Activist Deji warns Tinubu against making military appointments political patronage

"Military appointments should not be made as political patronage" ― Deji tells Tinubu

Nigeria’s socio-political activist, Deji Adeyanju, has warned President Bola Tinubu not to make military appointments as political patronage. According to Deji, while applauding the president for the appointments of security chiefs and especially that of Nuhu Ribadu as his National Security Adviser, NSA, he said Tinubu would get those loyal to Nigeria by sacking the new Service Chiefs if they fail to perform their duties.

"Military appointments should not be made as political patronage" ― Deji tells Tinubu

Political Activist Deji Adeyanju   Deji who bagged a law degree and made first class honours last year wrote: “I received with elation, the cheering news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has retired all service chiefs and appointed new ones, including the fitting appointment of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser. “The decision to appoint Nuhu Ribadu as NSA is indeed a courageous one which I personally commend. “As Nigeria gradually exits a period where political appointments, once made, were retained for the duration of their term, irrespective of the appointee’s incompetence, it is important to remind President Tinubu that military appointments are not to be made as political patronage. “If the new service chiefs fail in their duty, they should equally be sacked without much ado. Only through this means can we have service chiefs whose loyalty is to the Nigerian state.” Deji further charged all the new military appointees to eschew inter-agency conflict and corruption and help Tinubu achieve his political manifestos. He said: “I also use this medium to congratulate Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on his appointment as the National Security Adviser. Mallam Ribadu has had a stellar career, and expect that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the nation’s security affairs. “I call on the new service chiefs and acting Inspector General of Police to eschew inter-agency conflict and corruption. “President Bola Tinubu and all newly appointed officials must make efforts to halt the decline in every strata of our national life.”

Fani-Kayode hails Tinubu over removal of Security Chiefs

"Light of God dispelling thick darkness, cloud of stagnation" ― Fani-Kayode hails Tinubu over removal of Security Chiefs

Following the sack of all Security Chiefs and appointment of new ones by President Bola Tinubu, former Aviation Minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said that Nigeria now has a new lease of life and the light of God has begun to dispel the thick darkness and tangible cloud of stagnation holding the country back. Recall that President Tinubu on Monday sacked the Chief of Defence Staff, all the nation’s Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali.

"Light of God dispelling thick darkness, cloud of stagnation" ― Fani-Kayode hails Tinubu over removal of Security Chiefs

Fani-Kayode Many stakeholders have applauded the president for the bold step to reform and clean the Federal system, which has been made evident by removing some bigwigs from key positions starting from the Central Bank Governor, Emefiele, EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa. On Monday, the president further sacked all security chiefs and named their replacement. Reacting, FFK, in a statement on Tuesday, said the staunch supporters of Tinubu, who believed in his capability amid criticism, have been vindicated. He said, “No leader or President in the history of our country has effected so many positive changes and reforms and appointed so many credible, decisive, courageous and effective people into key positions in his administration within THREE weeks of being sworn into office as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT). “Today, even his most ardent critics and those that bent over backwards to stop, discredit, denigrate, humiliate and destroy him during the presidential campaign are commending him. “He has made those of us that recognised and appreciated his value and potential, had faith in him, risked all, stood with him and fought for him proud and most importantly, we have been vindicated. “Thanks to BAT, Nigeria now has a new lease of life and the light of God has begun to dispel the thick darkness and tangible cloud of stagnation, retrograde and retrogressive policies, monumental corruption, vicious persecution, selective application of justice, abuse of power, incomprehensible incompetence and wholesale and malicious impunity that we have witnessed over the last few years”.

Tinubu sacks IGP Usman Baba, NSA, Service Chiefs, Customs CG

Tinubu sacks IGP Usman Baba Alkali, NSA, Service Chiefs, Customs CG

President Bola Tinubu on Monday sacked the Chief of Defence Staff, all the nation’s Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali. This was disclosed in a statement by the Secretary of Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume in Abuja.

Tinubu sacks IGP Usman Baba Alkali, NSA, Service Chiefs, Customs CG

President Bola Tinubu “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs from Service as well as their replacements with immediate effect”, the SGF stated. The president appointed Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser; Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff; AVM H.B Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, DIG Kayode Egbetokun, Acting Inspector-General of Police and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. President Tinubu also approved the following appointments: Col. Adebisi Onasanya, Commander, Brigade of Guards; Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf, 7 Guards Battalion, Asokoro, Abuja; Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa 177, Guards Battalion, Keffi, Nasarawa State; Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim, 102 Guards Battalion, Suleja, Niger state; and, Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote, 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, Abuja. Similarly, the President has approved the appointments of other Military Officers in the Presidential Villa as follows: Maj. Isa Farouk Audu (N/14695), Commanding Officer, State House Artillery; Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu (N/16183), Second-in-Command, State House Artillery; Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat (N/14656), Commanding Officer, State House Military Intelligence; Maj. TS Adeola (N/12860) Commanding Officer, State House Armament; and, Lt. A. Aminu (N/18578), Second-in-Command, State House Armament. Akume added that the president also approved the appointments of two additional Special Advisers and two Senior Assistants. The appointees are Hadiza Bala Usman, as Special Adviser, Policy Coordination; Hannatu Musa Musawa, Special Adviser, Culture and Entertainment Economy; Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate); and, Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim, Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). “Finally, the President has approved the appointment of Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs. “It is to be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs are to act in their positions, pending their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the SGF added.

Tinubu meets Bill Gates, Dangote in Presidential Villa, set to attend Summit for Financial pact in Paris

Tinubu meets Bill Gates, Dangote in Presidential Villa, set to attend Summit for Financial pact in Paris

President Bola Tinubu on Monday met with the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, and the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu is also expected to leave Nigeria on Tuesday, to join world leaders in Paris, France on Thursday, to review and sign a New Global Financial Pact that places vulnerable countries on a priority list for support and investment, following the devastating impact of climate change, energy crisis, and after effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tinubu meets Bill Gates, Dangote in Presidential Villa, set to attend Summit for Financial pact in Paris

President Bola Tinubu Tinubu’s meeting with Bill Gate and Dangote was disclosed by his media aide, Dayo Olusegun, via his Twitter handle. According to Olusegun: “Mr @BillGates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Microsoft has arrived the Presidential Villa with Alhaji @AlikoDangote to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).” The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake also issued a statement, stating that the President will participate in the two-day Summit, June 22 and 23, that looks at opportunities to restore fiscal space to countries that face difficult short-term financial challenges, especially the most indebted; mobilize innovative financing for countries vulnerable to climate change; foster development in low-income countries, and encourage investment in “green” infrastructure for the energy transition in emerging and developing economies. President Tinubu and the other global leaders, multilateral institutions, financial experts and economists will take a more holistic look at the recovery of economies from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising cases of poverty, with a view to providing access to finance and investment that will leverage inclusive growth. The Summit, which will be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France, will be held at Palais Brongniart. The President will be accompanied by members of the Presidential Policy Advisory Council and senior government officials. He will return to Abuja on Saturday.

Why Tinubu should convert students loan to grant ― ASUU

Why Tinubu should convert student loan to grant ― ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is suggesting that President Bola Tinubu converts the newly assented Students Loans Act to a grant for indigent students. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, ASUU National President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke said that converting the loan act into a grant would be better because it is being given to a set of students who are very poor.

Why Tinubu should convert students loan to grant ― ASUU

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osadeke The ASUU President further stated that the requirements for the loan are “not practicable”, adding that more than 90% of students won’t meet the “stringent requirements” to access and repay the loan. Osodeke said, “It should be called a grant since it is coming from the Federation Account and not that (after) these people have access to it and when they are graduating, they have heavy loads behind them and within two years, if they don’t pay, they go to jail. That’s why we’re talking about collective bargaining, you have views from all the sides.” Recall that on Monday, June 12, President Tinubu signed into law an interest-free Students Loans Bill in fulfilment of a promise he made during his campaign. The bill was sponsored by the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now the President’s Chief of Staff. However, the ASUU President said the loan is impracticable and not sustainable. Osodeke said, “The idea of student loan came in 1972 and it was in a bank established. People who took loans never paid, you can go and investigate. In 1994, 1993, the military enacted Decree 50 also set up a Students’ Loan Board. The National Assembly domesticated it in 2004 and within a year, it went off. The money disappeared. We want to see how this one will be different.” “We, as a union also did research of countries all over the world, of people who have benefited from this loan, they were committing suicide. Recently, (President Joe) Biden is trying to pay back the bank loans of some who borrowed in the US,” he said. “It is better to look for alternative means of funding education than to encumbering students whose parents earn N30,000 a month with a loan.”

“El-Rufai little but dangerous manipulator, national evil that must be avoided at all costs” ― MBF warns Tinubu

"El-Rufai little but dangerous manipulator, national evil that must be avoided at all costs", MBF warns Tinubu

North Central regional group, Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has warned President Bola Tinubu against former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a “little but dangerous manipulator, national evil that must be avoided at all costs.” The group while reacting to provocative pronouncements on alleged Islamization by el-Rufai also asked the Department of State Service, DSS, to invite him for questioning. "El-Rufai little but dangerous manipulator, national evil that must be avoided at all costs", MBF warns TinubuFormer Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai   In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Isuwa Dogo, the group also raised an alarm that contrary to denials, the agenda for the planned Islamisation of Nigeria was real and not a fluke. Recall that the former governor in a video clip, had narrated how he, with others, were determined to ensure the Muslim-Muslim ticket was sustained for another 20 years to ensure Christians come to terms with the indispensability of the same-faith ticket as a panacea for peace in both Kaduna State and the federal level. But Dogo said what el-Rufai never told his selected preachers “was that the state he ruled and ruined for eight years was turned into Nigeria’s headquarters of kidnappings and human barbarities that led to the murder of tens of thousands of people and decimation of over 100 communities under his watch. “There is no doubt that this former governor remains a clear present and future danger to the unity of our nation. He is subtly working for a group that is unremittingly and persistently poised at installing the supremacy of the Islamic faith in the corridor of power. “Both Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be wary of associating with him. “This little but dangerous manipulator, who is skilled in the politics of deploying religious sentiments, must not be allowed near the corridors of power. He has become a national evil that must be avoided at all costs. “The forum calls on the Nigerian security agencies not only to place the former governor under its radar but he should be invited by the secret police for a chat. “Considering the comments he made before the clerics, the man who suffers from an inferiority complex must be considered as a dangerous politician riding on the wings of religion for relevance. “We, hereby, denounce el-Rufai’s comments before the clerics as a shameless act of national hypocrisy steeped in the premeditated plot to set adherents of both religions on warpath.” Dogo described as outrageous deceitful attempts by el-Rufai “and his nebulous co-travellers to push our nation down the slippery slope of religious tension and bigotry.” He said the outrage over the el-Rufai video clip demonstrated the level of disappointment by Nigerians over the former governor’s outburst that was aimed at inflaming religious conflagration in order to destabilize the Nigerian state. He said: “The unfortunate comments by this bigot, who is erroneously thought of as a nationalist and public intellectual, portray him as a divisive leader, who not only thrives in creating chaos but also reveal him as an irredeemable religious extremist whose antecedents as governor showcases him as a treacherous enemy of Nigeria that must be barred from the corridor of power. “Even before now, the forum has never been deceived by the pretentiousness of the former governor whose stock in trade is divisiveness hidden under the thin covering of public intellectualism and patriotism. “When the Senate declared the man who speaks before he thinks incapable of holding public office, not a few agreed to the recommendation of the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Sadly, he found himself in power and unleashed his venom of sadism on both Christians and Muslims.”

“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and gruesome murder of innocent people”, Asari Dokubo tells Tinubu

"Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and gruesome murder of innocent people", Asari Dokubo tells Tinubu

A Niger Delta leader, Asari Dokubo, has warned President Bola Tinubu against releasing the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, stating that releasing him is rewarding criminality and gruesome murder of innocent people. Recall that since the arrest of the embattled IPOB leader in 2021, he has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while awaiting trial for terrorism.

"Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and gruesome murder of innocent people", Asari Dokubo tells Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu and Asari Dokubo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja Dokubo who met with President Tinubu on Friday arrived at the Aso Rock Villa around 11:00 am and proceeded to engage in a private discussion with the President. While addressing Newsmen after his meeting with Tinubu, Asari said, “Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and rewarding gruesome murder of innocent people, he should face the law for the actions and instigations he has carried out. “On security, I want to clearly say that there are full-scale wars going on in different parts of this country. In the South East, the IPOB/ESN is waging a full-scale war against the government of this country and many local governments, many communities are deserted, schools are closed, and hospitals are closed.” Away from the IPOB leader, Dokubo also spoke about crude oil theft in the country, accusing the military of masterminding it. He also claimed that some powerful cabals operating from Abuja are involved in the crime. Dokubo, however, said President Tinubu has promised to investigate the allegations and also halt the trend. He expressed joy that these powerful forces have now met their match in Tinubu. The Niger Delta leader also volunteered to use his men to assist in tackling crude oil theft in Nigeria.

Obasanjo throws shade at Tinubu in latest interview (Video)

Obasanjo throws shade at Tinubu in latest interview (Video)

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that President Bola Tinubu may not know what he’s talking about if he claims that the Obasanjo administration tried to cripple the Lagos economy by withholding its local government funds. Obasanjo also criticized Tinubu for allegedly owning Alpha Beta, a tax consultancy.

Obasanjo throws shade at Tinubu in latest interview (Video)

President Bola Tinubu The former Nigerian leader spoke during a chat with Chude Jideonwo, the media personality. Obasanjo when asked about the allegation that he (Obasanjo) attempted to cripple the economy of Lagos, Obasanjo said, “That was absolute nonsense. If he doesn’t know then he doesn’t know anything. “Is it that one that made him have ALPHABETA?” Watch the Video below: //www.instagram.com/embed.js Recall that the former governor of Lagos State claimed that he received zero allocation from the federal government when he was governor. Tinubu governed Lagos state from 1999 to 2007, before contesting Nigeria’s president in 2023, under the All Progressive Congress (APC). Meanwhile, Obasanjo also revealed that some state governors were involved in the infamous third-term fiasco. In 2006, a bill seeking to amend the 1999 constitution and extend term limits by another four years, hit the brick walls at the national assembly. Obasanjo has consistently dismissed seeking to extend his stay in office beyond 2007, saying some governors were behind it all. On his administration’s stance on anti-corruption and the failed third term bid, the former president said, “The governors, some of them, were doing it for themselves”. “Because if the president did a third term, they too would have had a chance for a third term.” On perennial allegations of embezzlement against him, Obasanjo said his forte is raising money and not embezzlement, noting that people who can’t match his acumen should stop castigating him. Obasanjo ruled Nigeria as military head of state before returning as civilian president, as Nigeria commenced its fourth republic and his assertion over a relationship between Tinubu and Alpha Beta is something that the incumbent president has never confirmed.

Asari Dokubo, others meet with Tinubu at State House

Asari Dokubo, others meet with Tinubu at State House

Asari Dokubo, others meet with Tinubu at State House

The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu attends a meeting with Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta agitator, at the State House in Abuja. Dokubo arrived at the Aso Rock Villa around 11:00 am and proceeded to engage in a private discussion with the President. The details of the meeting remain unknown at the time of this publication.

Asari Dokubo, others meet with Tinubu at State House

President Bola Tinubu and Asari Dokubo at State House in Abuja. Credit: The Punch. However, three weeks ago, Dokubo mobilized Niger Delta youths to attend the sessions of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja. As a staunch supporter of Tinubu, he publicly urged Nigerians to hold the President accountable if his administration fails to deliver. He specifically highlighted the discontinuation of fuel subsidies and asserted that Tinubu has accomplished more in this aspect within a few weeks of his administration compared to former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. “If Ahmed Bola Tinubu fails, hold me responsible. I am unapologetic. “I have known him since 1992 and I know what he stands for, and can stand in the gap between him and the people and say this. “This is a step my brother Goodluck failed to take when he had the opportunity. The same step Buhari could not take and Tinubu took it from his first day at the office,” he said.

Nigerians are happy with the performance of Pres. Tinubu in just two weeks

Nigerians are happy with the performance of Pres. Tinubu in just two weeks

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has hailed the sitting president, Bola Tinubu for being one of the most progressive presidents in history. According to Reno Omokri, President Bola Tinubu entered into office as one of the most unpopular presidents due to the drama that occurred during and after the elections.

Nigerians are happy with the performance of Pres. Tinubu in just two weeks - Reno Omokri hails

President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. Photo credit: Bola Tinubu. Source: Google Reno Omokri has stated that although Bola Tinubu is seen as unpopular, he has made great progress as President in just two weeks after officially sitting in the president’s seat. He mentioned that a lot of Nigerians are happy so far with the progress and his performance. “President Bola Tinubu entered office as one of the least popular, supposedly elected leaders in Nigeria’s history. In two weeks, he is turning out to be one of the most progressive Presidents in our recent history, simply by his actions after his swearing-in. Nigerians are not hard to please. Apart from those using politics to hide their secessionist agenda, most Nigerians seem to be happy with his performance thus far. And his popularity is high right now. Except you are not being honest with yourself. If he continues this way, even the secessionist agenda will be defeated by good governance in a way that it could not be militarily vanquished by General Buhari. For those who understand Yoruba, President Tinubu is fulfilling the meaning of his moniker, Asiwaju. The PDP and Waziri Atiku Abubakar would have been better. Whatever the Supreme Court rules, we will accept. But at the end of the day, whether PDP or APC, all we want is good governance for Nigeria.” President Bola Tinubu entered office as one of the least popular, supposedly elected leaders in Nigeria’s history. In two weeks, he is turning out to be one of the most progressive Presidents in our recent history, simply by his actions after his swearing in. Nigerians are not… — Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) June 15, 2023