President Tinubu Archives

President Tinubu Meets, Lauds Pope Leo XIV

Our Reporters2 hours ago3 hours ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled the virtues of Pope Leo XIV after the inauguration of the pontiff in Mass at the Vatican on Sunday. The Nigerian President wrote on his Twitter handle now X; “Today, at the Vatican, upon the personal invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I joined world leaders and millions of Catholics in witnessing the beginning of a new papacy. “Pope Leo XIV’s humility, history with Nigeria, and message of peace remind us of the moral leadership the world desperately needs. “As a nation of deep faith and great diversity, Nigeria remains committed to building bridges across belief, race, and continent—for peace, for progress, and for all of humanity. “May the Almighty guide the Holy Father and strengthen all who labour for a more just and compassionate world.” Pope Leo XIV was elected by a college of Cardinals following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Tinubu Lauds Oluwatobi Oyinlola for Groundbreaking GPS Device

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to young Nigerian innovator, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, for setting a new Guinness World Record with the invention of the world’s smallest GPS tracking device. In a message shared via his verified X account @officialABAT on Tuesday, the President praised Oyinlola’s groundbreaking achievement, describing it as a clear reflection of the immense talent and promise within Nigeria’s youth. “A Nigerian, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, has just developed the world’s smallest GPS Tracking Device prototype measuring 22.93 X 11.92mm with endless possibilities for use in various industries, and spheres of life,” the President wrote. “Congratulations, Oluwatobi, on this feat. You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” he added, signing the message with his initials, PBAT. Oyinlola’s device, now officially recognised by the Guinness World Records, is poised to make a significant impact across various sectors, including logistics, security, healthcare, and transportation, owing to its compact size and versatile applications. This milestone adds to a growing list of international accolades earned by young Nigerians in science, technology, and the creative industries. It also aligns with President Tinubu’s continued emphasis on harnessing the ingenuity and energy of the nation’s youth as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s advancement.

Tinubu Embarks on Two-Day Visit to Katsina

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja for Katsina State on Friday for a two-day official visit. During the visit, the President, according to statement issued by the Presidency, will meet with key stakeholders to assess the security situation in the state. He will commission the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre and a 24KM dual carriageway completed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda. President Tinubu will also honour an invitation to attend the wedding of the governor’s daughter before returning to Abuja.

Six Months After Rivers Emergency Declaration: What Lies Ahead?

President Tinubu, Fubara in Secret Meeting in London

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, whom he suspended on 18 March, according to The Africa Report. Two aides to the president confirmed to The African Report that the meeting took place in London last week, shortly after Tinubu left Paris. The meeting, it was learnt, was at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who has been desperate to return to office since the president declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State. “It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week. Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press. Another presidential aide said Fubara is also open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ingratiate himself with the president and then obtain cover. “If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” he said. It was also learnt that Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was uncomfortable with such meetings taking place behind his back. However, Tinubu is expected to broker a meeting between Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the state. The president had on 18 March declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for six months, just hours after two oil pipelines exploded. Security officials traced the explosion to a longstanding feud between Governor Fubara and 27 state lawmakers who are loyal to Wike, the current minister of the Federal Capital. The state lawmakers had, at Wike’s prodding, resolved to impeach the governor for constitutional breaches, including the alleged bombing of the state parliament building. With Nigeria relying on oil receipts for about 60% of government revenue and 90% of its foreign exchange, the Tinubu administration decided to declare a state of emergency to save the state from descending into anarchy. He followed up by appointing former naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State with full powers to act as governor. Since Fubara’s suspension, however, there have been weekly protests in Rivers State and cases instituted in court, but the governor has been criticised for not taking a tougher stance. In his Easter message, Governor Fubara called on the people of Rivers State to continue to support Tinubu.

Tinubu Mourns The Passing of Pope Francis

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. President Tinubu stated this in an hearfelt massage penned to the Vaticans. “A humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians. “His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten. “He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations. “He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor. “He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions. “His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds. “In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica. “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom. “As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person. “On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful. “May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

SERAP Sues Tinubu’s Govt Over Ban on Eedris’ Song ‘Tell Your Papa’

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago010 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over “the failure to reverse the arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’. The song, which allegedly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, was prohibited from radio and TV broadcast over its “objectionable nature”. The NBC cited the song’s violation of “public decency standards” on radio and TV stations. In the suit number FHC/L/CS/797/2025 filed last Thursday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order setting aside the arbitrary and illegal ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’, for being inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.” SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the NBC whether jointly or severally or any other authority, person or group of persons from preventing the airing of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song on all broadcast stations and other similar media platforms in Nigeria.” SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that the NBC’s directive, issued via a letter dated 9 April 2025 to all broadcast stations in Nigeria, banning the airing of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song is unlawful and inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.” In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The NBC is censoring music under the guise of ‘protecting public decency’. Public decency is not a carte blanche for banning Eedris’ song and placing a chokehold on information and suppressing peaceful dissent.” SERAP is arguing that, “Freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and extends not only to information or ideas that are favourably received, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb in such domains as political discourse and commentary on public affairs.” SERAP is also arguing that, “The ban on Eedris’ song has a chilling effect on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom. The NBC has not shown that the song would impose a specific risk of harm to a legitimate State interest that outweighs the public interest in the information provided by the song.” According to SERAP, “Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is overbroad and excessively intrusive, as it breaches the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.” The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Oluwakemi Agunbiade and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “All persons enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and creativity and to enjoy the arts. “The ban on Eedris’ song fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. “The requirement of necessity also implies an assessment of the proportionality of the grounds, with the aim of ensuring that the excuse of ‘objectionable nature’ and ‘public decency’ are not used as a pretext to ban Eedris’ song and unduly intrude upon Nigerians’ human rights. “Expressions, whether artistic or not, always remain protected under the right to freedom of expression. The NBC directive is also inconsistent and incompatible with the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity. “Art constitutes an important vehicle for each person, individually and in community with others, as well as groups of people, to develop and express their humanity. Artists may entertain people, but they also contribute to social debates, sometimes bringing counter-discourses and potential counterweights to existing power centres. “The vitality of artistic creativity is necessary for the functioning of democratic societies. Banning or removing creative expressions from public access is a way to restrict artistic freedom. “It is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations to use vague and overly broad grounds of ‘objectionable nature’ and ‘public decency’ as justifications to ban Eedris’ song. “The action by the NBC is arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional, as it is contrary to the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. “Media freedom and media plurality are a central part of the effective exercise of freedom of expression. The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role. “While the media may be subject to some restrictions necessary for the protection of certain vital interests of the state, such as national security or public health, the media has a role and responsibility to convey information and ideas on political issues, even divisive ones and the public has a right to receive them. “Article 19(2) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, states that the right to freedom of expression includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds ‘in the form of art’. “The effects of art censorship or unjustified restrictions of the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity are devastating. They generate important social and economic losses, deprive artists of their means of expression and livelihood, create an unsafe environment for all those engaged in the arts and their audiences. “Restrictions of the right to freedom of artistic expression also sterilize debates on human, social and political issues and hamper the functioning of democracy. “Article 19 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes Nigeria’s obligations to respect ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, regardless of frontiers. “Under article 19(3), restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary ‘for respect of the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals.’” No date has been fixed for the…

Security Crisis: Obi Urges President Tinubu to Return Home and Address Domestic Challenges

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a passionate call on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his ongoing retreat in France and return home to address what he described as an “overwhelming security situation.” Obi, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, said the President’s absence comes at a time when the nation is grappling with mounting insecurity and loss of lives, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states. “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria,” he stated. “Pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, resurging insurgency in the North-East, and rampant killings and abductions in the South-East all reflect a nation in distress.” The former Anambra State governor criticized the President for remaining abroad while the country faces worsening crises. “The CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating in a faraway land, while the headquarters is in chaos,” he added. Obi emphasized that the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, noting that such a responsibility cannot be outsourced or handled from abroad. He called on President Tinubu to “rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues,” stressing that the hope for a better Nigeria depends on leaders being present, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. “A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Fair Representation in Appointments

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Federal Government has refuted claims of lop-sidedness regarding the composition of Federal appointments, just as its emphasizes unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in a statement on Friday urged the public to discard the recent insinuations circulating, particularly on social media. “All appointments are made in strict adherence to federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered). “It is notable to mention that, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments. “This Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies. “Inquiries with respect to this matter can be channeled through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation which is the official custodian of such appointments,” the statement read. The OSGF therefore, urged the public to disregard unfounded speculations and rely on official Government sources for accurate information, stressing that the Government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this Administration. Pokers of embers of hate and disunity who carry tendentious and unfounded allegations should never be taken seriously by Nigerians.