The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria has alleged that the appointment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, and other electoral officials by the immediate past president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, left the electoral umpire vulnerable to perception of partiality during the conduct of the 2023 elections.

The EU Observers made this known in its final report on the 25 February and 18 March elections, published on its official website on June 27.

Mahmood was appointed as INEC Chairman by former President Buhari on 21 October 2015 and reappointed in 2020.

But the EU mission claimed that the public perception of INEC’s alleged partiality was as a result of the “presidential selection” that produced them.

“Weak points include a lack of INEC independent structures and capacities to enforce sanctions for electoral offences and breaches of campaign finance rules.

“Furthermore, the presidential selection of INEC leadership at federal and state level leaves the electoral institution vulnerable to the perception of partiality,” the observers stated.

The observers added that the conduct of 2023 federal and state elections by INEC exposed enduring systemic weaknesses thereby damaging public trust in the electoral umpire.

THE WHISTLER reports that during the counting of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly results, the EU Observer Mission chaired by Barry Andrews, cited “lack of transparency” on the part of INEC, particularly regarding INEC’s failure to transmit presidential poll results on its INEC Results Viewing Portal in real time.

In its final report, the EU maintained that the shortcomings associated with the election were glaring.

“Following a three-month-long observation across Nigeria, and in accordance with its usual practice, the EU EOM is now pleased to present its findings and recommendations.

“Shortcomings in law and electoral administration hindered the conduct of well-run and inclusive elections and damaged trust in INEC.

“With the aim of contributing to the improvement of future elections, the EU EOM is offering 23 recommendations for consideration by the Nigerian authorities,” the EU mission stated.

According to Andrews, Nigerians demonstrated a clear commitment to the democratic process but the election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signals a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability.

“We are particularly concerned about the need for reform in six areas which we have identified as priority recommendations, and we believe, if implemented, could contribute to improvements for the conduct of elections,” said Barry Andrews.

Andrews added that “Importantly, there is a need for political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria. Inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders on electoral reform remains crucial.”

Listing its recommendations, the EU suggested clarity and plainness in Nigeria’s electoral laws, real-time transmission of results, among other recommendations.

“The six priority recommendations point to the need to (1) remove ambiguities in the law, (2) establish a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members, (3) ensure real-time publication of and access to election results, (4) provide greater protection for media practitioners, address (5) discrimination against women in political life, and (6) impunity regarding electoral offenses,” it stated.

The EU assured it will support stakeholders in the implementation of its recommendations.

The EU final report published on its website as on Tuesday comes amid the ongoing sittings of the Presidential Election Petitions Court in Abuja.

Three petitioners, namely, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Allied Peoples Movement are challenging the electoral umpire’s declaration of Bola Tinubu as winner of the election.

Meanwhile, the Election Observation Missions made it clear that it operates independent from the institutions of the European Union, adding “The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of the European Union.”

Spokesperson to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, on Thursday, denied that the former leader asked his successor not to investigate some ministers under the previous government.

He also said Buhari had left Daura for London to get some needed rest which, constant visits from well-wishers, had denied him.

“If social media is to be believed, former President Muhammadu Buhari is requesting his successor, President Bola Tinubu not to investigate some former officials of his government…this is fake news, and nothing more,” Shehu said in a statement he signed on Thursday evening titled ‘What Buhari didn’t say to President Tinubu.’

On Tuesday, an online news outlet reported that Tinubu assured his predecessor that he and his close aides will be spared in any anti-corruption war his government embarks upon following the suspension of the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

“It is fake, let us not discuss it or give it energy or air of publicity,” said Shehu.

He noted that there was no one other than the two leaders in the room in which they met on Monday night.

“So, no one was there to report their conversation,” he added.

According to him, the former President wishes to remain outside the spotlight so as not to distract the new administration.

Shehu revealed that “He (Buhari) chose to go home in Daura hoping to find the type of quiet he wished for himself but realising that this was not the case, visitors trooping in morning, day and night, he moved out to a more distant place.”

He said it remains Buhari’s wish to be allowed to have his needed rest, and for the Tinubu administration to have the right atmosphere to work on the realisation of the promises it made to Nigerians.

Former Acting Governor and one-time Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, His Excellency Rt. Hon Nestor Binabo, has passed away.

Binabo died in the early hours of Thursday at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.

Confirming his death in a WhatsApp post, one of his sons, Mr Binabo Momos, wrote, “I thought you’d pull through, Dad. But God knows best.”

It was revealed that the late Binabo had been battling an undisclosed ailment for the past year.

Binabo served as the governor of Bayelsa State from January 27, 2012, to February 14, 2012. He also held positions as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly during Chief Timiore Sylva’s administration. He was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The deceased hailed from Okumbiri in Sagbama Local Government Area

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu on his decision to remove fuel subsidy,

The monarch stated this while speaking with Vanguard on the current economic crisis caused by the removal of the subsidy

The Ooni insisted that Tinubu is a decisive leader ready to serve the country with his depth of knowledge and experience.

He maintained that Tinubu would turn out to be the best president Nigeria has ever produced.

He said: “Tinubu is a very decisive leader. I want to implore everybody, especially the youths of this country, to be patient with him. He is very focused; God has blessed him.

“In everything that he has been doing, he has been very consistent over the last 30 years and it is now for him to give back to the country.

“We should keep praying for him everyday. The President is getting stronger, wiser and his public rating keeps going up.

“I am very positive his going to be the best president ever produced in Nigeria.”

He advised the President not to waste time in tackling the challenges confronting the country as a man of action that he was known to be.

The Ooni also averred that as the country just transited to another civilian government, it’s best for all hands to be on deck regardless of affiliations, as the election had gone and governance and putting Nigeria on the right path to greatness should be a collective effort.

The Ogun State Government has presented scholarship documents to the state contingents that won the Overall 1st and 3rd out of 148 participants, during the 25th edition of the Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientist Competition (JETS) that would cover them throughout their tertiary education in any government-owned institutions in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, while presenting the documents to the Winner of 1st Position, Enoch Afenisumen of Great Grace Science Secondary School, Owode-Yewa and the 3rd Best, Orebiyi Emmanuel of African Church Grammar School, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, noted that the State contingents won eighteen out of the available awards.

Mrs. Ogunleye, according to the Press Officer, Mr. Ayoola Obadimu, said since the resuscitation of the State participation in JETS in 2019 by the present administration, the State has been maintaining the overall best position, commending the Governor for his continuous and result-oriented investment in the education sector.

She said, "the excellent performance of the State learners in all competitions was the feedback of unrelenting efforts of the Principals, Teachers and Proprietors of both public and private schools to ensure students’ lives up to their potentials".

Speaking, the Principals, African Church Grammar School, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta and Great Grace Science Secondary School, Owode-Yewa, Mrs. Abosede Egbetokun said that the State was famous for academic excellence, appreciating the present government for providing platform where teachers and learners could come together to revitalise the excellent performance the State is known for.

In his appreciation note, Master Afenisumen commended the Ministry’s officials for giving learners in the State the opportunity to strive, regardless of whether they are from either public or private schools, urging the present administration not to relent on its oars to ensure the State maintain its position as number one in qualitative education.

I am a very sad man as I write this. I have been completely devastated by the ugly and rather sudden death of my elder brother, friend, kinsman, soul mate, client and confidant - HIGH CHIEF RAYMOND ANTHONY ALEOGHO AYAOGHENA DOKPESI, Ph.D, OFR, D.Sc. I have cried myself hoarse. I have never stopped crying. Sludge of tears. Sunken eyes. Bleeding heart. Weak limbs.

I am particularly traumatized because Dr. Dokpesi had called me on WHATSAPP at about 12:55am in the MORNING of 29th May, 2023; the very day he died. He had called me, as always, to discuss friendship, brotherhood and take advice on sundry legal matters. He exuded his usual self-happiness, vibrancy, sheer éclat and gusto. This, notwithstanding that he had had some health challenges for some time. He had miraculously recovered fully from a stroke. It was in keeping with his physiotherapist’s professional advice of exercise on a treadmill that he tripped and fell on a fast-rolling treadmill. So, the man died. The gigantic iroko fell. The world has been mourning ever since then. When Raymond called me that early fateful morning of 29th May, 2023, his voice was quite rich, steady and filled with laughter, even guffaw. We taunted and bantered with each other, as we usually did whenever we encountered each other, whether physically on the phone. We exchanged chats and spoke up to 1:50am that fateful day. So, when Chief Tony Akiotu (GMD, DAAR Communications) and Senator Francis Alimhikhena, called me to break the sad news of his sudden death from the very hospital to which he was said to have been rushed, I could not believe my ears. It was simply incredible. 

It took another communication from his first son, Raymond Dokpesi, Jnr, to shake me from my state of reverie and melt my lethargic world of disbelief or incredulity. Was Dokpesi actually dead? Was the Ezomo of Weppa Wanno Kingdom's call to me and our discussion up to 1:50am a final FAREWELL from him? Did he have the premonition of his imminent death? I do not know. Gosh!!! One thing is crystal clear to me as I grieve: Agenebode, Weppa- Wanno, Etsako, Afenmailand, Edo State, Nigeria, Africa, the black race, and indeed the whole world, have lost an unforgettable and uncommon shining star and rare gem of inestimable value. 

At a mere 71, the Gbobaniyi of Ilawe-Ekiti lived a life of nobility; a life wholly dedicated to the service of God and humanity. His was simply a case of vini, vidi, vici (he came; he saw; he conquered). He impacted the most vulnerable Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth” and the hoipolloi, through his many philanthropic and charitable works. In the maritime world, Dokpesi stood tall and resplendent, earning a first class in his Bachelors and Masters, and finally a Ph.D in Maritime Engineering. He helped to design the first carbotage laws of Nigeria. He floated the first indigenous shipping line in Nigeria (“the African Ocean Shipping Line”). He later followed it up with BALDOK Shipping Line. He was to become the nullus secondus of the media world, where he became a Czar, the Ted Turner of African broadcasting. Dokpesi indeed pioneered and blazed private independent broadcasting of television and radio in Nigeria and Africa, establishing Raypower 100.5 FM Radio and the African Independent Television (AIT). AIT (“sharing the African Experience”). The AIT was set up principally to change the western world’s skewed narrative about Africa. Its thematic philosophy was geared towards the promotion of African values, culture and traditions of the black race across the world. By 1999, DAAR launched Nigeria into the Information Super Highway with the DAAR broadband internet services. It was unheard of at that time that a single individual could challenge and break decades of government's dominance and monopoly of information through radio and television. But, the Araba of Oshoroland and Oghierumhoa of Weppa Wanno Kingdom did just that. A very intelligent, versatile and resourceful person, Dokpesi was at once a deep thinker, philosopher, scientist, artist, dancer, singer, as much as he was a Marine Engineer, humanist, iconoclast and pathfinder. The Otunba Akorede of the Source, Ile-Ife, was not only a cultural Ambassador of his people (a traditional chief across all the geo-political divides of Nigeria), he was also a discoverer and adventurist who blazed many trails, broke new grounds and opened up new vistas and horizons for society to flourish. He simply made possible, things that appeared ordinarily impossible. As a workaholic, painstaking technocrat and a human capital builder, the Ezomo had an eye for minute details. He crossed the “t” and dotted the “i”. He did not suffer fools gladly; even as he was patient enough to excuse sheer ignorance and genuine innocent mistakes. He was simply many things rolled into one. Dokpesi was a Jack of all trades and master of all. He was a rolling stone that gathered moss.

Wearing humility like a second skin, the Lintu Bachama (Adamawa State) was an oxymoron. He was shy, reticent and taciturn; yet simultaneously gregarious, luminous and incandescent. In the business world, Dokpesi was a shrewd businessman and calculating entrepreneur. He had the Midas touch. He turned a small DAAR of 1996 into an octopaedal conglomerate that went public into the capital market in 2007. He was a total man who believed and defended the convictions of his belief even if he stood alone. He did not hug limelight or populism, or play to the gallery. At his 70th birthday, he sat on the 8th row at the celebration hall. He spurned all my attempts to get him to the front seat. He said he did not need it. I could not understand. But, that was Dokpesi for you.

His every day activities were anchored on the platforms of equity, social justice, fairness, egalitarianism and mutual respect for all religions and ethnic groups. He put the female gender first and forward in climes beyond Nigeria. Was this why he married many wives from many races and ethnic groups? I do not know. Or, do you? To say the Oghierumhoa and Ezomo of Weppa Wanno Kingdom was bold, courageous, daring and hardworking is for want of stronger grammatical expressions. His unquantifiable sacrifices globally and across all divides in Nigeria and Africa, made it extremely difficult for anyone to truly describe his essence and personae. Many saw him as a philanthropist extraordinaire; a Pan-Africanist and a Pan-Nigerian, who believed everyone was entitled to be heard and to air his opinions. Others saw him as an unrepentant investor in human beings. Some others regarded him as an unusual political strategist and tactician, who was consistent throughout his political odyssey and stayed put with his PDP, from its nascent scratch till he breathed his last. Yet, some others swore that the Ozoigbondu I of Adu Achi, Enugu State, was a media mogul; the Ted Turner of Africa. He was the undoubted cultivator of the then nascent Nollywood, Comedy and Music industries, where he discovered and nurtured today’s superstars, giving them the necessary platform to rise and achieve their potentials. Yet, others would be right to insist that he was simply a passionately prayerful, devout and devoted Christian of the Catholic Faith, who threw his AIT open for daily mass and other church services for more than a decade before he died. Even at that, he did not discriminate against Islam, as he introduced Jumat services every week. Some people had therefore called him a Chrislem”. The widows cried on his broad shoulders. The orphans leaned on his massive frame. The youths tapped from his generosity and mentorship. The senior citizens depended on him. He gave voice to the voiceless. He energized the weak, helpless and most vulnerable. He gave succour to the deprived and forgotten.

The Zuoje of Liberia was even described by some as an amoeba – a shapeless, formless, unicellular organism that could easily change its shape. Yet, others believed he was an octopus – an eight-limbed, soft-bodied mollusc with bulbous head. These descriptions are all apt because they depended on how he was perceived or seen by different people. The descriptions simply depended on the person or institution involved. They were all right; yet, oxymoronically, all wrong. This is because no one could give a wholistic and complete description of the enigmatic Sardaunna of Kpaduma, Abuja. Dokpesi truly showed that a candle does not lose its flame by lighting other candles.

The name of the Oganigwe Umu Orji Ako Nibo, Anambra State vibrated and reverberated for decades in Nigeria's political firmament. He epitomized the soul and spirit of DAAR. Not many Nigerians know that DAAR is actually a reversed acronym of his name - RAYMOND ANTHONY ALEOGHO DOKPESI (RAAD); thus DAAR. The Osese of South Uneme, Edo State came; he saw; he conquered (vini; vidi; vici). He ran a very good race. He finished well. Most significantly, he died on Nigeria’s hitherto DEMOCRACY DAY- May 29, 2023 (before it was changed to June 12). Because he epitomized DEMOCRACY and democratic practices. At the 2005 National Political Conference, the Vision 2009 and the 2014 National Conference, Dokpesi rolled out the entire DAAR Communications facilities and outfit to drive the conferences, becoming the very linchpin, the backbone and anchor of the entire talkshops. He was everywhere, spreading industry, efficiency and efficacy. He was simply a one-man riot squad. He passionately believed in and propagated a restructured Nigeria where true fiscal federalism thrives, as against the present unitary system we practise. O death, where is thy sting? Death, you shall also die. You just died because you could stop Dokpesi from transmuting from terrestrial mortality to celestial immortality. So, the Ezomo defeated you.

May God grant this legend and colossus eternal repose of his great soul until we meet to part no more. Itseee, Itseee lagi Itseee. May God grant his immediate and extended family, his friends, associates, admirers and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable and irreplaceable loss. Amen. Adieu Ezomo. Farewell Iyokpamhe. Goodbye, Agene 1. Rest in perfect peace till we meet on resurrection day to part no more. Amen; amen; and amen.

As I visited my Muslim friends and enjoyed sumptuous ram-themed dishes commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) in total obedience to God’s directive to sacrifice his son, I wondered why the two Abrahamic religions in Nigeria have not elicited obedience to rules as a matter of course. As I pondered, I remembered a story I heard recently that reminded me that we were not always a lawless country.  

I had to use Chinua Achebe's book title to tell this story of a meeting I had with a Man a few days ago. He is from Yobe and in his 60s. In the course of our discussion, he mentioned that he spent one year at Nike Grammar School Enugu in 1976. I got curious. How did that happen? Was your father a federal civil servant or soldier? He answered in the negative. 

"In the early 70s Borno state and Anambra state had a student exchange program that after the state common entrance examination those selected for the exchange program got two admission letters one to a school in Borno and the other to a school in Enugu." I listened with rapt attention.  

In his case, he got admitted to a school in Maiduguri and Nike Grammar School in Enugu. His father, an uneducated man who lived in present-day Yobe, elected that he should go to Enugu. He was sad as this was a few years after the war, and he had grown up on a diet of widely held false notions fed by war propaganda about Igbo people. 

His father took him to Kano and put him on a Bus to Enugu. He was barely 12 years old. He cried most of the journey. An Igbo man seating next to him promised to take him to Nike Grammar School upon arrival at Enugu. He kept his promise. 

At Nike Grammar School, he was received warmly but was told he came a week early as the school had not resumed. The principal handed him over to a teacher and he stayed in his house for one week. 

On resumption, other Borno students arrived by a Bus provided by the Borno State Ministry of Education. All the Exchange program students stayed in school from the first term to the third term before going home. During the first and second term holidays, the school looked after them, provided meals, and ensured they were comfortable. 

At the end of the third term, the Anambra State government provided a Bus that took them to Maiduguri and handed all of them over to the Borno State Ministry of Education. It was an experience for him. To his regret, he changed schools to GSS Maiduguri without his father’s consent.

Upon school resumption, he left home and resumed at GSS Maiduguri. When his father found out, he was disappointed. He asked him why he did not return to Enugu. The young man said it was far. He further asked him whether he was mistreated in Enugu. He answered in the negative and said he enjoyed it but the distance from home and the fact he had to spend a whole year before coming home was an issue for him.

His father told him that he sent him to Enugu because he wanted him to be bigger and better than him and his mates around their home. He sent him because he believed that he had the capacity to withstand the difficulties which is why he did not send the sister. As a true Muslim, his father told him, he believed that he had not hurt anyone knowingly in his life, and as such no evil will befall his family no matter where they go. His father told him that those who have friends across Nigeria will be the leaders of the Nigeria of the future. 

At GSS Maiduguri, he bonded with the Anambra students on the Exchange Program, who was excited that he was at Enugu for one year. 

His one year in Enugu redefined his perception of Igbo people and framed his future interactions with other Nigerians. To this day, he maintained contact with his Igbo friends at Nike Grammar School. Three of them ended up as Lecturers and are still in touch with him. Some of the Igbo students at GSS Maiduguri are still in touch with him and consider him a brother. A few years back he got in touch with one of them, who is now a Pastor in Umuahia. 

I was sober as his narration ended. I had never heard of this student exchange program between States in the 1970s. The story was another sad testament to our failure as a nation. I thought can I send my 11-year-old son alone on a bus from Enugu to Maiduguri today even with mobile phones and GPS tracking? Can a government school in any part of the country be entrusted with students for one whole year without parental visits? 

Our bureaucracy is badly damaged almost irretrievably. As a nation, we took a wrong turn at some point and need to press the reset button NOW. The idea of a deliberate and intentional promotion of national integration should be pursued with renewed vigour. Unity in diversity should be a national aspiration and a measurable indicator of our journey to nationhood.

The man who told me this story is today the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, former Nigerian Ambassador to Romania. He wished he finished at Nike Grammar School, and I wish his father was alive to see how his vision for his son turned out. 

There was indeed a country. 

Osita Chidoka

June 2023

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th president on May 29, 2023, and has wasted no time in implementing his economic agenda for the country.  

In his first 30 days in office, he has taken some bold and controversial decisions that have shaken up the status quo and generated mixed reactions from Nigerians and the international community.  

During his inauguration speech on the 29th of May 2023, President Tinubu shocked analysts and observers when he announced the removal of fuel subsidies. 

Here are 10 of the most significant economic decisions he has made so far:  

10. Unification of the naira

In a significant policy shift, President Tinubu announced his government’s decision to unify the exchange rate, replacing the previous multiple exchange rate regime implemented during the administration of former President Buhari by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

• The move is expected to enhance transparency, reduce distortions, and boost confidence in the naira.  
• The unified exchange rate is now determined by market forces, with the CBN intervening only to smooth out volatility.

9.  Inauguration of the economic council

On June 14th, 2023, President Tinubu inaugurated a new economic council to advise him on economic policies and reforms, coinciding with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s announcement of the unification of the forex market, merging all segments into a single window.

• The council, typically consisting of 36 state governors, the CBN governor, and other officials, aims to foster collaboration among governments at all levels. The Vice-President chairs the council. 
• The council is expected to provide independent and evidence-based advice to the president on how to achieve his vision of transforming Nigeria into a prosperous and inclusive economy.  

8. Removal of CBN Governor

On June 9, 2023, President Tinubu ordered the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

• The reasons for Emefiele’s suspension are believed to be related to issues including the handling of the naira redesign policy, a failed presidential bid, and policy mishandlings such as mismanagement of foreign exchange reserves and ineffective monetary policies. 
• The Central Bank Act does not explicitly allow for the suspension of the CBN Governor during an ongoing investigation, raising concerns about the independence of the central bank. 
• Mr Emefiele was also directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of the investigation and the reforms. 

 7. Managed float of the naira

On June 20, 2023, The Central Bank of Nigeria disclosed that the recent monetary policy decision implemented is not a free float but a managed float.

• In a Bloomberg in Rabat, Morocco, Deputy Governor Kingsley Obiora revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria clarified its recent monetary policy decision. 
• The deputy governor also expressed caution in determining whether the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar has reached its lowest point, suggesting that it may still be too early to make such a determination. 
• The decision to move to a managed float exchange rate policy is in line with the president’s decision to pursue a more market-driven forex policy. 

6. Removal of fuel subsidy

President Tinubu abolished the fuel subsidy, which had been a source of corruption, inefficiency, and fiscal burden for decades.

• The subsidy had cost the government over N1 trillion annually while benefiting mainly the wealthy and the smugglers.  
• The removal of the subsidy is expected to free up resources for infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare programs, as well as encourage private investment in the downstream sector of the oil industry. 
• The price of fuel has since more than doubled from an average of about N185/litre to an average of about N495/Litre depending on where you are buying from. 

5. Dissolution of governing boards of FG parastatals

On the 16th of June, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the immediate dissolution of the Governing Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies in the exercise of its Constitutional Powers and in the Public interest.

• The dissolution does not affect Boards, Commissions, and Councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. 
• The permanent secretaries were also mandated to act as chief executive officers accordingly. 

 4. Suspension of EFCC chair

On June 14, 2023, President Tinubu approved the removal of the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, who had been appointed by former President Buhari in February 2021.

• Mr Bawa was accused of being compromised, ineffective, and partisan in his fight against corruption. 
• He was also directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission. 

3. Appointment of national security adviser

On June 19, 2023, President Tinubu announced the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the national security adviser (NSA).  

• He said he chose Ribadu because of his integrity, experience and expertise in security matters.  
• He is also expected to coordinate all aspects of national security.  

2. Retirement of service chiefs and appointment of new ones

On June 19, 2023, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), announced the retirement of all service chiefs and their replacements.

1. The signing of electricity, student loan and data protection acts respectively

[Nairametrics]

In bid to fulfill his promise of helping to renovate the Awka and Onitsha mosques and also to celebrate with the Anambra Muslim community in Onitsha on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 election has presented the former with cheques worth millions of naira to commence with the renovation projects.

It be recalled that during Obi’s visit to Awka and Onitsha Muslim communities in April, he promised to support them in renovating their places of worship, which was no longer in good condition.

He equally called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and brotherly love.

According to him, he decided to celebrate the Eid Al-Adha with the Muslim community in Anambra, to show the brotherly love and unity that should exist among Nigerians, irrespective of tribal, political or religious belief.

Obi presented both Awka and Onitsha Muslim communities

Speaking at the event, Obi said, “We are all Nigerians, and we will continue to live as one irrespective of our religious or political beliefs. What we owe each other is brotherly love and care, so we can live in peace and unity as a nation. We have no other nation but Nigeria and we must make it work.

“I know that times are difficult for everybody in the country, but if we rise above our religious, political and ethnic divisions, we will be able to surmount our challenges in unity. We will not give up on our nation, but continue to work for a New Nigeria that will be beneficial to every Nigerian.”

Earlier today, I hosted the Anambra Muslim Community at my residence in Onitsha, to celebrate the Eid al Adha. In also presented cheques to the leaders of Onitsha and Awka Muslim Communities, in fulfilment if my earlier promise of helping to renovate their respective mosques. pic.twitter.com/RHONsGbOAu

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 28, 2023

In his remarks, the Sarki of the Awka Muslim Community, Alhaji Garba Haruna, said they were thrilled by Obi’s simplicity and consistency.

According to him, Obi has demonstrated that he is a “truly detribalised Nigerian”, by making out time to mark their Sallah celebration with them.

[Tribune]

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Buba Galadima said the presidential candidate of the party, Rabiu Kwankwaso has not informed the party faithful that he is defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Galadima stated this while speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday.

The NNPP chieftain, however, noted that Kwankwaso was ready to work with President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “Kwankwaso has not told anybody he is joining the APC; people are just talking, but what we have before is winner take all. If Tinubu is calling for a unity government, it is not a bad thing.”

Recall that Kwankwaso had met with Tinubu after he won the presidential election in February.

After their meeting, however, there have been speculations that Tinubu might be considering Kwankwaso for a political appointment.