Author: Citynews

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, national unity, and the rule of law, declaring that he remains a “die-hard democrat” who will continue to defend Nigeria’s democratic system. The President made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council at the State House. Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 26 years has been sustained through the voluntary commitment and sacrifices of political actors across party lines. “I am glad we are all democrats and we all subscribe to this democracy voluntarily and willingly. We have been at it selflessly in the last 26 years,” the President said. Reiterating his personal conviction, Tinubu stressed that his belief in democracy remains firm. “I am a die-hard democrat and I follow that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united country, Nigeria. That principle and philosophy will live and die with me,” he stated. The President also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and democratic processes, noting that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and intellectual debate rather than threats. “The rule of law must prevail before any democrat. The majority will have their say and their way, and the minority will have their say and might not have their way. That is the sweetness and essence of democracy,” Tinubu said. Tinubu further emphasised his loyalty to the political platform he belongs to while acknowledging the rights of others within Nigeria’s multi-party system. “I am a registered voter. Whether I am on the same platform with you or not, I am going to stick to my platform,” he said. Reflecting on his political history, the President recalled that he had previously remained in opposition without resorting to threats even when political circumstances were unfavourable. “When it was against me years past, I toed the line and stayed in opposition without threatening anyone but the military junta,” Tinubu added. He concluded by urging political leaders to remain committed to peace, stability, and democratic values for the progress of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s top legal regulatory body, the Body of Benchers, on Wednesday declined to accept a petition filed by a coalition of civil society organisations seeking an investigation into the Nigerian Law School certificate of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. The petition was submitted at the Body of Benchers headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. However, officials of the body rejected the document on procedural grounds. The group behind the petition was told that the complaint did not meet the required filing process. Instead of receiving the petition formally, the regulatory body handed the coalition official forms. The group…

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has said that the core oversight responsibility of the National Assembly of Nigeria has effectively collapsed. CityNews reports that Ndume made the remarks during an interview with Dan’Uwa Rano TV, where he criticised the current functioning of the legislature and expressed concern over what he described as the National Assembly’s failure to properly scrutinise government policies. The lawmaker, who has in recent times been vocal in criticising some policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the routine approval of executive proposals by the legislature. Speaking during the interview, Ndume said the…

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end extreme poverty by 2030 is unlikely to be met—no thanks, in large part, to Nigeria. A new report by The World Poverty Clock shows Nigeria has overtaken India as the country with the most extreme poor people in the world. India has a population seven times larger than Nigeria’s. The struggle to lift more citizens out of extreme poverty is an indictment on successive Nigerian governments which have mismanaged the country’s vast oil riches through incompetence and corruption. The 86.9 million Nigerians now living in extreme poverty represents nearly 50% of its estimated…

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over allegations of terrorism financing. CityNews reports that the case was postponed to April 15 for continuation of trial. Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were arraigned on February 3 by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge. The charges border on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. According to the DSS, the former AGF allegedly refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, despite receiving case files forwarded to his office for legal action. On February 27, the…

The Federal Government has begun the evacuation of Nigerians who are stuck in Iran. They will be escorted across the Armenian border amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The evacuation follows the growing crisis that began on February 28 after coordinated military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the region and raised fears of a wider conflict. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in a post on her X handle on Tuesday. She said officials of the…

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the United States government to suspend intelligence sharing with Nigeria following recent claims linked to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi concerning bandit activities in the country. Frank made the call on Wednesday in a statement issued in Abuja. He appealed directly to the administration of former United States President Donald Trump to reconsider security cooperation with the Nigerian government until clear action is taken to address the country’s worsening security situation. The political activist said the remarks credited to Gumi suggesting that authorities…

The Board of Trustees, BoT, convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday at the lodge of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The meeting was chaired by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and attended by key party figures, including Tanimu Turaki, Umar Damagum, ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George, former Information Minister Jerry Gana, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, and several other prominent members. In his opening remarks, Wabara described Monday’s judgment by the Court of Appeal as “an opportunity for the PDP to begin afresh,” signaling a new chapter for the party. Earlier, the caretaker committee led by Turaki also…

Former Super Eagles head coach High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde has d!ed at the age of 88, bringing to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians His family confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday evening, describing his journey on earth as meaningful and impactful. “With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde. “We thank God for the fulfilled…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday said his administration has rescued Nigeria from the brink of bankruptcy, assuring citizens that the country’s economy is gradually improving. Tinubu made the remark while hosting religious and traditional leaders at an interfaith breaking of fast held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Speaking during the gathering, the President said his government met a difficult economic situation on assumption of office but had taken decisive steps to stabilise public finances and prevent the country from sliding into financial collapse. “We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy. It was very daunting and challenging when we took over.…