Category: Local

Abuja, June 12, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday addressed a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Nigeria’s 26th year of unbroken democracy, using the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to democratic values, economic reforms, national unity, and inclusive governance. In a landmark speech delivered before lawmakers, the President honoured the sacrifices of past and present heroes of democracy and outlined his administration’s achievements and policy directions. “Nigeria Will Never Be a One-Party State” — Tinubu Amid growing speculation over political defections and consolidation of power by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu dismissed rumours that his government is seeking to establish a one-party state. “At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria,” Tinubu declared, adding that history would not allow him to repeat the mistakes of political overreach. He acknowledged the recent defections of opposition members into the APC but stressed that parties should focus on fixing internal issues rather than “conjuring up demons.” Tribute to Democracy Heroes In a major highlight of the speech, Tinubu posthumously conferred national honours on notable figures of the pro-democracy struggle, including Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 9, among many others. He also extended full presidential pardons to the Ogoni Nine, stating that their sacrifice must not be forgotten. “In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle,” Tinubu said. Living icons including Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana were also honoured. Democracy Must Defend Free Speech The President emphasized the importance of civil liberties, tolerance of dissent, and a free press, declaring that democracy must not be afraid of “harsh words and stinging insults.” “Call me names… I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he stated. Economic Progress and Social Interventions Reviewing the economy, Tinubu highlighted GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024 and a 4.6% surge in Q4—the highest in a decade. He cited stabilised exchange rates, a fivefold increase in foreign reserves, and improving inflation trends. The President announced an expansion of consumer credit initiatives through CREDICORP, aimed at reaching 400,000 young Nigerians starting July. He also pledged increased investment in education, youth employment, and digital infrastructure. “We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development,” he noted, referencing programs like NELFUND and a nationwide fibre optic rollout. Legislative Cooperation and Tax Reforms Tinubu called for continued legislative collaboration to pass innovative laws to boost industrialization, food security, and inclusive growth. He praised the National Assembly for its bipartisan work on the Tax Reform Package, which is poised to streamline administration and reduce multiple taxation. He also introduced the National Credit Guarantee Company with ₦100 billion capital and emphasized the importance of transparency through a new Tax Ombudsman Office. Security and National Unity On national security, Tinubu assured Nigerians of improved coordination and intelligence across agencies. He saluted the Armed Forces for their courage, urging continued support for their role in protecting national sovereignty. “Our highways are safer… we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country,” he said. Closing: A Call to Renew Democratic Ideals President Tinubu concluded with a passionate appeal for unity, good governance, and national rebirth. “Let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12—freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, and a just society where no one is oppressed.” End of Report

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their roles in promoting democracy, human rights, literature, and national development. The honours were announced during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations held at a special Joint Session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 12. Among the top honourees was the late Kudirat Abiola, posthumously awarded the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her sacrifice in the pro-democracy struggle following the annulled 1993 presidential election. Others awarded the CFR include former Attorney General Bola Ige and Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Veteran journalist Bayo Onanuga, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, activist and former senator Shehu Sani, and democracy advocate Nurudeen Olowokere were honoured with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and respected columnist Prof. Olatunji Dare received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—Nigeria’s second-highest national honour. President Tinubu praised the honourees for their commitment to justice and democracy, stating: “These men and women have paid the price, used their voice, pen, and courage to shape the democratic space we now enjoy.” Full citations and further award details are expected to be released soon.

Some residents of Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb, have urged the state government to limit the Oro festival to nighttime hours, citing its disruptive impact on daily life, business activities, and citizens’ rights—especially those of women. In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, residents expressed concern over the daytime curfews imposed during the traditional celebration, which forbids women and non-indigenes from being outdoors or witnessing the festival under threat of severe consequences. Mrs. Bukunmi Taiwo, a 40-year resident, called for cultural reform and community dialogue. “The world is changing, and our practices must adapt. Many families rely on daily income. Daytime curfews hurt them deeply,” she said. Obinna Nweze, a trader at Ladega Market, decried frequent market closures. “This year alone, we’ve closed over five times. It’s emotionally and financially draining,” he lamented. Legal expert Mr. Mustafa Mohammed emphasized constitutional rights, urging government action to uphold freedom of movement and gender equality. Gender advocate Mrs. Cecilia Oluwadarasinmi stressed that over 85% of Nigerian women work in the informal sector. “While cultural preservation is vital, it must not override public welfare or promote gender-based discrimination,” she said. The Oro festival, observed twice yearly in Ikorodu and other communities, remains a deeply rooted Yoruba tradition. Despite its spiritual significance, many now call for a more inclusive approach that aligns with modern values and human rights.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria. Speaking in commemoration of Democracy Day on June 12, Jega emphasized that strengthening the electoral process requires transparency and real-time result transmission. He noted that electronic collation would reduce manipulation and build public confidence in the democratic system. Jega, who led INEC during the landmark 2015 general elections, stressed that integrating technology into Nigeria’s electoral framework is crucial for credible elections and democratic consolidation.

By Our Reporters Tensions are rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as party leaders are divided over a recent call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and some stakeholders, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South. The call, made during a meeting in Abuja on Monday by Wike and a group of “Concerned Stakeholders,” has drawn criticism and conflicting responses from within the party hierarchy. Wike’s group also reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP—a move that has added to internal disagreements following a controversial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in May. Disagreement Among Party Leaders Reacting to the Abuja meeting, PDP Board of Trustees member and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jones Onyereri, faulted the NEC meeting, alleging that it was not properly convened in accordance with the party’s constitution. According to him, “Only the National Secretary has the authority to issue notices of meetings. Senator Anyanwu confirmed in writing that the NEC meeting was cancelled. Therefore, it was not properly convened.” On the issue of zoning, Onyereri supported the group’s call for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, stating that the party must uphold its constitutional principles of rotation and fairness. Bode George Urges Restraint In contrast, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, cautioned against airing internal disagreements in public. He warned that such behaviour could damage the party’s unity and reputation. “We have a functional national executive, and family matters are not to be discussed in the marketplace,” George said. “We must all wait for the next NEC meeting scheduled for June 30. This is not the way to run a party.” Party Official: No Contradiction in Zoning Call Speaking on behalf of the party, PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, downplayed the controversy, saying the call for a southern presidential candidate aligns with the party’s broader position. “What they said in the communiqué is not different from what the party believes in,” Bature told Vanguard. “There is no decision from the last NEC meeting that is binding, so there is no need for alarm.” When asked about the claims that the NEC meeting was improperly convened, Bature acknowledged the procedural issues but maintained that no critical decisions were taken. PDP to Respond Formally The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that the party would formally respond to the Wike-led stakeholders’ position in due course. “There is a process in our party. We have a NEC and a committee responsible for these matters. The party will respond appropriately,” he said. Fayose Warns of Party Collapse Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has warned that the PDP risks becoming a “political carcass” if urgent reforms are not implemented. Speaking during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose said the party is in decline and requires drastic internal restructuring. “Without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline,” he warned. “I’m not defecting to the APC, but as someone who once led the opposition, I must speak the truth.” He praised President Tinubu for his initial efforts in office, noting that although challenges remain, “there is a clear difference from the last administration.” Background The internal rift within the PDP comes as the party struggles to regroup following its loss in the 2023 presidential election. The battle for control of the party’s leadership and the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket are expected to dominate the agenda at the upcoming NEC meeting.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is set to commission a total of 18 critical infrastructure and healthcare projects across the state this week, in a major push under his administration’s “New Abia” transformation agenda. According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the commissioning ceremonies will take place between Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 2025, covering Abia South and Abia Central Senatorial Zones. Governor Otti will on Tuesday commission 12 completed road projects in Aba, the state’s commercial capital, under the supervision of the Greater Aba Development Authority and the Ministry of Works. The roads include: A public rally will follow the commissioning at St. Joseph’s College (CKC), Asa Triangle, Aba. On Wednesday, June 11, the focus shifts to Abia Central, where the Governor will inaugurate four fully equipped Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia South, and Umuahia North LGAs. These fall under the Project Ekwueme PHC Program, which aims to establish functional health centers in all 184 wards across Abia State. Two major road projects will also be commissioned: Both road projects were executed by the Ministry of Works. A rally will be held afterward at Ibeku High School, Umuahia. This marks the first phase of Governor Otti’s larger plan to commission and initiate 55 key projects across the state in the coming weeks, reinforcing his commitment to transparent governance, infrastructure renewal, healthcare enhancement, and socioeconomic revitalization.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War as the most challenging period of his life, stating that his actions during the conflict were driven by the burden of national unity, not by hatred. Gowon made this revelation in Abuja on Saturday after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese. “I always remember the Civil War. It was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” Gowon said. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and truth, urging Nigerians to work together in promoting peace and unity across religious and ethnic lines. Reflecting on his leadership style, Gowon explained that he had always leaned on prayer and integrity in decision-making. “As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people. That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added. Commending Nigeria’s post-war progress, Gowon urged citizens to continue supporting government efforts to sustain peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan, John-Kennedy Opara, who chaired the occasion, praised the awardees for living with integrity. “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he noted, citing Psalm 25:14 to encourage men to uphold integrity in all circumstances. Also speaking at the event, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, urged Christians to stand boldly for truth and righteousness, starting from their families to the broader society.

Tensions between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump have reached a boiling point, prompting reports that White House aides may attempt to mediate the feud on Friday. Sources told Fox News that while a direct conversation between Musk and Trump is unlikely today, members of the Trump team could reach out to Musk in a bid to defuse the situation. The public spat escalated after Musk alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump appears in sealed Jeffrey Epstein court documents — a claim that reignited political and media firestorms. “@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files,” Musk posted. “That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” He followed up with, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.” The White House has distanced itself from the dispute. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Musk’s comments as “an unfortunate episode” rooted in his dissatisfaction with the administration’s latest legislation, nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Leavitt said the president remains focused on policy, not personal drama. Trump, for his part, fired back on Truth Social, accusing Musk of lashing out after losing influence over electric vehicle mandates. “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave,” Trump wrote. “I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars… and he just went CRAZY!” Trump also took aim at Musk’s financial ties to the government: “The easiest way to save money in our Budget… is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.” Amid the feud, a red Tesla reportedly purchased by Trump during a White House EV demonstration remains parked near the premises, with reports suggesting it may soon be given away or sold. The fallout marks a significant break between two high-profile figures whose previous interactions were seen as occasionally aligned on business and technology fronts.