VP Shettima To North: You Have Nothing To Fear In President Tinubu's 2nd Term

As northern think tank, Arewa for Asiwaju, storms Aso Rock, declares full support for president's reelection

According to the statement by the Senior Special Assistant To The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice) Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has issued a rallying cry to the North for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reelection in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the region has absolutely nothing to fear from a second term for the President.

With urgent intensity, he implored northern leaders and citizens to unite behind the President's re-election bid, framing the administration's second-term agenda as a secure, bulletproof guarantee for the region's future prosperity and stability.

Senator Shettima made the call on Monday when he received on a courtesy visit, a delegation from the Arewa for Tinubu (A4A) - a northern-based think tank -:working for the reelection of President Tinubu.

He called on leaders across the region to unite into a single front and work for the progress of the area and the wellbeing of its people, which are top priorities for the Tinubu administration.

According to the VP, the North has no reason to be scared of the re-election of President Tinubu, as it has benefitted immensely in terms of appointments and game-changing projects and programmes.

His words: "Let's unite as a people and work for the development of our region and the progress of our people through the re-election of this administration. We are benefiting and we stand to benefit more from this government in many ways.

"The Bank of Agriculture has disbursed N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers in Nigeria and about 70 percent of the beneficiaries are from the north. 

"The present administration is working towards completing landmark and ground breaking projects in parts of the country. I can assure you that the president loves the north and the president will work for the north."

The Vice President thanked the group for their steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at all times and appealed to them to work harder and galvanize across wards, communities and local governments in the northern region for the President's re-election.

Earlier, the Director General of the Area for Asiwaju and former Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru, said the organisation will not rest on its oars untill they make the North proud by reelecting President Tinubu.

He said the group plans to meet with religious leaders, including Muslim and Christian clerics, as well as other prominent Nigerians to explain to them the need to support the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in 2027. 

"On discussions with the high profile, we have gone far. We have met them severally and the BoT is meeting them again to consolidate our gains and to tell them why there is need to support this ticket.

"We are also supporting the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) with whatever they want us to do that is micro in nature because they are so big and we really don't want to lose sight of the bigger arrangement that is there. We want to focus very well on the contacts at the grassroots - the local government areas and the wards."

Also, Chairman of the organisation's Board of Trustees (BoT) and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, said the think tank which worked for President Tinubu's election in the 2023 general election will repeat the same feat in 2027.

He said the organisation had been meeting with northern governors and other stakeholders to compare notes and collaborate on areas of working together to achieve the President's reelection.

He noted that the organisation has concluded plan to have a full-fledged secretariat for purposes of coordination, where there will be offices for directors and state coordinators will compare reports, analyse them, and give out instructions to its members. 

The BoT Chairman formally invited the Vice President to officially commission the A4A office complex on Saturday, October 17, 2027.

Also present at the meetig were former Governors of Plateau, Chief Joshua Dariye and Senator Simon Lalong; Taraba, Rev. Jolly Nyame; Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; Katsina, Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema; Bauchi, Mallam Isa Yuguda; Special Adviser to The President on Policy ad Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman; Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), some top officials of government, and other members of the A4A BOT and Secretariat.

Gov. Yusuf Galvanizes Support for President Tinubu’s Re-election at Kadiriyya Maukibi

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement by the Director General Media and Publicity Government House Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf made the call on Saturday while attending this year’s Kadiriyya Maukibi in Kano, which brought together prominent Islamic scholars, political leaders and other dignitaries.

The Governor said the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen unity, peaceful coexistence and support for the leadership of President Tinubu.

The event also featured the commissioning of a newly constructed Maukibi platform built by the Kano State Government. The platform was commissioned by the representative of the President Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari.

The Director Generals of APC and ADV Presidential campaign councils, Former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Yari, and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also attended the Maukibi and delivered remarks during the gathering respectively.

The Kadiriyya Maukibi attracted religious and political leaders from across the country, alongside thousands of followers of the Qadiriyya order.

Gov. Yusuf Congratulates President Tinubu on Submission of INEC Nomination Form

…….Urges Nigerians to Support Second-Term Bid…..

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the successful submission of his nomination form to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.

Governor Yusuf called on Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious divides to support President Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office to sustain the current momentum of development, economic reforms and national progress being witnessed across the country.

The Governor made the call shortly after the submission of the President’s INEC nomination form to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel.

President Tinubu was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who formally presented the nomination form on behalf of the President.

Governor Yusuf described the submission of the nomination form as another significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, expressing confidence that the President’s renewed mandate would consolidate ongoing reforms and accelerate the country’s development.

He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima and the leadership of the APC for their commitment to strengthening the party and ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.

The Governor reaffirmed Kano State’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote national unity, economic prosperity and inclusive development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Governor Yusuf Felicitates President Tinubu on 74th Birthday

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended warm birthday greetings to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birthday anniversary.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday.

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf described the President’s birthday as an opportunity to celebrate his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the service of the nation.

The Governor commended President Tinubu for his vision and efforts towards strengthening Nigeria’s unity, stability, and socio-economic development.

He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians.

Governor Yusuf prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the President good health, wisdom, and strength to continue steering the affairs of the country.

He also prayed for divine guidance and support for the President in delivering more dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

The Governor reaffirmed Kano State Government’s continued support and cooperation with the Federal Government in the collective effort to move the country forward through the Renewed Hope Agenda in line with Kano First Agenda.

VP Shettima To Journalists: President Tinubu Will Remain Your Ally, Will Preserve Your Rights

Pledges to table NUJ’s demands of protection, review of libel laws, others before the president 

 

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains an ally of the media, and is committed to protecting and advancing the journalism profession in the country.

 

In a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President) Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President recalled that President Tinubu has long been supportive of the media and would not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

 

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday when he hosted a delegation of the NUJ leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

The Vice President however noted that the government and citizens alike expect a lot from the media, emphasizing that the journalism profession stands almost at par with the judiciary.

According to him, journalists are expected to hold public officials accountable and adjudicate on issues of governance.

 “In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years.

"I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the life wire of the nation — we can’t afford to muzzle you,” the Vice President said.

Describing the media as the conscience of the nation, Senator Shettima stressed that authorities cannot afford to intimidate journalists, as they are indispensable to the survival of democracy in the country.

“Past generations of Nigerian leaders — from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and even Obafemi Awolowo — were first journalists before they became political leaders,” the Vice President recalled.

VP Shettima acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry, noting that several media organizations in Nigeria struggle to pay staff salaries and emoluments.

He appealed to the NUJ to remain hopeful, promising that President Tinubu would continue to support the Union.

“Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organization. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,” he added.

Shettima further noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was made in the national interest, just as he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repositioning the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens.

Earlier, the National President NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, drew the Vice President’s attention to some critical issues confronting journalists in the course of doing their job, urging him to use his office “to take a firm stance in defending press freedom, and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty.”

He also urged the government “to initiate a comprehensive review of colonial-era laws such as sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that continue to criminalize journalism,” maintaining that “libel should be decriminalized.”

 

Other demands made by the NUJ President include facilitation of a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that no reporter is harmed for simply reporting the news.

 

He also called for government’s partnership with the media to initiate a media support framework, including training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and a targeted bailout for critical media institutions.

 

The NUJ also sought partnerships with TETFUND, universities, and international media institutes to uplift training standards across the profession, as well as the creation of a Permanent Government- Media Liaison Platform under the office of the Vice President to foster regular engagement, clarify national policies, and prevent the vacuum breeding misinformation.

 

Abdullahi pledged the support of the Nigerian press for the President Tinubu's development agenda, noting however that the press will always maintain the right to speak truth to power for the survival of democracy.

 

“We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government. Same way we call out government when we feel that certain issues are not clearly given the needed consideration, we also would be ready to applaud government when things have been done right,” he added.

 

He commended the administration of President Tinubu over what he described as tangible efforts and firm support in key areas of national development, despite the economic headwinds facing Nigeria, just like many other nations.

 

Abdullahi acknowledged that in less than three years, the administration has undertaken bold reforms targeted at stabilizing the nation’s economy.

President Tinubu Installs North-West Development Commission Board to Foster Growth and Close Development Gaps

In a historic effort to drive equitable progress and bridge regional gaps, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR inaugurated the governing board of the newly created North West Development Commission (NWDC) today in Abuja. The landmark event underscores the federal government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region.  

Addressing attendees, Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, hailed the commission as “pivotal instrument for unlocking the cultural, economic, and human potential of the zone.” He lauded President Tinubu’s foresight and the National Assembly’s expedited legislative backing, emphasizing that the bodies will “tackle inequality, spur economic advancement, and elevate living standards.” Momoh further called for synergy with state governments, private enterprises, and international partners, pledging rigorous oversight to ensure accountability.  

Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, aligned the commission with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting the commission’s role in “launching strategic infrastructure to stimulate prosperity and improve citizen welfare.”  

Senate Committee leaders echoed support for the initiative. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (SEDC Committee Chairman) urged innovative solutions, stating, “Priorities must shift to railways, power plants, and job-creating industries—not just roads” while Senator Babagida Husseini (NWDC Committee Chairman) vowed stringent fiscal oversight, promising to “track every naira for maximum public benefit.”  

The NWDC Chairman, Lawal Samaila Abdullahi, stressed cross-regional partnerships to harmonize development efforts while the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji of the North-West Development Commission vowed to deliver tangible results. Ma’aji outlined plans to leverage the North-West’s resources for infrastructure upgrades and improved livelihoods.  

The event closed with a unified resolve to prioritize transparency, innovation, and results-driven governance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s regional development agenda.

President Tinubu Appoints Professor Salisu Shehu As Executive Secretary NERDC

Prof Shehu is a renowned academic in educational and human Psychology. He was instrumental in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and was the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy) the President also announced Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri's appointment as the National Coordinator of NEPAD.

Jabilu Tsauri holds a Master's in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University. He is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative affairs, global affairs, and democratic governance and vast experience in public service.

Lastly, the President appointed Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.

Yazid Danfulani holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. 

He has extensive experience in Banking, Computing, and Business Administration. He once worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and was also a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.  

The President believes the appointees' experience and track record will bring a new sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes to fulfil Nigerians' expectations of their respective organisations

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: The Man for the Job -Nasiru Zango

An Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Dear Mr. President,

In light of the recent voluntary resignation of the presidential spokesperson, there is a significant need to fill the vacant position with a capable and competent individual. In my humble opinion, there is no better choice than Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, your current Special Assistant on Media, a man of exceptional intellect, experience, and dedication.

Abdulaziz’s capacity to step into this critical role would be the most astute decision for your administration. His extensive background as a reporter and editor for esteemed publications such as Blueprint, Premium Times, and Daily Trust has left a legacy of excellence that continues to resonate across Nigeria.

Abdulaziz is a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism Award. His integrity, dedication, and work ethic remain exemplary despite his elevation into the corridors of power within Aso Rock Villa. 

Arrogance and vanity are foreign concepts to him, as he continues to maintain strong relationships with colleagues and friends across the media industry.

Despite the challenging task of defending the present administration, especially given the economic policies that have brought hardship to many Nigerians, Abdulaziz has consistently worked with dedication to enlighten the public. He reminds Nigerians that though the present may be tough, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

His unwavering optimism and thoughtful communication have been crucial in maintaining public morale during these difficult times.

Abdulaziz is known not only for his professional prowess but also for his personal character. 

He is accommodating, approachable, and always ready to embrace friends and colleagues as family. These attributes have earned him respect from a wide range of people, both within and outside the media industry. His ability to foster inclusivity and carry everyone along has made him a respected figure across political divides.

Appointing Abdulaziz as your next presidential spokesperson would be a strategic move, one that would bring both competence and credibility to the role. His popularity, especially in the northern part of the country where he hails from, would enhance your administration’s connection with various regions.

As a Nigerian citizen and social commentator, I urge you, Mr. President, and the esteemed individuals within Aso Rock, to give this recommendation serious consideration. 

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz is more than qualified for the job. His intelligence is unparalleled, his experience speaks for itself, and his ability to use his pen as a powerful tool is second to none.

This recommendation is not made out of personal friendship, but out of a deep conviction that Abdulaziz Abdulaziz is indeed the man for the job. His capacity to succeed Ajuri Ngelale as presidential spokesperson would be an invaluable asset to your administration.

Sincerely,

Nasiru Zango

7th Sept 2024.