Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Accuses President of Indifference Amid Rising Violence

Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Accuses President of Indifference Amid Rising Violence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, describing the current administration as “utterly incapable” and lacking the competence to address the country’s security crisis. In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku expressed deep concern over the federal government’s perceived indifference to the ongoing violence, particularly in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State. According to Atiku, the rising insecurity has become a daily tragedy for many Nigerians, yet the Tinubu administration continues to show no urgency or empathy. He accused the president of being absent during a time of national trauma, saying that Nigerians are left to suffer and mourn without leadership or meaningful response from the federal government. “Leadership demands presence,” he wrote, criticizing Tinubu for prioritizing foreign trips over the lives of citizens at home. To support his point, Atiku referenced international examples of responsive leadership, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, who cut short a diplomatic visit in response to a domestic crisis, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who returned home during an electricity emergency. He also recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan returned from abroad following a deadly bomb blast in Abuja, highlighting that responsible leaders prioritize national emergencies. Atiku condemned what he described as Tinubu’s “governing in absentia” and said that even if the administration cannot solve the security challenges, it should at least show empathy. “If Tinubu cannot deliver safety and dignity to Nigerians, the very least he can do is pretend to care — regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,” he stated. His comments reflect growing frustration not only from the opposition but also, he claimed, from members within the ruling party who privately admit their concerns. He concluded by offering condolences to the government and people of Benue State, pledging to continue speaking out against the government’s failures. “Nigeria is bleeding. Nigerians are dying. The president is nowhere to be found,” Atiku said, urging all Nigerians to hold the government accountable for the safety and well-being of its citizens.

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President Federation Cup: NFF insists on this weekend for finals in all States and the FCT

The Nigeria Football Federation has again declared that all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory must stage the final matches of their 2025 President Federation Cup competition on Saturday, 22nd February or Sunday, 23rd February 2025. In a statement to secretaries of Football Associations in all the 36 States and the FCT, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, reiterated: “Final matches are to be played ONLY ON 22nd/23rd, except in special cases and as approved by the NFF “Failure to adhere to the above attracts a fine of N1,000,000 (One million naira only).” The National Play-Off of this year’s competition has been scheduled for 5th March, with the National Draw one week later, while the Rounds of 64, 32 and 16 are scheduled for 19th March, 2nd April and 16th April 2025 respectively. The quarter-finals have been slated for 3rd and 4th May, with the semi-finals fixed for 17th and 18th May.

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Jimmy Carter state funeral set for Jan. 9

The official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held Jan. 9 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the White House confirmed Monday. The Carter Center releases a statement saying the family has accepted an invitation from Congress for Carter, who died Sunday at 100, to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. Details on the events in Washington and in Georgia, including burial for Carter, have not been released. President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days. In Plains on Monday, two National Park Service rangers hung wreaths marked with black ribbon on the doors of the building where Carter went to high school. The school is now the Plains High School Visitor’s Center and is dedicated to teaching people about Carter. Inside, Sandra Hicks, who lives down the road in Americus, Georgia, was touring the school with her grandsons. She wanted to teach the boys about Carter’s legacy “so they can learn more about where he actually came from, get a firsthand experience of what it looked like.” Hicks met the Carters while she was working at the photo center in the Walmart in Americus. “He was never a stranger, even with Secret Service and what have you,” Hicks said. One of her grandsons, Jaxson Hughes, 11, expressed his appreciation for having a president from near where he lives. He said Carter knew the struggle of the people in the area and was able to advocate for them. Hicks mentioned Carter’s long history on humanitarian work, particularly his time with Habitat for Humanity, when she said he did much good in Americus. On a broader scale, Hicks said Carter also helped change the culture of Americus into one that cared for all the people of the town. Dave and Nancy Shelbourne were also visiting the school Monday. The couple, from Indianapolis, was driving to Naples, Florida, for the winter. After Carter died, they stopped in Plains to learn about the president in honor of their grandson also named Carter. “It’s just nice to know there are still good people in the world still trying to do things for humanity,” Dave Shelbourne said about the president.

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SWAN felicitates with Christians on Christmas Day

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians, particularly the sporting media on the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas. SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday December 25, 2024, noted the day affords Christians opportunity not just to merry but to reflect on the personality of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The SWAN President then urged Nigerians to cheer-up at this time and always, bearing in mind that the challenges facing mankind are only momentary. He said, “A day like this should remind us of the essence of the celebration of Christmas. It’s a day to reflect and take stock with a view to find solace going forward. “Despite economic and other challenges facing mankind, the living joy posits that there is always hope for better times ahead.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined Christians to share and rejoice with all as Jesus Christ exemplified while he lived on earth and through his teachings. “Christmas is also a time of sharing with one another no matter how small. We should endeavour to reach out to our neighbours, friends, loved ones, colleagues and all strata of persons around us, irrespective of tribe and religion as is in Jesus Christ nature and teachings. “Let us use this period as an opportunity to sacrifice, tough times notwithstanding, just as we promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” he said. President Benjamin also prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for all SWAN members nationwide and globally at this period and ahead of coming 2025.

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Zelensky: War ‘ll ‘end sooner’ with Trump as president

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky believed that he is certain the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have once Donald Trump becomes US president. Zelensky said he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump during their phone conversation after his victory in the US presidential election. He did not say whether Trump had made any demands regarding possible talks with Russia, but said he’d not heard anything from him that was contrary to Ukraine’s position. Trump has consistently said his priority is to end the war and stop what he says is a drain on US resources, in the form of military aid to Ukraine. Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives approved a $61bn (£49bn) package in military aid for Ukraine to help combat Russia’s invasion. The US has been the biggest arms supplier to Ukraine – between February 2022 and the end of June 2024, it delivered or committed weapons and equipment worth $55.5bn (£41.5bn), according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research organisation. “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne. He added that Ukraine “must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means”. The situation on the battlefield is difficult, with Russian forces making advances, Zelensky said. Trump and Zelensky have long had a tumultuous relationship. Trump was impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to dig up damaging information on the family of US President Joe Biden. Despite years of differences, Trump has insisted he had a very good relationship with Zelensky. When the pair met in New York in September, Trump said he “learned a lot” from the meeting and said he would get the war “resolved very quickly”. During the US election campaign, the former president turned president-elect repeatedly pledged to end the war “in a day” – but has yet to divulge how he intends to do so. His Democratic opponents have accused him of cosying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and say his approach to the war amounts to surrender for Ukraine that will endanger all of Europe. Earlier this week, Russia denied reports that a call between Putin and Trump took place days after the latter’s election win, in which the president-elect is said to have warned against escalating the conflict further. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who spoke with Trump following the US election, told German media that the incoming US leader had a “more nuanced” position on the war than was commonly assumed. The German leader was criticised by Zelensky over a phone call with Putin – the first in nearly two years – on Friday. Despite Scholz’s office saying he reiterated his call to end the war, Zelensky said it weakened the Russian leader’s isolation.

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Enitan Oshodi elected African Table Tennis Federation President 

Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi has been unanimously elected as the President of the African Table Tennis Fédération (ATTF) at the 2024 AGM of the continental body holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Oshodi is the only Nigerian presiding over a continental sports body. He is also currently the Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation. Enitan Oshodi was a former Commissioner for Sports In Lagos State.

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Tinubu pens to First Lady on her 64th birthday

President Bola Tinubu penned an emotional message to the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on her 64th birthday.  Tinubu expressed his goodwill message on his official X handle.  The elated Nigerian president wrote; “My Dearest Oluremi, “On this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life. Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. “You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. “As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. “With all my love and appreciation, now and always, “Yours Bola.”

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