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Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar resigns

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned.

The minister’s action followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu to all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 elections to resign from their posts on or before March 31.

The president had hinged his decision on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.

Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.

He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.

His political career includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing the Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State.

The diplomat later contested the governorship of the state in two election cycles.

From 2017 to 2023, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade cooperation, and promoting Nigeria’s interests in Europe.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar led Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts under the Tinubu administration. (Channels)

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Tinubu arrives Bauchi to condole with Sheikh Dahiru’s family

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday arrived Bauchi to condole government and family members of the renowned Islamic scholar, late Dahiru Usman-Bauchi.

Dahiru, the leader of Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria, died on Nov. 27.

Tinubu landed at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at about 4:10 PM, and greeted with Guard of Honour salute by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

He was accompanied by Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe, Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, his son Seyi Tinubu, among others.

Tinubu was received by Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sen. Shehu Buba (APC – Bauchi South).

The President is expected to fly to Lagos after the condolence visit to spend the upcoming end-of-year holidays.

Dahiru Bauchi, 98, died on Nov. 27 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU – TH), Bauchi, and buried on Friday, Nov. 28 in accordance with Islamic rites.

The revered scholar, also a recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), was regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars and celebrated for his vast knowledge, spiritual guidance and lifelong commitment to Islamic propagation.

Born in 1927 in Gombe, Dahiru Bauchi devoted his life to advancing Islamic education, promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering unity in the country.

His teachings focussing on moral discipline, tolerance and adherence to Islamic principles, earned him mass followership and deep respect within and beyond Nigeria.

He played a significant role in community development, mentorship of young scholars and strengthening of religious understanding. (ThisDay)

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Nigeria provides protection to Guinea-Bissau opposition candidate amid coup

Nigeria has placed Guinea-Bissau’s opposition presidential candidate, Mr. Fernando Costa, under its protection following reports that his life is under threat.

Mr. Costa, the main challenger to President Umaro Embalo in the November 23 election, faced danger after soldiers seized power, halted the vote count, and imposed a nationwide curfew before the official results could be announced.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Mr. Costa’s protection inside the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau. The decision was formalized in a letter dated November 30, signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Omar Alieu Touray.

According to the letter, Nigeria’s action is a proactive measure to safeguard democracy and ensure the safety of political actors in Guinea-Bissau. It also urged ECOWAS to direct its Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide additional security for Mr. Costa while he remains at the embassy.

The letter states in part:

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security within the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa. This decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life. It underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”

Nigeria’s intervention reflects its commitment to protecting democratic processes and supporting political stability in the West African region. (Vanguard)