STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
RESPONSE TO ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s statement accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fiddling amidst some security and economic challenges is to say the least, reckless.
Coming days after he made an equally reckless allegation against the President on the crude for loan deal for NNPC Limited, his latest statement fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman.
We like to believe that Alhaji Atiku is still not nursing hangover of his electoral defeat and now latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu.
President Tinubu did not travel without informing Nigerians of his whereabouts. He announced a private visit to France and announced a return date.
While in France, President Tinubu has been following developments at home and he is on top of the situation in the country. Today’s inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum wage bore his imprimatur .
He is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country.
He has particularly ordered them to apprehend those criminals responsible for the murder of two monarchs in Ekiti State and the kidnapping of some pupils in the state.
We are already seeing results with the arrest of over 139 kidnappers around Abuja, Kaduna and Benue States in the last one week. The police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and DSS have also rescued 154 abducted persons in the last few days.
Just last week President Tinubu approved N50billion as Special Fund to address some of the lingering security challenges in North East where Alhaji Atiku hails from. To cope with the kidnapping challenges in the FCT, President Tinubu also approved funds for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals.
If Alhaji Atiku is really concerned about security issues and not playing cheap politics, he should have known that President Tinubu is on top of issues and working hard to restore peace to every part of our country.
Our security agencies are working very hard to bring the security situation under control. President Tinubu is giving them all the necessary support they need to win the battle against criminal elements and secure every inch of our country.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy
January 30, 2024
Time to temper the headlines on Nigeria’s security challenges
By Bayo Onanuga
I woke up Tuesday to read some hair-raising headlines about kidnapping and killings in our country. “Over 17,000 Nigerians abducted under Buhari and Tinubu”, screamed one newspaper that described the incidents an epidemic.
Another newspaper wrote
”2,423 people killed, 1,872 kidnapped in eight months of Tinubu”. There was yet another scary headline, that will truly scare any outsider away from my state of Ogun. It says “From Rising industrial hub to den of cultists, criminals.” The impressionistic outsider will, at first blush, think every inch of Ogun is under the siege of cultists and criminals.
Of course, this sweeping generalisation conveyed by the newspaper does not match the reality lived by the people in the state.
As a newspaper man myself for over 40 years, I understand the game the media play. To sell our newspapers or clickbait, we tend to exaggerate and embellish, sometimes forgetting the social responsibility of the media, not to give the impression that our country is under siege by criminals or that every nook and cranny of our country is under their stranglehold.
One of our newspapers took this responsibility to heart in its report on the same Tuesday, making its major headline, the efforts by security agents to rein in the minority vagabonds in our midst. “Securitymen raise bar in battle against kidnappers”, the paper reported, as it listed the bombing of terrorists den, the rescue of captives by the army and police, simultaneously as it also reported the unfortunate killing of two monarchs in Ekiti, a policeman in Imo and mother and daughter in the FCT.
The frightening headlines on Tuesday were based on the report by the Civil Society Joint Action Group that calls for an emergency on the security situation, surprisingly oblivious that our security agencies have been working in that spirit for a long time, since 2009.
Our security agencies deserve society’s appreciation for their efforts so far, in trying to nip in the bud the evils of kidnapping, banditry, communal killings and terrorism in our country. Their efforts, most often understated, have made our country safer at least than South Africa or the United States, where 44,310 people were killed last year in gun violence.
South Africa faces a worsening insecurity than Nigeria. In 2023, 15,343 people were kidnapped, with Gauteng Province, where the City of Johannesburg, the commercial capital, is located recording 7,818 cases of kidnapping for ransom. Ten years ago in 2013, there were only 3,822 cases of kidnapping. They jumped to 11,000 in 2021 and have been on the upward curve since then.
Gun related killings or murders are also high in South Africa. They increased by 35 percent between 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, 6,289 people were killed in South Africa. An average of 70 killings occurred per day between January and March 2023. Within a more extended period, April 2022 and March 2023, the killings were 75 per day. According to official statistics, 27,272 people were killed during this period, with 11,347 shot dead.
South Africa also leads the world in car jacking, with 18,000 cases reported in 2020 and 22,742 cases reported last year, an increase of eight percent over 2022 figure.
Nigerians will appreciate our security agencies better with the comparative figures about our country. Between July 2022 and and June 2023, Nigeria recorded 3,620 people kidnapped for ransom, in 582 kidnapping incidents. In 2022, 4,616 people were kidnapped. The same year, 4,545 people were killed by criminals in our midst.
In a report by the World Population Review, Nigeria is not among the top 10 countries in the world, with kidnapping “epidemic“. Turkey leads with 42 people kidnapped out of 100,000 people. Lebanon is second with 15 people out of 100,000 and Kuwait third with 12 out of 100,000 held in captivity. Canada, Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Eswatini and United Kingdom make up the remaining top 10. Kidnapping in Nigeria is 0.334 per 100,000.
Surely, every life matters. Surely, any of our compatriots kidnapped by the criminals must be a matter of concern to the government as it has always been a matter of concern to our security agencies and the leadership, whose job is to keep all of us safe.
In my view, they have all been playing a salutary role. Contrary to the uncharitable comment that President Tinubu has been fiddling while incidents of kidnapping or killings occur, as commander-in-chief, he has been providing material support to security agencies to discharge their duties. In recent weeks, we have seen the police setting up a Special Intervention Squad, equipped with drones. The DSS has stepped up its anti-kidnapping act, rescuing 154 abducted people in the last few days.
Last week President Tinubu approved N50billion as Special Fund to address some of the lingering security challenges in North East. He also approved special funds to the FCT, for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals.
Media reporting about cases of kidnapping, communal killings and isolated terrorism acts must show some moderation by not giving the impression that all Nigerians no longer sleep with two eyes closed or are not safe in going about their day-to-day business.
The relative peace we used to enjoy in our country was broken in the 90s by cases of kidnapping in Niger-Delta. Then followed insurgency in the North-East in 2009, which morphed into banditry and kidnapping in North-West and some parts of North Central. Kidnapping, which appears to be developing into an industry, has also spread to South-West and South-East. It will definitely take some time to put the broken pieces back into the whole.
While we do not have a crime-free country yet, there is no denying that some efforts are being made countrywide to fight the emerging scourge. Last December Lagos State celebrated four years of near zero robbery in the state, with only one incident recorded in Epe in 2023. The South-West states have set up Amotekun, a local police of sort, that is working alongside the police. Such efforts must be encouraged all over the country, to give our people security cover at all times. Amotekun and other local police set up by the states must be strengthened to work with our existing security structure for intelligence gathering and covert operation. Citizens and the media must also, as a matter of duty, complement the efforts of government to completely stamp out violent crimes.
-Onanuga is Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH GENERAL ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR OVER SISTER’S PASSING
It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Hajiya Salamatu Asabe, the younger sister of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
President Tinubu condoles with General Abubakar, the family, and all those who mourn this painful loss.
The President prays that her family is comforted by her legacy and the beautiful memories she left behind.
“General, please accept my sympathy and condolences. My prayers are with you at this time of mourning. May Almighty Allah grant Hajiya Asabe Aljannah firdaus,” President Tinubu says.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 29, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES HIS EMINENCE, CARDINAL JOHN ONAIYEKAN, ON 80TH BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu sends hearty felicitations to His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, as he marks his 80th birthday today, January 29.
Cardinal Onaiyekan was the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and also served as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and Bishop of Ilorin.
President Tinubu celebrates the exceptional religious leader who has used his calling not only to preach the good gospel of Jesus Christ, but also followed his example by fighting for the downtrodden and speaking out against the ills in society, yet remains unbending in the pursuit of peace and unity in Nigeria.
The President thanks His Eminence for his sacrifices and efforts in peace-building in Nigeria over the years, assuring him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria will be made manifest.
President Tinubu wishes His Eminence more prosperous years in the Lord’s Vineyard.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 29, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS KILLING OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN EKITI, DIRECTS IMMEDIATE RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED PUPILS
It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.
President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting, and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice.
The President condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development.
In the same vein, the President directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around Eporo-Ekiti area of the State.
As security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nation’s security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 30, 2024
January 31, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Governor Fintiri on Supreme Court Victory
…Says Verdict is Victory for Democracy, Will of the People of Adamawa State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adawama State on the judgement of the Supreme Court which today further affirmed his victory at the March 18, 2023 Governorship election in the State.
The judgment of the Supreme Court, the highest and final Court in the Country serves as an iron-cast stamp in validating the triumph of the expressed Will of the people in resisting various attempts by undemocratic and anti-people forces to subvert the electoral process and illegally take over control of the State.
The spur-of-the-moment celebration across Adamawa State and other States of the federation at the news of the Supreme Court Judgment clearly shows that the verdict is in line with the expectation of Nigerians and particularly the people of Adamawa State in their quest to sustain transparent, development-driven and people-oriented leadership as epitomized in Governor Fintiri and the PDP.
The PDP is delighted by Governor Fintiri’s unprecedented life-changing legacy achievements in citizen empowerment, human capital and infrastructural development projects which have turned the State around as a development hub and for which he was overwhelmingly re-elected by the people of Adamawa State.
The PDP restates its demand for the prosecution of the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari, over his alleged complicity in the plot to forcefully manipulate the outcome of the March 18, 2023 Governorship election in the State against the Will of the people.
Our Party appreciates and salutes the people of Adamawa State for their courage and resilience in standing with Governor Fintiri and the PDP in defending their mandate to the end.
The PDP charges Governor Fintiri to continue in his delivery of good governance in the State in line with the policy thrust, vision and manifesto of the PDP.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 1, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Sets Up Edo State Ward Caretaker Committees
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) approved the composition of the Edo State Ward Caretaker Committees to function for a period of 30 days effective today, February 1, 2024.
The decision of the NWC is predicated on the expiration of the tenure of the Edo State Ward Executive Committees today.
Consequently, the NWC has approved the appointment of the out-going Edo State Ward Executive Committees to function as Ward Caretaker Committees for a period of 30 days so as to avoid any vacuum in this very important organ of the Party in Edo State.
The NWC enjoins all Party leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the PDP in Edo State to be guided by this and continue to work together in the overall interest of the Party in the State.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 1, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Appoints Hon. Amina Divine Arong as National Woman Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed a prominent Party women mobilizer, Hon. Amina Divine Arong from Cross River State, as the Party’s new National Woman Leader.
Hon. Arong, who holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and B.Sc. in Accounting is to serve out the term of the late National Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, who died on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
The new National Woman Leader brings on board to the national leadership of the PDP her intellectual capacity as well as experience, competence and vigour in mobilizing women for the Party at both the State and National Levels.
The PDP notes with satisfaction Hon. Arong long standing commitment to the growth of the Party particularly her leading roles in the mobilization of several Party Women and Youth groups at various levels as well as in the conduct of Party Primaries and Congresses in several parts of the country.
The PDP congratulates and tasks the new National Woman Leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great Party.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU DEPARTS FOR CHINA TO COMPLETE DEALS ON BLUE, RED LINE RAIL SERVICES
In a bid to fulfill his promise of delivering a multimodal transportation system for the populace, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday departed Lagos for Beijing, the Capital of China.
While in China, Governor Sanwo-Olu will visit the headquarters of China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC for trade and investment discussions with the top officials of the company.
He will inspect the headquarters of the Chinese construction giants and some ongoing projects undertaken around Beijing.
The Governor is scheduled to inspect the Signaling System (CBTC etc.) and Metro projects, being undertaken by CCECC around Beijing.
Governor Sanwo-Olu will depart Beijing for Dalian later in the week for a visit to the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation headquarters and CRRC Lvshun base.
The Governor during his visit to China is scheduled to hold a high-level official meeting with the Head of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, CRRC Dalian.
There would also be a Technical Discussion on the DMUs for the Red Line and EMUs for Blue Line between the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority ( LAMATA) , CCECC and CRRC Dalian.
Governor Sanwo-Olu is accompanied on the trip by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi; Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adewale; Chairman, House Committee on Environment parastatals, Hon. Rasheed Shabi, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, (LAMATA) Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo and Director, Rail Transport, Mr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga, among other officials.
The Governor and the entourage are billed to return to Lagos next week.
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
Excitement as Julius Berger begins construction works in Warri, Effurun
. ‘Port Harcourt Road in Aba to be ready December 2024’
Residents and motorists plying the busy Effurun and Warri roads in Delta state have expressed joy with the mobilisation to site of Julius Berger to commence the construction of flyover bridges and road expansion works in the twin metropolis of Delta State.
The construction engineering company last Monday mobilised to the popular DSC roundabout to commence the construction of the three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges as well as ancillary road expansion projects as part of the plans of the state Governor for infrastructure development and urban renewal of Warri, Uvwie and environs.
A supervising engineer from the State Ministry of Works, Emmanuel Oghorodje who was on ground to ensure the smoothness of the operation informed Julius Berger has completed the planning and demarcation of the roads before mobilising to site and expressed confidence that with the commitment of the state government to ensuring the speedy completion of the projects, the company will deliver as scheduled.
He assured that measures have been put in place to reduce traffic jam on the road while the construction works are on and urged road users to follow instructions and obey the traffic officers.
Many of the motorists lauded Governor Oborevwori for the landmark projects and called for its speedy completion, just as many of the traders in the area were full of praises, noting that when completed the projects will boost economic activities in the metropolis.
It would be recalled that on October 18, 2023, the Delta Government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc signed a N78 billion contract for the construction of three flyovers, a cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and ancillary road expansion projects in the oil-rich Effurun and Warri metropolis, regarded as the economic nerve centre of Delta State.
Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafiogho, who made the disclosure at Government House, Asaba then, said the contract was for the design and construction of flyover bridge at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate as well as study, design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of the DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout including construction of a 3/4 Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges.
He said the others are the design and construction of flyover bridge at PTI junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani, East-West highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
Port Harcourt road, Aba to be ready December
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on Port Harcourt Road, being handled by leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Governor Otti also showed satisfaction and assured residents of Aba recently that better days are ahead for all.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko last weekend, the Governor spoke while addressing crowds of enthusiastic residents, who trooped out to receive him during the road inspection, which covered Port Harcourt Road being constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc among other projects.
The statement said amidst solidarity songs by Aba residents, the Governor said he had been assured by Julius Berger that the very strategic Port Harcourt Road would be ready for use by December 2024.
He urged Aba people to cooperate with the contractor to enable them complete the job on record time. He also admonished the residents on the need to imbibe good sanitary habits.
We will like to assure you that very, very soon all these roads will be commissioned for use. The contractor has also told me that you people have been very kind to them, giving them water, giving them drinks and some of you are cooking and bringing to them. This is the way it should be. If you cooperate with government, government will cooperate with you. So, one more thing, I will like to plead with our people, because this road has been in disuse for a long time, people have become used to littering everywhere. So, I want to appeal to you in advance because as we complete these roads, we are not going to tolerate litter, the governor was quoted as saying.
