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Tinubu
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JUST IN: Tinubu speaks on possibility of championing one-party state in Nigeria

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has addressed the concerns raised by several Nigerians over the his move to drag the nation into a one-party state system.

In a post made on his X account in commemoration of the 26th Democracy Day celebration, the president said the alarm raised by some persons is in error.

He wrote, “To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error.”

He further stated that at no point in time has he ever viewed the nation as a one-party State.

Stating that such is not good for Nigeria, Tinubu also said he has never interfered with the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC,” Tinubu said.

He added, “Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.”

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Headlines

It’s my pleasure to witness you in such disarray – Tinubu taunts opposition party members

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his pleasure over the litany of the crisis rocking the major opposition parties in the country.

The president made his stance on the opposition to these political crisis known during his Democracy Day live broadcast which took place at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday, June 12.

He urged the opposition members to work towards putting their houses in order.

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of political parties examining their internal party processes with the aim of serving their members better.

He said that he is aware that opposition party members are scared of losing their members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The president, however, warned the parties against conjuring falsehoods against him and the ruling party.

He said, “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.

“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population,” Tinubu stated.

According to the president, parties must not focus on eliminating political competition but ensure that competitions are channelled to the benefit of the people.

“One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the

legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development,” he said.

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Headlines

BREAKING: President Tinubu Honours Wole Soyinka with GCON Award

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

The announcement was made during the president’s Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday in Abuja.

Professor Soyinka is a renowned playwright, poet, and human rights advocate.

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National Assembly
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June 12: Journalists denied access from NASS chamber ahead of Tinubu’s address

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Journalists accredited to cover the National Assembly were on Thursday barred from gaining access to the National Assembly chamber where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives as part of the Democracy Day celebrations.

LEADING REPORTERS reports that President Tinubu is expected to deliver his Democracy Day speech at noon as part of activities marking the 12th June commemoration.

Journalists from several major news organisations, despite possessing valid accreditation tags, were reportedly denied entry by security personnel stationed at the entrance to the gallery.
According to officials of the Department of State Services, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and other security operatives manning the gate, only individuals with “special accreditation” would be granted access to cover the session.

It was gathered that while accredited journalists were locked out, several politicians, aides, and individuals with no official role in the proceedings gained entry into the chamber.

Security personnel instructed the journalists to follow the proceedings from the television screens at the National Assembly’s media centre.

Meanwhile, members of the press corps described the move as an infringement on press freedom and a deliberate attempt to limit media coverage of a significant national event.

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Tinubu
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JUST IN: Tinubu Confers Posthumous Honours On Abiola, Humphrey Nwosu, Others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed posthumous national honours on key figures who played pivotal roles in the nation’s democratic struggle, including the late Chief MKO Abiola and former National Electoral Commission (NEC) chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

Speaking during a special address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices of Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as other pro-democracy icons.

Also honoured were renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, a leading voice in the resistance against military rule and wife of the late Abiola.

More to follow…..

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PDP
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Democracy Day: PDP Accuses Tinubu, APC of Plot to Establish One-Party State

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, urging Nigerians to resist what it described as anti-democratic tendencies.

The party made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day.

June 12 was designated Nigeria’s official Democracy Day in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, in honour of the late Moshood Abiola, widely regarded as the rightful winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. This year’s observance marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.

In its statement, the PDP alleged that the Tinubu administration is attempting to impose the APC on Nigerians and undermine democratic institutions.

“The Peoples Democratic Party calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of the June 12 Democracy Day to reawaken and strengthen their resistance to the anti-democratic designs of the All Progressives Congress, particularly the plot to foist a despotic one-party regime in Nigeria,” the party said.

The PDP also called on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and the international community to speak out against what it described as a decline in justice, rule of law, electoral credibility, and political participation.

It urged all stakeholders to unite in defending democratic values and protecting citizens’ rights to free political expression and participation.

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Aliko Dangote
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Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Aliko Dangote will step down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025, marking the end of a two-decade tenure at the helm of the company.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, who described the move as part of a broader succession and corporate governance plan.

Dangote, who has led the board since 2005, is credited with transforming Dangote Sugar into a dominant force in Nigeria’s sugar industry. His leadership saw the implementation of major expansion initiatives and strengthened governance practices within the company.

“In line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc hereby announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), effective June 16, 2025,” the company said.

The statement also highlighted key Backward Integration Projects undertaken under Dangote’s leadership in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, aimed at boosting local sugar production and reducing reliance on imports.

Following a selection and transition process, the Board has appointed Independent Non-Executive Director Arnold Ekpe as the incoming Chairman, effective the same day.

Ekpe, a seasoned executive, will take over leadership as the company enters a new phase of growth and development.

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World Bank
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World Bank Re-enters Nuclear Energy Space to Meet Growing Power Demand

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The World Bank is re-engaging in nuclear energy for the first time in decades, according to President Ajay Banga, as part of efforts to help developing countries meet surging electricity demand.

In a staff email on Wednesday, Banga announced that the bank will collaborate closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), focusing on strengthening non-proliferation safeguards and regulatory frameworks.

The move comes as electricity demand in developing countries is projected to more than double by 2035. To meet this rising need, annual investment in power generation, grid infrastructure, and storage must grow from the current $280 billion to approximately $630 billion, Banga said in the memo obtained by AFP.

“We will support efforts to extend the life of existing reactors in countries that already have them, and help support grid upgrades and related infrastructure,” he stated.

The Washington-based institution also plans to accelerate the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to make them a practical option for more countries in the future.

Banga, who assumed leadership of the World Bank in 2023, has advocated for a shift in the bank’s energy policy. His message to staff followed a board meeting held on Tuesday.

“The goal is to help countries deliver the energy their people need, while giving them the flexibility to choose the path that best fits their development ambitions,” he said.

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Headlines

June 12: Heavy security as protesters rally in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Protesters took to the streets of Lagos on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, despite a significant deployment of security personnel across key areas of the city.

Security operatives, including officers from the Nigeria Police Force, maintained a visible presence at protest sites. Patrol vehicles were positioned strategically to control movement and prevent any potential escalation.

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Headlines

‘Blatant liar’ – Air Peace replies Oshiomole’s allegations

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian leading airline, Air Peace, has challenged Senator Adam Oshiomhole to provide evidence of its officials shortchanging passengers.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, had on Wednesday disrupted flight schedules at the Lagos Aiport.

Air Peace later alleged that Oshiomhole clashed with its staff and disrupted flight operation simply because the senator missed his flight.

In response, the former Governor of Edo State narrated his side of what transpired with the airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, Zulu Hall.

He accused Air Peace of preventing him and other passengers from boarding from Lagos to Abuja despite doing online check-in, saying that officials were selling air tickets on the spot at inflated prices to willing buyers.

Responding in a statement on Wednesday night, Air Peace said the Senator lied blatantly when he, among other things, accused it of extorting its passengers.

It challenged Senator Oshiomole to provide evidence of a passenger who was extorted.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the deliberate falsehood being peddled by Senator Adams Oshiomole against Air Peace.

“The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers. We challenge Senator Oshiomole to bring one evidence of a passenger that was extorted.

“None of our staff ever extorted any passenger. In fact, no ticket was sold after the closure of check-in on that flight. Everyone who flew bought their ticket prior to the flight closure.

“Again, our flight was never overbooked as some of his videos alleged. In fact, the aircraft took off with over thirty (30) empty seats. It would have been in our interest to carry Oshiomhole and those others who missed their flights for lateness on this flight, instead of flying many empty seats; but we will never sacrifice our strict on-time performance for monetary gains.

“It’s absolutely false that he was offered preferential treatment and that he was fighting for others. Senator Oshiomole was not fighting for anyone. He came to the airport late and was told that he was late. He then began to forment trouble. He jumped on the baggage conveyor belt preventing the check-in process of other flights. He also barricaded the entrance gate and prevented access to the terminal. While he was doing all this, he also deliberately instigated other passengers against the Airline.

We call on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release the CCTV coverage starting from the time Senator Oshiomole entered the airport, for Nigerians to see. His accusation of extortion is very defamatory. His conduct was very violent, unbecoming, unfortunate and above all, shameful.”

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