President Bola Tinubu took a striking stance during his Democracy Day address on Thursday, openly expressing his pleasure at the disarray within Nigeria’s opposition parties. Addressing lawmakers in a joint session at the National Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu stated firmly, “I will not advise the opposition to put its house in order and I will not help them put their house in order. It is indeed a pleasure to see you in disarray.” This statement reflects the current political climate, where multiple opposition factions are struggling to maintain cohesion. Furthermore, Tinubu refuted accusations that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
President Bola Tinubu made a timely arrival at the National Assembly Complex at 11:50 a.m. today to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day with a formal address to the parliament. This day, which was officially declared a national public holiday during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history. Accompanying the President were key government figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, among others. Their presence at the National Assembly underscores the administration’s dedication to democratic governance. The event was held in…
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the iconic business leader and President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, is set to retire as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, ending a two-decade-long leadership that began in 2005. The retirement will become effective on June 16, 2025, according to an official communication from Temitope Hassan, the company secretary. Throughout his 20 years at the forefront, Dangote has been credited with elevating Dangote Sugar to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s sugar industry. His leadership saw the company undertake major expansion projects and reinforce its corporate governance framework, ensuring sustainable growth and market dominance. The company’s statement read, “In…
In a significant display of civic activism, protesters gathered in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Democracy Day, June 12, 2025, to demand an end to poor governance in Nigeria. The protest, which attracted numerous citizens, was marked by a strong police presence to ensure the safety of all participants. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, was on the ground, engaging directly with the crowd. According to eyewitnesses, Jimoh spoke to the protesters, emphasizing the police’s role in safeguarding their constitutional rights while maintaining public order. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer had earlier posted a video on X,…
Marking Democracy Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, described Nigeria’s democratic system as a stabilising force in West Africa. In an official statement through his spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar highlighted the country’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, even as the region faces increasing political turmoil. Tuggar noted that Nigeria’s adherence to regular elections, peaceful transitions, and constitutional governance has set a positive example for neighbouring countries. “Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” he declared, acknowledging the resilience of the nation’s democratic institutions despite their imperfections. He stressed that Nigeria’s dedication to…
Democracy Day celebrations in Nigeria are overshadowed by widespread protests as the Take It Back Movement and allied groups mobilise in Abuja and 19 other cities to demand an end to economic hardship and insecurity. President Bola Tinubu, who cancelled his scheduled nationwide address, will instead speak at a joint session of the National Assembly. Segun Imohiosen, spokesperson for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed the change, citing Tinubu’s legislative engagement. Security forces have increased their presence. Protest leader Juwon Sanyaolu says, “The unprecedented hardship and insecurity we have experienced under his government are alarming. Nigerians will…
Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being fearful of an emerging opposition coalition aimed at unseating the government in the 2027 elections. This claim came in response to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who dismissed the coalition’s chances of success. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Ibe countered Wike’s skepticism, arguing that the negative narrative around the coalition was a deliberate attempt by Tinubu’s camp to undermine the opposition out of fear. He urged Nigerians to remain united and…
The streets of Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, are currently plastered with posters of veteran Yoruba broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, signaling a possible political move ahead of the 2027 general elections. The posters bear the phrase “2027 Oyo n pe o” and feature a black-and-white portrait of Hamzat, though they do not specify the political role he might seek. A video posted by a supporter group and cited by our correspondent on Wednesday shows Hamzat at an event where he was greeted with h chants urging him to answer the call of Oyo people. The crowd repeatedly shouted, “Okiki (Hamzat), Oyo…
In a significant development, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has presented the state’s ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget proposal to the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight in Abuja. The budget notably accounts for the expected return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political figures following the emergency administration period. Ibas underscored that the budget is crafted in line with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017-2027, offering a strategic and integrated approach to boost revenue, develop infrastructure, and foster inclusive economic growth. He explained that the budget maintains allocations for suspended…
In a decisive ruling, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the matter involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ordering Akpabio to pay ₦100,000 in costs. The motions, dated March 3 and 25, 2025, were filed as part of Akpabio’s attempt to challenge a Federal High Court decision delivered on March 10, 2025, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025. The motions sought to extend the time to appeal and to stay further proceedings in the suit brought by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The respondents in the case are Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly,…