Tinubu urges peace, civility in Edo Governorship elections 

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly.  The election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.  The President, in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, implored the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will. He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders.  Tinubu emphasised that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game. He notes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process.  The President commended the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which have focused on issues that matter most to the people of Edo State, including improving livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.  He urged all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process. He encourages them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.  In addition, the President expressed unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials. He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

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Shettima to represent Tinubu at 79th UN General Assembly 

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year. The President, according to a statement signed by Special Adviser  on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation. President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding. At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings. The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.

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Tinubu didn’t order Cardoso’s sack- Presidency

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga has refuted media claims that President Bola Tinubu has ordered Olayemi Cardoso to resign his appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).  Onanuga, who was reacting to a media report on his X handle stated that the report is fake news as there is no iota of truth in it.   According to him,”It’s all lies. President Tinubu has not asked Yemi Cardoso to resign.” The report, Onanuga reacted to had earlier claimed the CBN Governor was fired due to his inability to stop the poor performance of the economy, most especially, the free fall of Nigeria’s currency, the Naira. The report also claimed that the President gave the marching order to Cardoso before he left Nigeria for China, rebuffing the pleas and pressure from the acclaimed Yoruba Elders who had risen to Cardoso’s support to save his job.  Cardoso, who reportedly secured the nomination for the plum job through the Yoruba Elders, allegedly lacks the knack to turn around the troubled institution and the poor economy he inherited. Cardoso’s undoing, according to insiders, is his inability to live up to the promise he made to President Tinubu in January to salvage the Naira and return it to between N700 and N900 to $1 before May 29, 2024, and also, save the economy from the ruins it currently lays. The naira began a historic fall against the dollar, droppingfrom the N950/$1 rate observed at the close of the week that Cardoso was appointed to N960/$1 by Monday of the week following his appointment as Nigeria’s upcoming central bank governor. It slipped further to N970/$1 in the early hours of Tuesday, the following day. This decline, which started immediately after his nomination, has seen the local currency dip, plummeting by 117.41 per cent to N1645.626/$1 as of September 12, 2024, nearly one year after he took over from Folashodun Shonubi. The continuous crash of the Naira and the poor economy prevented the usual celebration of the return to democratic rule on May 29.

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Tinubu mourns Zamfara boat accident, floods victims

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and Government of Zamfara State over recent floods in Gummi Local Government Area and the death of over 40 farmers in a boat accident on their way to their farms at the weekend.   President Tinubu expressed the government and the people of Nigeria’s commiseration over the twin tragedies in the Zamfara community.  He promised support for the victims.   The President directed emergency agencies to comprehensively assess the two incidents to address the root of the calamity.   President Tinubu also directed response agencies to work with the Zamfara State Government to help those affected by the disaster.  

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Tinubu hails Military on North-West operations, pledges sustained support 

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu receives with relief the news of the strings of successful operations against security threats in the north-west by troops of the Nigerian military. He said the success of the operations gives further assurance that our security operatives are up to the task of  of ensuring the peace and security of the nation. Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday, neutralised a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, who had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria. The troops also killed  another terrorist Sani Wala Burki in a Joint Operation in Katsina, and  busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were freed. The successful operations follow the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is restored.  President Tinubu commends the military high command, the intelligence agencies, and the troops for their valiant efforts, synergy, and dedication, which have resulted in the recent laudable outcomes. The President also commended the entire security apparatus for the improved security in the nation and enjoins them to sustain their efforts until immediate and latent threats are permanently removed. President Tinubu reassured the security agencies of his continued support in achieving the priority objective of keeping the nation safe and secure.

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President Tinubu meets with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace 

President Bola Tinubu was warmly received on Wednesday in London by His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace for a private meeting, highlighting the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.   This will be the two leaders’ first meeting since they met in Dubai at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year. The latest meeting was at the King’s request. Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change.   President Tinubu and His Majesty also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.  President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability.  During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth.

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