Germany after UNGA 80

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany where he is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank to explore areas of intervention and partnership in Nigeria’s developmental initiatives.

Nkwocha said that during his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.

The Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, even as he demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.

He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.

The statement noted that Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.

He will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany, it added. (Channels)