FEATURES

FEATURES

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says that his principal, President Bola Tinubu, is not unfeeling as painted by some persons on social media. 

Onanuga said the President feels the pain of Nigerians and has assured them that better days are nearer than before.

The presidential spokesman, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said his principal is not T-pain, as “mischievously” nicknamed on social media.

Onanuga said Tinubu has not come to inflict pain on Nigerians but to “repair the economy”.

 

He said “the President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties” but said Tinubu is not aware that some persons have labelled him T-pain on social media as “the President does not read what is on the social media”.

Onanuga said, “Some people have also responded and called the President a different name. So, as far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue.

“Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-pain, He (Tinubu) is not T-pain.

“The President has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain and he is working very hard to make sure that he gives them some relief so that things will get better and this country will get more prosperity.”

He said despite galloping inflation, “we are experiencing economic growth, despite inflation, revenues have increased”.

Nigerians are grappling with the weight of unprecedented food inflation, and energy prices which have quadrupled in the last year. Many people have blamed the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex rates for the high living costs that have assailed the middle class.

Citizens have staged two major protests to drive home their grievances against the Tinubu administration and pressured the All Progressives Congress (APC) government to reverse its “reforms” but the current administration has insisted that its policies are necessary and won’t be reversed.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said contrary to popular opinion, his principal, President Bola Tinubu, did not acquire a new official jet but a refurbished one.

“It’s not President Tinubu’s plane, it belongs to the people of Nigeria, it is our property,” Onanuga said on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-economic programme aired on Channels Television.

He said some jets in the presidential fleet like a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 purchased under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo are all in bad condition, and their maintenance costs were outrageous. Hence, instead of spending a bogus amount of money on aircraft maintenance, the President sought the approval of the National Assembly for a refurbished jet still in good condition.

Onanuga said the refurbished Airbus A330 would save Nigeria high maintenance costs in servicing the old aircraft.

 

Onanuga urged Nigerians to prioritise the President’s safety, noting that the newly acquired plane is Nigeria’s property, not Tinubu’s.

The presidential spokesman said Tinubu won’t take the just-acquired jet with him when he leaves office. Onanuga said the jet would also benefit Tinubu’s successor.

Onanuga said, “The president did not buy a new jet; what he has is a refurbished jet – it has been used by somebody else before he got it but it is a much newer model than the one President Buhari used.

“The one President Buhari used was bought by President Obasanjo some 20 years ago.

“There was a time the President went to Saudi Arabia, that plane developed some problems and the President had to leave with a chartered jet to The Netherlands.”

‘Prioritise Tinubu’s Safety’

The presidential spokesman said he spoke with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on the faulty plane and he said the maintenance costs because of the age of the plane were exorbitant hence the need for another plane.

“People should try to prioritise the safety of the president. I’m not sure anybody wishes our president to go and crash in the air. We want his safety so that he can hand over to whoever wants to take over from him,” Onanuga said.

While the Presidency has continued to defend Tinubu’s action to purchase the refurbished Airbus A330, the move has been criticised by many Nigerians and some of his contenders in the 2023 election, who felt the President was unfeeling to the plight of poor Nigerians grappling under the weight of unprecedented food inflation, and energy prices which have quadrupled in the last one year.

The health state of the Presidential Air Fleet has been a source of concern of late. In May, a faulty presidential jet stopped Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Last December, a presidential aircraft, Falcon 900B, was put up for sale, with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) asking interested persons to submit their bids for the purchase of the aircraft.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says security agencies have not been able to arrest embattled former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello because of the “complicated” nature of the case.


Onanuga was a guest on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-economic programme aired on Channels Television.

In April, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello, who was Kogi governor from May 2015 to May 2023, wanted for alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion.

The EFCC had at various times, stormed Bello’s residence in an attempt to arrest the former governor but his successor, Usman Ododo, had come to his rescue, whisking him away to his lodge.

The matter has been in court but the former governor has not appeared before the trial judge despite many adjournments.

Asked why police authorities can’t order orderlies attached to Ododo to arrest Bello, Onanuga said, “I think it’s a bit complicated. The EFCC is an agency of the Federal Government, and it wants to arrest Yahaya Bello. Yahaya Bello is hiding under the agbada (flowing robe) of the governor of Kogi State, his (Bello’s) successor, who happens to enjoy immunity.

“That’s the problem because if he (Bello) stays inside Governor Ododo’s house, the police cannot do anything because they will be violating that immunity that the man enjoys.

“It’s like a diplomat enjoying certain immunity, you cannot do anything about it. You remember in the UK when they were looking for the Wikileaks man and he went to hide in one embassy in Britain, there was nothing they (security agents) could do, they left him there. I think he later came out and they arrested him.

“It’s the same thing. Ododo enjoys immunity. Yahaya Bello is believed to be hiding there. They cannot storm the place and say they want to arrest him. That’s the problem of the EFCC, and the police cannot help the EFCC.”

Families are hurting from high prices, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, said yesterday, at the ongoing Annual Meetings of the IMF/World Bank in Washington DC.

 

Speaking at the Global Policy Agenda 2024 briefing, the MD said that the global economy was faced with being stuck on the path of slow growth and high debt.

 

Her words, “The global economy has held up well. Inflation has continued to decline. Thanks to the concerted efforts of Central Banks and thanks to the ease of chain supply performance.

“But people are not feeling good about the economic prospects of their economies. Everybody I asked, ‘How is your economy, the answer is ‘Good’. How is the mood of your people? The answer is ‘Not so good.’

“Families are still hurting from high prices and global growth is anaemic. We expect the global economy to grow by 3.2 per cent this year and slow to 3.1 per cent annual growth in five years. Trade is not more a powerful engine of growth. We live in a more fragile world.

“The bottom line is: Global economy is getting stuck in danger of lower growth and high debt path- lower incomes and fewer jobs, lower government incomes and lower resources to support families and lower income to support funding of climate change.”

According to the Global Policy Agenda 2024 report which was released yesterday, “The global economy has proven resilient, and a soft landing is within reach. Inflation has moderated thanks to tight monetary policy and fading supply shocks, and growth is expected to remain steady.

“But uncertainty remains significant, with risks tilted to the downside; medium-term growth prospects are lackluster; public debt has reached record highs and is expected to approach 100 percent of GDP by 2030; and geoeconomic fragmentation threatens to undo decades of gains from cross-border economic integration.

“At the same time, transformative changes—the green transition, demographic shifts, and digitalization, including artificial intelligence—are poised to reshape the global economy, creating challenges but also opportunities.

 

“Against this background, the key policy priorities are to secure a soft landing and break from the low growth-high debt path, and address other medium-term challenges. Monetary policy should ensure inflation returns durably to the target, and fiscal policy needs to decisively pivot toward consolidation to rebuild buffers and safeguard debt sustainability.”

Omowunmi Aloba, the wife of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has expressed readiness to conduct a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test to determine the paternity of their only son, Liam.

Recalls that Mohbad died at the age of 27, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media.

Wunmi had also been at loggerheads with the deceased singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, over the issue of conducting a DNA test for his grandson.

In the application filed by the legal team to Joseph, the family sought an order to serve Wunmi by posting all the originating processes and other processes in the suit on the last-known address of the respondent.

However, the family’s legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko, argued that attempts to serve Wunmi failed.

The Magistrates Court, during its sitting on July 9, 2024, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, directed both parties to explore an alternative dispute resolution, leading to closed-door negotiations that also failed to yield an agreement.

A representative of the family’s legal team, Monisola Odumosu, said in a statement obtained by Punch that Wunmi had agreed to carry out the DNA.

Odumosu said the latest development was followed by the settlement terms drafted by both parties.

According to Odumosu, Mohbad’s wife agreed in the settlement terms that the DNA test be conducted in a recognized and accredited government or private medical facility within Lagos State or another agreeable hospital outside the state.

The lawyer also noted that Mohbad’s father had agreed to bear the cost of the test processes and other associated fees.

The statement read, “Emmanuel Oroko informed the court that both parties had settled outside the court and are ready to move the terms of the settlement already filed and served on Wunmi Aloba’s lawyers. In response, Kabir Akingbolu, Esq. (leading Adams Atata Esq. and M.K.O Orire Esq.) concurred, and the court adopted the terms of settlement as the judgment of the court.

“In the terms filed before the court, the respondent, Wunmi Aloba, consented to submit herself and her son, (Master Liam Aloba), for the conduct of a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) at Two (2) recognised and accredited government or private medical facilities within Lagos State or other agreeable hospital outside Lagos State. In turn, the applicant, Mr. Joseph Aloba, agreed to bear the cost of the DNA test processes, including the fees for the testing facility, the collection of samples, and any associated legal or administrative fees.

“The court further ordered that the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon laboratory or medical centre within Nigeria. To ensure and ascertain the reliability of the test, the court further appointed some officers to supervise the process of the DNA test.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Kano State, Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso has urged northern leaders and politicians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He emphasized the strategic benefit of securing the presidency for the North in 2031.

Kwankwaso argued that backing Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima would ensure a smoother transition of power back to the North after the president’s second term.

Speaking to reporters in Kano on Sunday, Kwankwaso expressed concerns over divisive campaigns and criticisms directed at President Tinubu by certain factions within the North, labeling these efforts as detrimental to the region’s long-term interests.

“Patriotic northern politicians must not heed the voices calling for alternative candidates from the South,” Kwankwaso stated. “If another candidate wins in 2027, the North may face an extended eight-year wait for power to return.”

Kwankwaso dismissed claims that the country’s current security challenges should dissuade support for Tinubu.

He acknowledged the president’s ongoing efforts to address armed banditry and instability, particularly in the North.

Highlighting Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle’s recent progress in countering banditry in the North and Northwest, Kwankwaso called for unity, urging northern politicians to support Tinubu’s administration.

Addressing rumors about former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso potentially running as a vice-presidential candidate with a Southern politician, he cautioned against endorsing such moves, arguing that it would delay power returning to the North until 2035.

He concluded by urging northerners to support Tinubu, stating, “The best assistance we can give President Tinubu is to rally around him with our prayers and efforts to achieve peace in the country.”

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has publicly addressed her recent dismissal from office, stating that “lies were told” against her.

This remark came during her first public statement since her removal by President Bola Tinubu, suggesting her innocence in the alleged fraudulent activities within her former ministry.

 

Edu shared her sentiments on her official X (formerly Twitter) account while celebrating her 38th birthday on Sunday, October 27.

In her post, she referred to herself as a “daughter of Zion,” expressing that the efforts to tarnish her reputation would not succeed but instead “lead to her elevation.”

She wrote, “Happy birthday to the woman Jesus Loves! Soon the world will see the glory of a great God! “The lies told to destroy a daughter of Zion will lead to her elevation! Ask Joseph!”

Naija News understands that the ministers sacked on Wednesday are Mrs. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye from the Ministry of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman of Education; Abdullahi Mohammed Gwarzo of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim of Youth Development.

Additionally, Betta Edu, who handled Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, had been previously suspended and was notably excluded from recent cabinet activities.

Nigerians are now paying around N105,000 for a 50kg bag of locally-produced parboiled rice, surpassing the new minimum wage of N70,000.

This rise follows the removal of the petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, pushing local rice prices up by 123% over the past year.

Imported rice has also become costly, with a 50kg bag now priced at N130,000, according to a recent BusinessDay market survey.

The steep increase in rice prices highlights the limited capacity of smallholder farmers to meet local demand, due to challenges like insecurity, high input costs, and logistical difficulties.

In Lagos, traders are holding back stock in anticipation of higher prices as the festive season approaches, when demand traditionally spikes.

“The cost of local rice keeps climbing because millers are burdened by high production costs,” said Bose, a trader at Daleko Market in Lagos, attributing the hike in imported rice prices to foreign exchange fluctuations. Bose called for government intervention to ease the impact on Nigerians.

Although the federal government announced in July a suspension of import duties on rice and other essential items to tackle food insecurity, the policy has yet to be implemented, and food prices continue to rise.

“We still don’t grow enough rice to feed our population, and issues like insecurity and kidnappings threaten food security,” said AfricanFarmer Mogaji, CEO of X-Ray Consulting.

Mogaji pointed out that recent flooding and a grain export ban by Nigeria’s northern neighbor, Niger, have further hindered rice production.

This export ban limits the supply of paddy for local millers, as much of it comes from neighboring countries,” Mogaji explained, adding that insecurity has left many farmlands abandoned.

This sentiment reflects the recent economic data showing a slowdown in the agricultural sector, with second-quarter GDP growth at 1.4%, down from 1.5% in the same quarter last year.

Struggling consumers, like Chioma Okeke, a teacher in Lagos, are feeling the strain. “How can I afford N105,000 for a bag of rice when I only earn N100,000? There’s barely anything left for my family’s needs,” she said. “Prices keep going up, and the subsidy removal has only made things worse,” Okeke added.

The Nigerian Army is reportedly facing a significant manpower shortage due to a high number of voluntary retirements, with the Mechanical Engineering Corps particularly affected.

Recent data shows over 1,008 soldiers have resigned in the past four years, including 196 in August 2024 alone.

 

In a memo dated October 16, 2024, the Mechanical Engineering Corps expressed concern over the exodus, instructing commanding officers to contact discharged soldiers interested in returning.

Lt Col A. Muhammed, who signed the memo sighted by The PUNCH, emphasized the importance of experienced technical manpower for effective equipment support.

It partly read: “The deployment of technical manpower is essential for effective and efficient equipment support in the field which is based on trades/expertise of technicians. NAEME is currently experiencing an acute shortage of manpower.

“The dearth of manpower in the Corps is further compounded by the large number of voluntarily discharged soldiers in recent years. Consequently, I am directed to request Comds/COs to reach out to discharged skilled soldiers in their AOR who are willing to be re-engaged to the NA on a contract basis.

“I am to add that names of discharged personnel willing to be re-engaged should be forwarded to this Headquarters NLT 19 Oct 24 using the attached proforma. Grateful to treat and acknowledge.”

Retired Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi supported the initiative, stating that retired officers returning to service is common in many nations, though he highlighted the importance of recruiting individuals genuinely committed to military service.

He noted that while the military offers numerous benefits, commitment is essential to retaining personnel.

He told The PUNCH, “It is not unusual for retired Army officers to come back and participate in the security architecture of a nation. This practice is common in other advanced countries.

“If there is a plan to implement this here, I believe it is a good idea.”

Asked what could be done to discourage soldiers from resigning from the service, Adewinbi said the military must ensure those enlisted were genuinely interested in the service.

He said, “As of today, the military is well-organised and well-structured. The welfare system is adequate, and the training we received was never a source of complaint. If, as you said, they are leaving in their numbers, it suggests that something might be wrong with recruitment.

“The focus should be on recruiting people who are genuinely interested in serving, rather than those simply looking for employment because they have no other options.

“Those truly dedicated to the military will remain regardless of the challenges or conditions. They won’t abandon their duty. Unfortunately, some people in this country are merely searching for jobs.”

Brig Gen Peter Aro (retd) pointed out that many soldiers leave early to secure a better future, citing concerns over inadequate post-service support and systemic injustices.

He mentioned that soldiers face uncertain futures after retirement, with few resources or support structures available.

Aro expressed frustration that highly qualified personnel are often forced into early retirement, stressing the need for systemic change to prioritize soldiers’ welfare and dignity.

He said, “Retirement in the army comes in many forms — whether it’s reaching the mandatory service age, being deemed medically unfit, or voluntary retirement. But for those choosing to retire voluntarily, it’s often not just about leaving on their terms; it’s about survival, about securing a better future before they end up like so many forgotten veterans before them.

“These men and women dedicated their youth, their strength, and in some cases, their lives to safeguard this nation. And what do they have to show for it? Only a privileged few, those who were fortunate enough to interact with civilians learned the ropes of life beyond the barracks.

“They gained the wisdom and exposure needed to find alternative ways to make a living, but most weren’t so lucky.”

He also alluded to the injustice in the system as being responsible for why soldiers were resigning.

Aro said, “We’ve seen this injustice play out time and again in our country. Remember when a former Chief of Army Staff, without strictly following the Terms and Conditions of Service, forced officers into retirement long before they were due?

“These men and women were left adrift, unprepared for life after service, and today, many of them are struggling to survive. It’s clear from the indifference of our political leaders that the welfare of military personnel is not a priority.

“This is especially true for soldiers — those whose daily lives are bound by the discipline and sacrifices of service, leaving little room for the kinds of civilian interactions that might prepare them for life after the Army.

“While police and paramilitary officers often have the chance to mingle, invest, and build civilian connections, our soldiers —the ones who stand on the front lines defending the sovereignty of our nation — return from years of service without the same opportunities.

“Many veterans who risked their lives for this country don’t even have basic life insurance. The poor conditions of service in the Nigerian Army, coupled with the unchecked power of leadership to “hire and fire” at will, have driven many to seek early retirement simply to protect their futures.”

[NaijaNews]

Traditional and community leaders in the Sokoto East Senatorial District have religingushed their titles and declared support for Senator Ibrahim Lamido representing the senatorial zone.

The leaders at a press conference in Sokoto, said they decided to support the senator because of his drive in curtailing insecurity in their villages.

Lamido and two other federal lawmakers  had accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration in the state of not adequately addressing the people’s concerns.

The senator, who is also an APC member, accused the party and Governor Ahmed Aliyu of not doing enough to support internally displaced persons scattered across the state and fighting against banditry.

Sokoto has, in recent years, become an epicenter of bandits and terrorists atrocities.

However, the traditional and community leaders, who attended yesterday’s press conference to show solidarity with Lamido are Ubandoman Gatawa, Danmalan Ubandawaki, Salihu Dealer Katukan Gobir, Isah Haruna, Dangaladima Bashar, Hassan S Fada, Yakubu Maigari, Malam Haruna Village head of Kumbuli, Alhaji Ibrahim Gatawa and Mu’azu Mohammed Gatawa.

 

Others are Nasiru Angi, Masur Yanusa, Shamsu Ahmed PRO, Garba Saidu, Malam Addini Matasa, Aliyu Mohammed, Mubarak Idris Gatawa, Maigari Lawali Shuaibu, Maigari Bashar Kanwuri, Maigari Sale Danfaru, Maigari Haruna Tsalba, Maigari Nasiru Hande, Maigari Umaru Danfaru, Maigari. jadi Taketsaba, Maigari Samaila Jatau, Maigari Hassan Maifata, Maigari Ayuba Kwadare.

The rest are Murtala Ubandoman Gobir, Abdulahi Ima Exco, Aliyu Mahe Gobir , Hassan Mailafiya, Chairman Tylor, Malam Labbo Mai Dussa, Samaila Katambara, Lawali Sarkin Makera, Babangida Sodangi, Alhaji Bale Gajare and Alhaji Malami Katuma.

The mass resignation of traditional titles comes after the resignation of the District Head of Sabon Birni, Abdullahi Muhammad Bawa.

Bawa, in his resignation letter said he resigned his position as district head of Sabon Birni with effect from October 16, 2024.

In the letter which he personally signed, Bawa said he resigned to show  solidarity with Lamido who he said showed more concern for the people.

Lauwali Shuaibu, the ward head of Taka-Tsaba, said their decision to drop their titles was in appreciation of Lamido’s commitment towards improving their wellbeing, noting that he “always comes to our rescue whenever bandits attack our people.”

He continued, “Our support will encourage Senator Lamido to continue with the good work he has been doing to our people.”

Another traditional ruler, who resigned his position, Jamilu Gwanda Gobir who holds the title of Ubandoman Sarkin Gobir, said their decision was aimed at salvaging Gobir district.

Another community leader, Alhaji Murtala Ubandoman, who dropped his title of Gobir in Sabon Birnin local government, said the senator’s development initiatives and his quest to free the area from the shackles of banditry and kidnappings are commendable.

“It’s a well-known fact that Sen Lamido brought Civilian JTF all the way from Maiduguri to fight bandits in Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas worst hit by banditry, and they have been recording success. As communities, we are living comfortably with them.

“Imagine the majority of our village communities in Sokoto East; after investing so much on our farmlands, we cannot have access to harvest our crops due to banditry.

“I have paid so many ransoms for my brothers and my family members, and as I am talking to you, my son is in the hands of kidnappers; I have nothing to secure his freedom.”

Also speaking, Jamilu Gwanda Gobir and Lawali Shuabu Taketsaba also commended the senator’s push to free their communities from criminal elements.

“It is up to the government to decide whether to dethrone us or allow us to continue as community leaders, but we will continue to support the good will of the Senator. What we are doing is for the benefit of our communities, and we are doing it with their support and cooperation.”

[Leadership]