STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU PROMISES NIGERIANS MORE HARD WORK FOR THE PEACE AND STABILITY OF THE NATION



President Bola Tinubu said Friday in Abuja that he will continue to work hard and pray for the peace and stability of the nation.



In an interview with reporters after the special Juma'ah prayer session for the nation and commemoration of his birthday at the National Mosque, the President thanked God for the grace of seeing his 73rd birthday.



The President will turn 73rd on March 29th, 2025.



President Tinubu said the safety and welfare of citizens remain uppermost on his mind and prayer list.



"I feel good. I feel happy. I thank the Almighty Allah, who has protected us and continues to answer our prayers.



"We also thank Allah for accepting our worship; that is key and very important to us.



"We have prayed for our country. We prayed for the stability and peace of the nation. We prayed that Almighty Allah will safeguard our people and all citizens,' the President added.



President Tinubu said his watchword remains "hard work and hard prayers.''





"The word for all of us is hard work. You work harder, and you pray harder. That's the inspiration I got from today's sermon.



"We thank God almighty that at this stage, we are still in it and working,'' he added.



Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu (the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate) and other clerics led the special prayers for the nation and the president.



Dr Solaberu assured President Tinubu of continual prayers for his good health, strength and wisdom to steer the nation's affairs.



The renowned Islamic cleric and scholar noted that prayers for the nation's peace and stability would herald the citizens' development and well-being.



The Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, thanked the President and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for catering to the poor and needy during Ramadan.



Prof. Adam urged Muslims to continue their prayers for the President, the nation, and goodwill toward the poor after Ramadan.



"Mr. President, Allah is with you, and you will succeed,'' he added.



The Jumat was attended by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, Service Chiefs, and some members of the President's family.



Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

March 28, 2025

President Tinubu has instructed a Manhunt for the individuals responsible for the murder of hunters in Edo. Expressing his shock at the heinous act on Thursday, he has called on the police and other security agencies to carry out prompt and comprehensive investigations and to bring the suspects to justice.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He promised them that those responsible for these crimes would not be permitted to spill the blood of innocent Nigerians without consequences.

The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has condemned the murder of travelling hunters intercepted by local vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North Local Government of Edo State.

“The President, who expressed shock at the dastardly act on Thursday, directed Police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.

“President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain.

“The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.

“President Tinubu commended the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their swift response to avert the escalation of tension.”

Its time we show the world that we are real(NIGERIANS)

Tinubu’s second term assured – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can rest assured that his second term in office is guaranteed, notwithstanding the ongoing plot by the opposition to unseat him in the 2027 poll.

Speaking during the special Iftar/Lent dinner organized by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) aimed at strengthening fellowship and deepening bonds of unity among governors, National Assembly members, ministers, top government functionaries, and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Wednesday night, he expressed optimism that the APC would also sweep more elective seats across the country in the 2027 poll.

Applauding the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led PGF for organizing the event, he called on party stalwarts across the country to work together to achieve the objective.

He said: “Can we say amen! We will offer prayers for our party, that yes, indeed, victory shall be ours in 2027. Can we say a loud amen! And we will also pray for Mr. President that his second term is assured. Can we shout a loud amen!

"So, for the party, our governors, you will grow in numbers, you will grow in numbers. On our part in the parliament, ours is to continue to add the numbers to you. We just recently sent one of our own in the Senate to go and take care of Edo State. Is that not a good thing?”

Uzodinma remarked that the occasion allows party stalwarts to pray, reason, and work together in the task of nation-building, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure the victory of the APC in the 2027 poll.

“Because we practice partisan democracy, and because we produce the government, we must take ownership of the government no matter where we are and where we sit. The success of the government is our collective success. The failure of the government is our collective failure. And the government is like a product,” he noted.

“And all of us are marketing officers that must market this product. So the whole idea behind this… is to once more have a platform to appreciate ourselves, to celebrate our own, because the government is our own.

“So, as we work towards a more prosperous Nigeria, as we confront the challenges of leadership and governance, it is like a sweet and sour soup. Sometimes it is sweet, sometimes it looks bitter and sour, but at the end of the day, it is a food we must all eat.”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, maintained that remarkable progress has been achieved due to the bold and courageous decisions taken by the President Tinubu-led administration.

The Minister argued that the drop in the inflation rate and the reduction in the cost of living among Nigerians speak volumes of the progress recorded by the President Tinubu-led administration.

According to him, we are all living it. Inflation is down, food prices are coming down, energy prices are coming down, the exchange rate is stable.

He added, “Those are the things that affect the cost of living that people are feeling. There are other figures and metrics that are behind the scenes. But what matters is how people are feeling, how it is impacting them. And that is why Mr. President continues to make every effort to intervene, particularly on behalf of the poor and the most vulnerable.

“For coming together, Muslim brothers and sisters observing Ramadan, Christian brothers and sisters observing Lent. In brotherhood and in sisterhood, we stand. God will keep us strong, make our party strong, and help us to support, encourage, and work with President Tinubu to make Nigeria strong, make Nigeria great.”

Among the dignitaries at the event were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Monday Okpebholo, Francis Nwifuru, former Governor Yahaya Bello, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, 36 states and FCT chairmen of the party, and members of the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee (NWC).

Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, after years of nationalist struggles. Leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Tafawa Balewa played key roles in securing self-rule through negotiations.

On independence day, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the first Prime Minister, and the green-white-green flag was hoisted. Nigeria remained under the British monarchy until October 1, 1963, when it became a republic, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.

The independence struggle teaches unity, diplomacy, and the importance of good leadership in nation-building. Today, it remains a symbol of freedom and hope for Nigerians

Dunno why Nigeria is fighting Nigerians

Happy weekend!!!!! Good morning Nigerians

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR PATRIOTIC STAND ON RIVERS STATE EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION



President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State, a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.



The President specifically commended the National Assembly's leadership—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members—for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations.



He further acknowledged the lawmakers' diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.



"The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023," President Tinubu remarked.



"As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability."



The President affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.
"Today's decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen's potential is safeguarded and nurtured," he said.

The President thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.


Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

March 20, 2025

President Tinubu suspends Governor Fubara, House of Assembly

Text of the Broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declaring State of Emergency in Rivers state on Tuesday 18 March 2025

Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.



In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

House of Representatives adopts tax reform bills, awaits Senate concurrence

The House of Representatives on Thursday adopted the report on the four tax reform bills during its session in Abuja.

It now awaits the concurrence of the Senate.

The adopted bills include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.

“These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterwards, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause", said James Abiodun Faleke, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.

He assured Nigerians that the tax reform bills would produce widely acceptable laws.

“I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations,” Faleke said.

He thanked fellow lawmakers and the House leadership for entrusting his committee with processing the tax bills and presenting them for consideration.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising tax law reforms, noting that some existing tax laws date back to 1959.

“We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” he stressed.

Deputy Committee Chairman, Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), said no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much debate as the tax reform bills.

He praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering consensus among stakeholders, ensuring broad-based input into the legislative process.

Abdullahi highlighted that representatives from all geopolitical zones and regional thought leaders were involved, easing public concerns.

“The committee’s recommendations reflect the contributions of various stakeholders.

“These were never seen as perfect documents. The Executive made proposals, and the public hearing allowed Nigerians to refine them. Lawmakers have now endorsed the final version,” he added.

Also, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process as transparent, with consultants and the Executive making adjustments to reflect public interest.

“In spite of being in the opposition, we are proud of this historic moment. It will expand the tax net and increase government revenue.

“This reform will enhance tax collection efficiency while protecting small businesses. That is why we worked together to ensure its passage,” Ugochinyere said.

Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos) said all stakeholder concerns, including inheritance tax, derivation, and VAT, were carefully considered.

“This is a great day for Nigeria. The House has approved the necessary reforms, and we now await Senate concurrence,” he said.

Reported by NAN