[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Seeks Stronger Economic, Defence And Bilateral Cooperation With United Kingdom
Admin...UK Foreign Secretary assures of enduring partnership
President Bola Tinubu has called on the government of the United Kingdom to deepen its partnership with Nigeria and Africa by investing more across sectors to see the African continent attain more sustainable and broad-based prosperity.
President Tinubu made the call on Wednesday when he received the United Kingdom's Secretary of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon. James Cleverly MP, in his office.
Calling on the UK to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa, the Nigerian leader recalled the history of decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK, adding that the UK government must work with Nigeria and the rest of Africa to create a competitive, technologically advanced economy that will cater for the needs of all citizens.
"I am happy to know that the United Kingdom is ready to work with us in Nigeria and Africa. The United Kingdom must do more for the continent. We have not developed a competitive economy," the President said.
While addressing the pressing issue of energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, President Tinubu charged the Foreign Secretary on the imperatives of the West and UK, in particular, in mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.
"The Western economic programme should be able to help Nigeria pipe our gas to Europe since gas is acceptable as alternative clean energy. You must help us with the finance and facilitate the investment we require."
On democracy, peace and stability in West Africa, President Tinubu noted that security would remain a challenge as long as there are unstable governments in the sub-region.
He used the opportunity of the visit to decry the situation in Niger, the Sahel region and Horn of Africa where terrorists are finding comfort, asking the government of UK to support Nigeria to secure West Africa.
"We need a dynamic partnership on security and economic development because we don't want terrorists to make Africa and our sub-region their nest," President Tinubu told the Foreign Secretary.
In his remarks, Rt Hon. Cleverly congratulated the President on his election victory and the steps he has taken so far to reform the economy. He saluted President Tinubu for taking bold and decisive decisions on fuel subsidy removal and on multiple foreign exchange markets which he pointed out will bring development to the country in spite of the current pains.
He told President Tinubu about his meeting in Lagos with entrepreneurs, technologists and young people in the creative sector, saying that his home government remains a strategic long-term partner of Nigeria and Africa.
"I want to commend you for the decisions you have taken to reform your economy. Your economic reforms are bold and the actions taken have been decisive. Despite the initial pains these decisions will lead to economic prosperity for Nigerians."
The Foreign Secretary further said he was in Nigeria to promote bilateral and economic partnership.
"I am keen on encouraging more UK investments into Nigeria. You took bold and important decisions so far that will reform your economy and open it more for foreign investments. Nigeria has a population of very young, educated and thoughtful people. With their energy and talents along with your resources, Nigeria can be a net exporter of energy and agricultural products. The UK will remain a strategic long-term and multi-decades partner of Nigeria and Africa."
On the political situation in Republic of Niger, the UK Foreign Secretary offered his government's support for the decision of ECOWAS and the leadership of President Tinubu in promoting democracy and stability.
"For us, our national interest is to see a peaceful and prosperous African continent because peace and security go hand in hand."
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
Media & Publicity
The Organised Labour has described their discussion regarding petrol subsidy removal palliatives with President Bola Tinubu as “fruitful and productive”.
Speaking with state house correspondents after a meeting with the president on Tuesday in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said they thoroughly examined the proposed measures as the concerns that sparked the protests persist.
He, however, did not provide any assurance regarding the cancellation or continuation of the nationwide protests against the economic difficulties resulting from the removal of petrol subsidy.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
It Is Wrong: Shehu Sani Warns As Nigeria Reportedly Cuts Off Electricity Supply To Niger Republic
AdminFormer Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has warned about the consequences that may follow the reported decision by Nigeria to cut off electricity supply to Niger Republic in the wake of the military coup in the country.
Sani in a post via his Twitter account on Wednesday said the move is wrong adding that if Niger decides to build its own power station across the River Niger, Nigeria’s Kainji Dam would be rendered useless.
Naija News recalls Nigeria has reportedly cut off electricity supply to neighbouring Niger Republic.
The electricity organization of Niger, Nigelec was quoted to have said the current power outage being experienced in the country is a result of Nigeria halting supply to its northern neighbour.
A BBC source also said the supply to Niger was cut on Tuesday following a directive from Nigeria’s presidency.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has however declined to comment on the power cuts in Niger according to Arise TV.
Reacting to the development, Sani said the people of Niger Republic should be allowed to decide how they want their country governed and Nigeria should avoid getting instigated by France to start an unnecessary war.
He wrote on Twitter: “The reported Nigerian alleged tempering with electricity supply to Niger Republic is wrong. We must not use power supplies as a means of political blackmail. It will not change anything. If Niger decides to build their power station across their part of the River Niger, our Kainji Dam will be rendered useless.
“President Tinubu and Ecowas leaders should allow the People of Niger to decide on how they want their country to be governed. Don’t be instigated by France to go to war that we don’t need.
“When we had military regime, we fought to free ourselves; let them make their decisions.”
[NaijaNews]
One week after the military coup in Niger, the new military government has reopened the country’s land borders and airspace with five neighbouring countries, a spokesman for the junta announced on television on Tuesday evening.
The border crossings to Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, and Chad were reopened, he said.
The junta also appointed new governors for the country’s eight regions.
Tensions with the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remained. The junta said Niger’s borders with Benin and Nigeria, both ECOWAS members, remained closed for the time being.
On Sunday ECOWAS issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders demanding that the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum be released and reinstated within a week. If not, then the group threatened to take measures that could include the use of force.
ECOWAS began a three-day meeting in Nigeria on Wednesday to discuss the way forward. ECOWAS members Burkina Faso and Mali, already suspended after earlier military coups, had sided with Niger.
Meanwhile, France and Italy began evacuating their citizens and others, with two planes landing in France and one in Italy.
The French planes carried mainly French citizens but also Germans and several other EU nationals, some from the United States, Ethiopia, and elsewhere, according to French press reports and the French Foreign Ministry.
The first flight carried at least 260 people, including 12 babies.
The European Commission said in a press release that around 500 people arrived in Paris on Wednesday on board the first two repatriation flights from Niamey.
According to information from the French General Staff, two more planes had also been sent to Niamey for the evacuation. France has offered to evacuate people from other European countries from Niger as well.
The Foreign Office in Berlin had said that the Germans in Niger were advised to accept the offer.
(NAN)
West Africa's regional bloc has said a military intervention in junta-ruled Niger is "the last resort" as Nigeria cut electricity supplies to intensify pressure on the country's coup leaders.
Military chiefs from the grouping were meeting to frame a response and a delegation was in Niger for negotiations, a week after a coup shook the fragile nation and prompted ex-colonial power France to evacuate its citizens.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders on Sunday imposed trade and financial sanctions and gave the coup leaders a week to reinstate Niger's democratically-elected president or face the potential use of force.
"(The) military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality," said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.
An ECOWAS team headed by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar was in Niger to "negotiate", added Mr Musah, speaking at the start of a three-day meeting of the grouping's military chiefs in the Nigerian capital Abuja.
The current chair of ECOWAS is Nigeria, West Africa's military and economic superpower.
It has vowed to take a firm line against coups that have proliferated across the region since 2020, most of them under the pressure of a bloody jihadist insurgency.
A source in Niger's power company said Nigeria had cut off its electricity supply to its neighbour as a result of the sanctions.
"Since yesterday, Nigeria has disconnected the high-voltage line transporting electricity to Niger," said the source at Nigelec, the country's monopoly supplier.
Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, depends on Nigeria for 70% of its power, buying it from the Nigerian company Mainstream, according to Nigelec.
Junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso have warned that any military intervention in their neighbour would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them.
General Salifou Mody, one of the Niger coup leaders, today arrived with a delegation in Mali's capital Bamako, said a senior Nigerien official and a Malian security official. They did not give further details.
In Moscow, the Russian foreign ministry called for "urgent national dialogue" in Niger and warned that threats of intervention "will not help ease tensions or calm the domestic situation".
Europeans leave
Mohamed Bazoum, aged 63, was feted in 2021 after winning elections that ushered in Niger's first-ever peaceful transition of power.
He took the helm of one of the world's poorest and most unstable countries, burdened by four previous coups since independence from France in 1960.
But after surviving two attempted putsches, Mr Bazoum was overthrown on 26 July, when members of his own guard detained him at the presidency.
Their commander, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has declared himself leader, but his claim has been condemned internationally.
France scheduled more evacuation flights from the capital Niamey following hostile demonstrations at the weekend.
By early this morning, more than 500 people had landed in Paris aboard two flights, mostly French citizens but also Portuguese, Belgians, Nigerians, Ethiopians and Lebanese evacuees.
Two final flights have been organised for later today, according to the French army.
Italy said it had evacuated 99 Italians and other nationals living in Niger, who arrived in Rome early Wednesday.
Germany has urged its citizens to leave, but the United States - which has 1,100 troops stationed in Niger - has opted to not evacuate Americans for now.
[Rte]
Nineteen more ministerial nominees have been unveiled by the Senate President, Godwin Akpabio.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajamiabila presented the new batch of ministerial list to the Senate during the plenary session on Wednesday, August 2.
The senate suspended the rules of the chamber to allow the Chief of Staff to enter the Red Chamber. Prior to Gbajabiamila’s arrival, ministerial nominee Lateef Fagbemi from Kwara state stood before the Senators for screening.
Unveiling the list, the senate president, Godwin Akpabio announced an additional 19-man list. Adegboyega Oyetola, Atiku Bagudu, Bello Matawalle, Simon Bako Lalong, were part of the prominent Nigerians who made it to the new batch of nominees.
Others are: Ahmed Tijani, Bosun Tijjani, Maryam Shetti, Ishak Salako, Tunji Alausa, Tanko Sununu, Ibrahim Geidam, Lola Adejo, Shuaibu Aninakar, Tahir Mamman, Aliyu Sabi, Alkali Ahmed, Heineken Lokpobiri, Uba Maigari. Zephaniah Jossalo.
On Monday, July 31, the Senate commenced the screening exercise of the 28-man list of ministerial nominees. The exercise, which has lasted for three days, was to ensure the suitability and competency of those who will occupy positions.
However, The ICIR gathered that some nominees were spared of scrutiny and were instructed to take a bow and leave.
Fourteen out of the 28 were screened on Monday, while nine other nominees underwent their screening on Tuesday. Amongst those screened on Tuesday were former Ebonyi governor and lawmaker representing Ebonyi South, David Umahi (Ebonyi); Former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), and Adebayo Olawale Edun of Ogun state.
Some of those screened at Monday’s plenary include the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Abubakar Kyari from Borno State, Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Abia State); Bello Muhammad (Sokoto State), Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba State) and Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa State).
Similarly, the remaining five nominees from the first batch, namely Dele Alake (Ekiti), Muhammad Idris (Niger), Ali Pate (Bauchi), Doris Anite Uzoka (Imo), and Lateef Fagbemi SAN (Kwara), were screened during today’s session.
In his appearance, Dele Alake emphasised the need to strengthen social media regulation, urging the National Assembly to amend existing laws to effectively combat the spread of fake and inaccurate information on social media platforms.
While fielding questions from senators, Alake emphasised the need to address the challenges posed by the improper use of social media, warning that social media could plunge the country into confusion if not properly checked.
Gbajamiabila had on Thursday, July 27, presented the list of 28-man ministerial nominees to the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio.
The ICIR reports that there are 36 states in Nigeria, and the constitution makes it mandatory for the President to appoint at least a minister from each state. Of the 28 names Tinubu listed in the first nomination list, at least eight states were not on the list.
[ICIR]
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, to cut power supply to neighbouring Niger Republic as part of the ECOWAS economic sanctions on the military junta which ousted the democratic government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Authoritative sources familiar with the development confirmed the action to THEWILL.
Mainstream Energy, the company which supplies power to Niger, stopped supplying electricity to the country yesterday , according to THEWILL Correspondent, who confirmed that President Tinubu issued the directive last night.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media, Ajuri Ngalale, had yet to respond to inquiries from THEWILL when filing this report.
This is a developing story..
[TheWill]
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant interest-free soft loans to Muslims.
MURIC Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola made the call yesterday.
He noted that it is forbidden for Muslims to receive or give interest on loans.
He said the call was in view of President Bola Tinubu’s promise, in his national broadcast on Monday, of palliatives, including interest loans of about N75bn at 9% interest, N500,000 loan to N1m at 9% and another N100bn transportation loan also at 9%, to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and fuel price hike on citizens.
“We appreciate the concern of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerians particularly in these difficult times. The offer of loans to cushion the effect of the withdrawal of oil subsidy shows that the president cares about the citizenry.
“However, Nigerian Muslims cannot and will not take interest loans as the latter is capable of constituting a wedge between Nigerian Muslims and their Creator (Almighty Allah). We prefer the everlasting peace of al-akhirah (the Hereafter) to the material gains of this world.
“Interest is haram and Allah explicitly forbids it when He said, “Oh you who believe, fear Allah and give up that interest which is still due to you, if you are true believers. But if you do not desist, then you are warned of the declaration of war against you by Allah and His Messenger….” (Glorious Qur’an 2:278 – 279),” Akintola said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has disclosed that response of the government and not the use of force will determine the duration of the ongoing protest.
The NLC president Joe Ajaero disclosed this while speaking in an interview with Channels TV at Unity Fountain in the FCT on Wednesday.
The NLC kicked off its protest on Wednesday morning against ‘anti-people’ policies in different states of the federation, such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo, and other states of the federation.
He said, “It’s in the interest of the NLC to determine based on the response of the state whether the protest should be for today, tomorrow, or next, or till thy kingdom come.
“It is not by using forces to stop people from expressing their views.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu announced in his inaugural address as president to the nation on May 29 that “fuel subsidy is gone.”
The fuel price per liter has since increased from N185 to N617 in different parts of the country.
On the basis of the rising cost of living in the country, the union issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse its ‘anti-people’ policies.
The demands of the NLC include an increase to the current minimum wage, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers, and a reversal in the increase of public school fees.
Media
Following the coup in Niger and the seven-day ultimatum given the leaders to release detained President Bazoum to power and quit, the Chiefs of Defence Staff of the West African sub-region have commenced a crucial meeting at the Defence headquarters with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa chairing the meeting.
The ECOWAS regional bloc meeting is expected to last for two days.
Recall that on Sunday, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions on Niger and issued a warning of the potential use of force on the junta after a one-week ultimatum to restore President Mohamed Bazoum.
Chiefs of Defence Staff of Nigeria, Ghana, the Gambia, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d Ivoire, Cape Verde, Senegal, Benin Republic, Guinea Bissau.
Representatives from Niger, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau were absent at the meeting
Also present is the Commissioner for Political Affairs of ECOWAS.
The military junta on their part had earlier expressed opposition to any aggression against Niger by regional or Western nations.
ECOWAS statement released after the regional leader’s summit had declared “zero tolerance” for coups adding that it would “take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order” if its demands were not met within a week.
This is the first time ECOWAS has threatened military action to reverse the coups that have taken place in the region in recent years.
More...
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu did not save the sum of N1 trillion from the removal of fuel subsidy.
Tinubu during his national address on Monday, July 31, 2023, announced that the country has saved up the sum of N1trn in two months from the removal of fuel subsidy.
But Ajaero while speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the Unity Fountain at the ongoing protest said the government’s announcement was false.
Ajaero said, “The committee we are working with said it’s a lie, the committee is headed by Gbajabiamila, and the secretary of the committee is the special adviser to the president Paul Nnaji, said no money was saved.
“The director budget said no kobo was saved, and the president said he has saved N1trn, so who do we believe?
“So, if there is no transparency from both sides, then no money will be given to us or anyone, this is the kind of conflict we are currently having, so who is lying?”
Ajaero said Tinubu lamenting that people have stolen Nigerian’s wealth is not acceptable, stressing that he is a courageous man, who has the apparatus of the state for his disposal.
He also said despite the availability of Compressed Natural Gas in the country, the cabal in Nigeria wants everyone to buy Petroleum Motor Spirit(PMS).
“The cabal in Nigeria wants everyone to buy PMS, so we can keep filling their pocket, despite the surplus availability of CNG in Nigeria, we have begged the FG to make it available for Nigerians, but they said no, that it will take a year and six months for them to convert, how will we survive before then, because people will die” Ajareo lamented.
He added, “We can’t talk about how long the strike we will embark on will last, but after today we will review the situation, the option of continuing this protest is open to us, we are not backing down now.” Ajaero reiterated.
A 27-year-old Dubai-based footballer, Yusuf Baoku, has said he joined Alora confraternity in Osun State because of his social security.
Baoku, who was arrested and paraded at the Osun State Police Command for attempted murder and assault alongside armed robbery suspects, said he returned to Nigeria because of injury.
He confessed that he joined the Alora confraternity society for social protection and security against hoodlums.
According to him, “I am a professional footballer based in Dubai. I had an injury and I returned to Nigeria for a while. I was at Igbajo Polytechnic when some group of guys were threatening me. I decided to join a cult (group) for my social security.”
Corroborating the suspect, the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, disclosed that one sharp cutlass was recovered from Baoku.
She said, “He was apprehended by the patrol team of Anti-cultism squad at Igbajo town, Osun State while other members of the gangsters took to their heels immediately they sighted our Police vehicle. The suspects were apprehended in connection with a case of attempted murder of one Ajayi David ‘M’ and assault of one Tiamiyu Adesola ‘M’ a student of Igbajo Polytechnic.”
Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a young medical doctor, lost her life in an elevator accident at the General Hospital in Odan, Lagos state.
The accident happened on Tuesday, August 1,
Dr. Diaso, who was set to complete her housemanship in just two weeks, was on her way to collect her meal from a dispatch ride when the unfortunate event occurred.
The elevator, which had been reportedly faulty for some time, crashed from the 10th floor to the ground floor, leading to the fatal accident.
Her colleagues and friends, shocked by the loss, revealed that Dr. Diaso had completed her medical degree at Babcock University. She was rushed to the emergency ward after the accident, but despite the medical team’s efforts, she tragically passed away.
Heartbroken friends and colleagues have alleged that the hospital management had neglected to repair the faulty elevator despite being aware of the issue, and they believe this negligence ultimately cost Dr. Vwaere Diaso her life.
As the community mourns her untimely death, questions are being raised about the importance of maintaining hospital infrastructure to ensure the safety of staff and patients alike.
Media
Angry Nigerian workers and civil society organisations on Tuesday protested over hardships resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy the President Bola Tinubu.
The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero alongside other officials of the labour, assembled at the Unity Fountain at Abuja for a “peaceful protest”.
In Lagos, all the aviation unions joined in the nationwide protest announced by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC.
At about 6:30 am, members of the aviation unions had gathered under the bridge leading to Oba Akran in support of the national body of the NLC to press home their demands.
The aviation unions as at the time of filing this report are preparing to march to Alausa where they intend to drop their letter of protest to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Also in Osun, members of the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU), Labour Unions – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Action Front, and members of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) thronged Osogbo, the state capital with protest to call on the government to urgently address issues of economic hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
The protesters call on the government to address the hardship facing Nigerians due to the removal of fuel of subsidy.
“We are saying enough to corruption. We are saying enough to the commercialisation of education. Nigerian workers are saying enough to abuse of power. We are saying enough to poor workers’ wages that cannot take workers home. Workers are demanding immediate stoppage of all of those policies that are culpable of incapacitating our people, that are culpable of incapacitating Nigerian workers.
“We are saying enough is enough to all policies that are bringing suffering to our people. We are saying enough to all policies that are culpable of dividing Nigeria into different factions. We are saying enough is enough.