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Abubakar Remains Nigeria’s Most Successful Leader – Osoba

Published

5 years ago

May 8, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Among an army of reporters, who have written their names in gold both in the field of journalism and other life endeavours, is Chief Olusegun Osoba. The veteran of not a few disciplines, including politics, entrepreneurship and a whole lot more, has practically seen all there is to see, and even at above 80, continues to positively affect humanity. In this brief chat he had with Chief Dele Momodu via social media, the one time governor of Ogun State bares all in naked reality. Excerpts:

As far back as 1988, you were eulogised in a song by Chief Ebenezer Obey which has remained evergreen till date, how do you feel listening to the song today

I may never have been a publisher like Chief Dele Momodu, but I am an employer of labour today, so it gives me great joy to listen to that song.

Every new record, talk about the US to UK, my friends all over the world will send it to me immediately and my house was the very first place to hear every new records so if we are at a party and the party is not moving well, my friends will just say let’s go to Segun’s house.

Sir, could you please share a bit of your journalism background with us

Tafawa Balewa story was the first story that set my journalistic career on the right course. This was before I went ahead to work in three different newspaper companies, I will give glory to God for being kind in every aspect of life. While tutoring me, the Awujale informed me of a Yoruba saying thus: the evening of our lives will be greater than the early part.

Very early in life, you were a member of the Boys club. How was it in those days

Well, I can tell you that education is not complete without enough secondary ‘street wise’. As a young man, I was introduced to Osogbo Orientation Club which was an expatriate club; I was in the Boxing session, training to become a boxer. At 15, I was a strong member of the Lagos Alakoro boys and girls club, which was founded two months earlier. There were so many of them then, and we were trained to do social services. I can confidently tell you that was where we got to know how to be ‘street wise’. I was virtually in every club at Methodist Boys High School; I was in the Boys’ Scout, Red Cross, Debating society and many others. Our education was an all embracing one.

Could you please tell us some the schools you attended because I can tell people from Methodist schools are already in high spirit

I attended African Church School, Osogbo for my elementary education. I started sojourn in Osogbo before proceeding to Methodist Boys High School in Lagos, from where I went to the University of Lagos to study Journalism. I must make bold to say that Methodist Boys High School Lagos was a strong foundation for me. Everything about the school is inspirational; the motto, the hymns, the songs were all full of inspiration.

So at what stage did you go into Journalism sir

Funnily enough when I left school, my Sunday School teacher (Ogundiya), who was an engineer at the City Council and I were recruited into the City Council in Lagos as building inspectors. I did the job for two years between 1962 and 1963. Then I used to contribute to Letters to the Editor column of some papers. When I wrote Daily Times, I was instantly given a job as a Reporter, I finally went to University of Lagos for a Diploma in Journalism.

You are reputed as probably the greatest reporter ever in Nigeria. Can you share some of the stories you broke that gave you such honour with us

I celebrate reporting and till date, I see myself as a reporter. I don’t see myself as a journalist. Before the Tafawa Balewa story in 1966, I had been behind so many big stories, and even after the Tafawa Balewa story, I wrote many major stories, among which is the coup that ousted Gowon. I had to dig deep to get the breakdown of what happened.

I remembered Chief Ebenezer Obey singing “Ajala travelled all over the world”. Is it true that Ajala travelled all over the world

It’s true. When he came back to Nigeria, I took pictures with him, and I still have the picture. I was one of those who went to welcome him.

What would you say are the most important tools for a reporter to be successful

A reporter must always be sober, confident and keep and maintain contacts. A good reporter must never fail to socialize.

You have come across so many presidents in Nigeria in the course of your job, can you describe them one after another

Let me start with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: He was highly decent, reserved and commands a lot of respect. I can’t remember sharing a long talk with him; he only smiles and say “hello, how are you?” and that’s all, but a lot of his cabinet members, such as Maitama Sule, were my friends.

As for General Aguiyi Ironsi; I didn’t have enough to do with him because his tenure was short; I think 6 months in office. When General Yakubu Gowon came, we became friends, and we are still friends till today. I had strong contact with Gowon and General Murtala Mohammed. I maintained very strong relationships in the administrations through to General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Of course, many of the ministers in Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s administration were my very close friends. I also became very close to the Vice President, Alex Ekwueme.

I was an insider during the regime of General Muhammadu Buhari largely because the present Alake of Egba land was working with General Tunde Idiagbon, the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, and we were more like members of the inner caucus of that government.

General Sani Abacha was the only leader after me. I didn’t even get close to him. The same with Obasanjo when he became President. Though we came from the same Ogun State, I was the only governor who never asked anything from him. I told him to do good to Ogun when he deems fit.

Alhaji Umar Yar’dua and I were governors in 1999, and I had been close to his brother Shehu Musa Yaradua, who was the link between us and Obasanjo’s government. It is worthy of note that Shehu Musa Yaradu and I also worked for Abiola. He gave me some appointments and was the one who facilitated my National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger CON award.

The administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan did very well though I was not opportune to spend time with him, and irrespective of what anybody says, I am an integral part of this present government of Buhari.

Now, of all these governments, which would you say is the most successful? Let’s remove President Buhari because he is still there, but of all the past governments, which one came close to rescuing Nigeria

Different times with different challenges; Gowon had different challenges, and Buhari in his first coming had an economic problem and had to use the system of trade by batter. I forgot to mention the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar; he registered Action for Democracy (AD), and I can tell you he offered me a ministerial position, but I told him I will like to be governor. For many years I was close to him, and his wife and I were in the assembly together in 1988/89. I can tell you that all of them, he was the closest and might be the closest till today, but talk of comparison, he also had many challenges.

Where were you on October 19, 1986 when Dele Giwa was killed

Funnily enough, a day before, we were at a luncheon when Dele complained that some people are accusing him of gunrunning, I think that was October 17th or 18th. And the day he was killed, I was in the house when a phone call came in to say that Dele Giwa has been shot.

Are you not surprised that so many years after, not even a trace to finding his killer

It’s very sad and uncomfortable that with our huge resources, not only have we not resolved Dele Giwa, we have not also resolved Bola Ige; very painful because the last social outing we had was at my wife’s 50th birthday celebration, and the cheque he gave to my wife is still in my safe. I kept it there for his loving memory, is it not terrible we have not resolved Bola Ige’s death, Papa Alfred Rewane’s death, Mrs. Kudirat Abiola’s death, Suliat Adedeji, Funsho Williams and many others. So many assassination issues, in fact don’t let us talk about it.

I want us to talk about your days in London; we were together in London during the last days of Abacha, I can remember you broke the news of Abacha’s death to me. So can you please share with us how you spent those days

Abacha’s death was June 8, 1998. I remembered you and I were always taking a walk around Swiss Cottage and those areas to exercise.

What makes Egba people thick considering the likes of Professor Wole Soyinka, Prince Bola Ajibola and many more.

I will say that the Egbas have a history; we have heroes like Lisabi. According to history; the first doctor, the first accountant among others were Egbas. We have heroes that we can look up to.

There seems to be a strong rivalry between the Egbas and the Ijebus, how did you end up marrying an Ijebu-Igbo lady

The lady who won my heart; it is God’s doing. The rivalry between the Egbas and the Ijebus is just an intellectual rivalry because the Ijebus are very social like if you attend the Ojude-Oba festival, you will see understand.

You are a holder of many chieftaincy titles, can you please tell us some of them and where from

When I became the Akinrogun, the then Ooni of Ife spent almost a whole week in Abeokuta, and Oba Williams Ayeni, the then Oragun of Ila, virtually all notable people from Nigeria came for the ceremony as well as all the best musicians. Akinrogun came in from Egba. Aremo came in from the Awujale, who was surprised I devoted all my energy to solving the water problem in Ijebu-Ode. Then tanker drivers used to hold the Ijebus to ransom. I came in as governor and restored water back to Ijebu-Ode. The Awujale was so impressed and adopted me as his son, and he gave me the Aremo title, which means the first son. He will always call me every day and prayed for me, and till today the Awujale still calls me at least once every day.

Another major title was from the Yewas; the Yewas were happy that I brought development to their area, for example the road I did from Idiroko to Ipokia is still the best road in that axis. I can say that it was based on my performance as governor that I got many titles.

As an elder statesman, what is your attitude to the issue of division in Nigeria? Do you think politicians will continue to disunite us for their own personal gains

I’m part of the politicians and I’m part of the problem. I must tell you that power must be devolved from the centre to the regions. Even in the United Kingdom, where is unity? When I was young, we were made to believe that communism is the best. If UK, the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) can’t maintain it, then it’s impossible, so we have to devolve power.

Talk about COVID-19; We were victims of bad journalism recently, do you think we are doing what we ought to do about COVID-19

I will start by saying that the kind of journalism that happened in respect of you and me was out of envy. The shocking thing is that by the time I arrived in Nigeria, all my family members were running; we were treated like we were on death roll. Some people started saying all of us that went to London were treating ourselves in private hospitals, and I phoned Chief Rasak Okoya, Chief Kesington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) and others and they said they are in their houses and comfortable. So I self-isolated myself for many days, and till today I haven’t been out of my house.

Whatever has a beginning must have an end but we should have a part 2 of this chat and I’m sure if we call on you again, you will answer us sir.

You are a publisher and I am a reporter so a Publisher can call on a reporter at anytime.

The first Nigerian to have won the prestigious Nieman Fellowship for Journalism, Chief Olusegun Osoba was elected on two different occasions as Governor of Ogun State, first from January 1992 until November 1993 with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In 1999, he was elected again as governor with the Alliance for Democracy party (AD), holding office between May 1999 and May 2003.

Chief Osoba is married to Chief Aderinsola Osoba, the Beere Awujale of Ijebu. They are blessed with four children, two boys and two girls: Kemi, Olumide, Oluyinka and Tobi.

Credit to @Adetayo_bishop for support

Headline

Ibas Appoints Administrators for Rivers LGs, Reconstitutes Boards (Full List)

Published

9 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Eric

The Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas-led Rivers State Government has announced the appointment of Administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

The decision, approved by the Administrator also includes the reconstitution of some Boards of Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals that had earlier been suspended.

According to the statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the appointments are to take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.

The administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State include:

1. Mr Okroiyobi Animiete – Abua/Odual LGA
2. Mr Goodluck M. Ihenacho – Ahoada East LGA
3. Mr Promise Jacob – Ahoada West LGA
4. Dr Tamunotonye Peters – Akuku Toru LGA
5. Surveyor Atajit Francis – Andoni LGA
6. Barrister Ibiapuve Charles – Asari Toru LGA
7. Mr Kingsley N. Banigo – Bonny LGA
8. Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis – Degema LGA
9. Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah – Eleme LGA
10. Barr Franklin P. Ajinwon – Emohua LGA
11. Dr Onyemachi S. Nwankwor – Etche LGA
12. Prof. Gospel G. Kpee – Gokana LGA
13. Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu – Ikwerre LGA
14. Dr Barinedum Nwibere – Khana LGA
15. Dr Clifford Ndu Walter – Obio Akpor LGA
16. Dr Chukwuma Aje – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
17. Eliel Owubokiri – Ogu/Bolo LGA
18. Mr Thompson Isodiki – Okrika LGA
19. Manager Ikechi Wala – Omuma LGA
20. Mr Fred Apiafi – Opobo /Nkoro LGA
21. Eletuuo Ihianacho – Oyigbo LGA
22. Dr Sam Kalagbor – Port Harcourt LGA
23. Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah – Tai LGA

The following have also been appointed as Chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission:

1. Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey – Chairman
2. Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira – Member
3. Prof Author Nwafor – Member
4. Prof Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member
5. Prof Joyce Akaninwor – Member
6. Dr Olive A. Bruce – Member
7. .Prof Chidi Halliday – Member

This followed the judgment of the apex court, which declared the LG election conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid.

This development comes just hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt scheduled April 14, 2025, to hear a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu of Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative.

Nsirimovu is seeking to halt the appointment of LG Administrators in the state.

Justice Adamu Mohammed, presiding over the matter did not issue an explicit restraining order, instead directed that the Administrator of Rivers State be put on notice to appear and show cause why the request to stop the appointments should not be granted.

“I am of the view that it will serve the interest of justice to order the application to put the respondent on notice to appear and show cause why the application (to stop the appointment administrators in the 23 LGAs) should not be granted,” the judge stated.

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Natasha vs Akpabio: Time to Sheath the Swords

Published

2 days ago

April 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For weeks, the loggerhead between the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial zone, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on one hand, and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate on the other hand, has lingered, creating ugly scenarios and dirty muds, which the gladiators have to waddle through.

The situation, which has questioned the integrity of each of the persons and the institution of the senate as whole, has proved that this is not the best of times for the Nigeria’s number three citizen, as accusations of sexual and moral malfeasance have continued to hang around his person, the Senator herself, who is representing Kogi Central senatorial district, for his accusations, which so far have not been proven, a situation that may at some point, withdraw the public sympathy she is enjoying at the moment, and the institution of the senate, that has continued to wane in popularity and status.

Natasha, for good measure, is the wife of Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is somehow related to a former governor of Delta State, and has made it abundantly clear that she is endowed with the evidence of all her accusations. This is against the Senate President’s constant denial of all accusations. Who is right? While there’s no far-reaching answer, the public still looks on, amused at the unfolding drama.

However, it is worthy of note that since the 15th of February, when a minute issue of seat change arose, tempers have risen, plots have been woven to end each other’s political empire, and counter accusations have followed.

Natasha had refused to proceed to her new seat apparently because she felt disrespected and that the change was an aftermath of what she perceived as undermining her rights and womanhood by the senate president. She had, to the surprise of everyone, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment on national television. Akpabio and the Senate retaliated, and slammed the Senator with a six months suspension from the senate, withdrawing her entitlements and aides.

In the heat of the melee, Natasha took her case to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) while a group, initiated a recall move for the Kogi Senator. A recall that failed woefully. The war has remained unabated.

But days after the first clash, salvos are still being exchanged between feuding parties causing some Nigerians to sue for calm, and let peace reign in national interest.

For people like veteran journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, Akpabio needs to let bygone be bygone, give Natasha a call to settle the whole matter or else everything he has labored to build will likely come crashing without redemption. The same advice is given to Natasha, who though is enjoying public applaud and sympathy, may likely lose it if the battle continues, especially as her constituency is losing their representation at the Senate at the moment. A time will come when it is no longer bearable.

For everyone in the know of the Natasha, Akpabio imbroglio, the password is time to sheath the swords. So the time to end the fight is now.

BACKGROUND OF THE CRISES

Natasha had clashed with Akpabio on February 20, 2025, when she protested a reassignment of her Senate seat, sparking a heated plenary confrontation. The incident, rooted in a reshuffle following defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led to her referral to the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee on February 25 for disciplinary review. The move prompted her to seek legal redress against Akpabio, demanding N100.3 billion as damages for infringement on her fundamental human rights, at the FCT High Court.

Natasha’s damning accusations came soon afterwards, and were broadcast live before millions of television viewers across the nation and beyond on the Arise News Channel. Ever since, the media space has not been the same with divergent voices taking sides, and queuing behind the two senators, depending on either reasoning, sentiments or alliance.

Speaking a matter of factly, Mrs Uduaghan narrated what appears to be a ‘tale out of school’ holding Nigerians spellbound at how a ranking public officer would descend to the level of asking another man’s wife for sexual gratification, and victimizing her at her refusal.

Natasha claimed that Senate President Akpabio subjected her to sexual harassment and subsequent victimization after she rebuffed his advances.

But since both gladiators belong to different parties, the matter has since developed into a political firestorm with a majority of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling for Akpabio’s probe and resignation, while the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has remained more silent and condemning of the Kogi Senator.

The Senate President, yet embattled on the physical side, had had his various camps coming out in staunch defence of his integrity, saying he was being lied against. Akpabio’s denial through his camp, has further fueled the ensuing public debate, and blames and counter blames.

But the Senate President, through his media consultant Kenny Okulogbo, vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them “tissues of lies” concocted by a disgruntled senator, and saying the Senate President is innocent of all accusations. He noted that Natasha’s accusations stems from her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, suggesting that her claims were a retaliatory smear campaign.

“She is just angry because she was removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content,” the Aide opined

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan unveiled that her troubles with Akpabio began in December 2023 during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State. The visit, which coincided with celebrations for their shared birthday, turned uncomfortable, according to her, when Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate advances.

The Kogi Senator further said that the Senate President held her hand while showing her around his home, with her husband trailing behind, and suggested she spend “quality time” with him there, implying a romantic liaison.

“He said, ‘Now that you are a Senator, you are going to create time for us to spend quality time here and you will enjoy it,” she recounted.

She added in her allegations that Akpabio’s harassment continued in the Senate, where he reportedly blocked her motions, with special reference to the Ajaokuta Steel Company in her district unless she acquiesced to his demands. She described a specific encounter where, after being advised by colleagues to meet him privately, Akpabio told her, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy,” and quoted the Senate President, equating her situation to “a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”

She categorically stated that her refusal led to persistent marginalization, including a recent seating dispute, which uncovered the can of chill crawling worms, and even saw her being referred to the Senate’s Ethics Committee.

The Senate President’s office was prompt, amd shortly after the revelation, released a statement that dismissed the claims as baseless, alleging they stem from Natasha’s frustration over her removal from a key committee post.

While recalling that in 2020, Akpabio was involved in similar misdemeanor when he was slapped by a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Joy Nunieh, when he was the Minister of Niger Delta Affair for sexually assaulting her, most Nigerians have faulted the Senate President, saying he may have the capacity to behave inappropriately with the Kogi Senator.

It was also through Arise News interview that the former NDDC boss made her disclosure, stating boldly that that she is the only Nigerian woman who has slapped the then minister. The incident, she said, happened at his guest house in Abuja.

“Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me.

“He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment,” Nunieh boasted.

But Akpabio escaped prosecution, and became the Senate President, the nation’s third most powerful person.

Natasha and Akpabio however, apart from a a history of undeveloped affair, have been embroiled in cat and rat imbroglio before the present.

In July 2024, Akpabio sparked outrage by telling Natasha not to speak like she was in a “nightclub” during a plenary session, a remark that was frowned at by commentators, who labeled the first among equal Senator a misogynist. But Akpabio was humble enough as he ate the humble pie, and apologize to Senator Natasha though that was an aftermath of public backlash and pressure from Nigerians, notably, women’s groups.

But while Akwa Ibom women have protested against Natasha for her accusations, most women groups, not including APC, whose Women leader could not categorically condemn the act, have risen to condemn Akpabio. In the same vein, sympathizers of Akpabio have risen in her support, and condemned Senator Natasha

Among backlashes for Akpabio’s action are the ones from the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Both leaders advised Akpabio to step down, and face a disciplinary committee.

The incidents of harrassment, both present and past, has placed Akpabio on the radar of one, who is aversed to the progress of women.

But the Senate President’s wife, has stood up for her husband, describing him as a disciplined man, who cannot do what he has been accused of. She dismissed Natasha’s allegations as lies, dragging her to court for N250 billion damages.

As divergent opinions continue to thrive in the public space with the Senate declaring what they will do about the matter until a petition is brought before it, Natasha’s allegations remain allegations until proved.

If and when the matter is finally brought for adjudication, it is obvious that a head or heads will roll. Akpabio, as Senate President, may likely lose his power, influence and position if Natasha’s allegations is proven to be accurate. But if on the other hand, Natasha’s allegations happen to be, as some said, a mere figment of her imagination, her slim political relevance will crash like a pack of cards.

Someone, who craved anonymity had chipped in that come what may Natasha’s end as a senator is fast approaching. But thanks to the failed recall move, she still have another day in the House of Politics.

“If she manages to complete this particular tenure, she’s definitely not coming back; the powers that be will ensure that,” he said. But again, her rising profile can prove that assertion wrong. Recently, and against all odds, she visited her constituency, and received a grand reception. This was in defiance of the both the Police and Kogi Governor Ododo’s ban on gathering, convoy and rally.

The story is developing, but whichever way one looks at it, the feud must be quenched now so that peace, respect and integrity can return to the nation’s highest law making institution.

Headline

Why FCT Was Removed from Treasury Single Account – Tinubu

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2025

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained on Sunday in Abuja that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance.
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The President, who received FCT residents at the Presidential Villa for Sallah homage, said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the capital city and had to be reviewed for impact and progress.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the residents during the homage.

President Tinubu highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.

“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.

“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that was abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for school children, and provided furniture.

President Tinubu thanked the FCT Minister for proving that liberation from the bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service so that civil servants could aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.

“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.

“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the President noted.

“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the President said.

President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broadmindedness and patriotism.
“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.

The FCT minister thanked the President for hosting the residents in the State House.

“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here”.

Wike pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.

“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.

The FCT delegation included members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs and women and youth groups.

Source: State House Press Release