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Presidency

Presidency Finally Breaks Silence on Alleged Coup Plot – Full Details Emerge

by Folarin Kehinde October 30, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has dismissed reports of an alleged coup attempt in Nigeria, reaffirming its confidence in the military’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on air on TVC News on Tuesday, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare, said there was “no coup attempt” anywhere in the country.

He maintained that the government fully aligns with the position of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which had earlier denied any such plot.

Dare stressed that the military remains the constitutionally recognized institution responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity. He added that President Tinubu has full trust in their professionalism and allegiance.

He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.

“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”

However, the Presidency’s response comes amid public anxiety over claims of a coup plot and the ongoing detention of several military officers by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

In recent days, reports surfaced alleging that operatives of the Nigerian Army raided the Abuja home of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in connection with the alleged plot.

Security sources said a “special military team” conducted the raid after intelligence linked a “former South-South governor” to secret meetings with some of the detained officers.

Sources revealed that Sylva’s brother, identified as Paga, was arrested during the operation, while the former minister was said to have fled the country days earlier. The search reportedly extended to his residence in Bayelsa State.

Although there has been no official statement from the military regarding the raid, insiders described the operation as a “targeted response” to intelligence pointing to possible political involvement in the alleged coup discussions.

The Defence Intelligence Agency has reportedly detained at least 16 senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force over the matter. Family members of the officers claim they have been held for weeks without communication or formal charges.

Security experts have raised concerns over the DIA’s direct handling of the case instead of allowing the respective military services to manage their personnel internally; a move some analysts describe as “politically motivated.”

October 30, 2025 0 comments

Business

‘You lied, 139 million Nigerians not living in poverty, FG tells World Bank

by Folarin Kehinde October 9, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has faulted the World Bank’s latest economic report, which estimated that about 139 million Nigerians are living in poverty, describing the figure as exaggerated and disconnected from the country’s prevailing realities.

LEADING REPORTERS gathered that the new figure by the organisation represents an increase from 129 million in April 2025.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Wednesday, said the World Bank’s poverty estimate must be “properly contextualised” within the framework of global poverty measurement models.

“While Nigeria values its partnership with the World Bank and appreciates its contributions to policy analysis, the figure quoted must be properly contextualised. It is unrealistic,” Dare said.

According to the Presidency, the global lender’s estimate was based on the $2.15 per person per day international poverty line, set in 2017 using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). It said the figure should not be mistaken for an actual headcount of poor Nigerians.

The statement explained that, when converted to nominal terms, the $2.15 benchmark equals about N100,000 per month at the current exchange rate, which is significantly higher than Nigeria’s new minimum wage of N70,000.

It added that the PPP methodology relies on historical consumption data—Nigeria’s last major household survey was conducted in 2018/2019—and often fails to account for the large informal and subsistence sectors that sustain millions of Nigerian families.

“There must be caution against interpreting the World Bank’s numbers as a literal, real-time headcount,” the Presidency said. “The figure is an analytical construct, not a direct reflection of local income realities.”

The Presidency, therefore, described the World Bank’s estimate as a modelled global projection rather than an empirical reflection of living conditions in 2025.

Dare stressed that the administration’s focus was on changing the trajectory, not debating static figures, adding that Nigeria’s economy was now on a recovery and reform path aimed at achieving inclusive growth and social protection.

He noted that the administration has expanded a number of social welfare and economic initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda to cushion the impact of recent reforms while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

These, he said, include the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, which now covers 15 million households nationwide with digital verification through the National Social Register; the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme targeting all 8,809 electoral wards with micro-infrastructure and social projects; and the strengthening of National Social Investment Programmes such as N-Power, GEEP micro-loans, and school feeding schemes to support jobs, businesses, and education.

He further cited food security initiatives involving the distribution of subsidised grains and fertilisers, mechanisation partnerships, and the revival of strategic food reserves to stabilise staple prices.

The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, he said, is financing key road, housing, and power projects to lower living costs and create jobs, while the National Credit Guarantee Company is expanding affordable credit access for small businesses, women, and youth entrepreneurs through risk-sharing arrangements with commercial banks.

The Presidency maintained that the Tinubu administration was tackling Nigeria’s poverty challenge by addressing the structural distortions that have constrained productivity and inclusive growth for decades.

It explained that ongoing reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification, and fiscal reallocation of funds toward productive sectors were “painful but necessary choices” aimed at fixing the root causes of poverty rather than its symptoms.

It noted that even the World Bank had acknowledged that these reforms are already restoring macroeconomic stability and growth momentum.

The government emphasised that economic recovery alone is not enough unless it translates into real welfare gains for ordinary Nigerians. According to the statement, the administration’s medium-term priority is to ensure that macroeconomic stability leads to affordable food, quality jobs, and reliable infrastructure.

It added that major investments were underway in agriculture, manufacturing, and power, including new gas-to-power projects and skill development hubs expected to boost job creation and reduce living costs. “Nigerians should begin to feel visible improvements in food prices, income, and purchasing power as these programmes mature,” the statement said.

The Presidency also revealed that efforts were ongoing to consolidate the nation’s social protection architecture under a unified, data-driven framework to enhance transparency and ensure that no vulnerable community is left behind. It said the administration was expanding the National Social Register and scaling up existing social investment schemes to provide targeted support to poor households.

The Presidency reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy that directly improves living standards. “Nigeria rejects exaggerated statistical interpretations detached from local realities. The government remains focused on empowering households, expanding opportunity, and laying the foundation for a fairer, more prosperous nation,” the statement said.

October 9, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Presidency Apologizes After Naming Living Icons in Posthumous Honours

by Folarin Kehinde June 13, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

A moment meant to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic heroes took an awkward turn on Thursday when the Presidency mistakenly listed two living figures—Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Dr. Edwin Madunagu—under its posthumous honours during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly.

The blunder drew swift public attention and raised eyebrows, prompting a formal apology from the Presidency just hours later.

In an official statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, admitted the mistake, calling it an unfortunate oversight.

“Under the Posthumous Award category, the names of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, and Dr. Edwin Madunagu were incorrectly included,” Onanuga acknowledged. “Both distinguished individuals are very much alive and should not have appeared in the posthumous category.”

Onanuga assured the public that the Presidency is taking immediate steps to correct the error across all State House communication channels.

“We sincerely regret this oversight. We shall make the necessary corrections across all State House digital platforms. We appreciate your understanding,” the statement added.

The Democracy Day ceremony was intended to honour a range of individuals—both living and deceased—who have played significant roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.

Despite the unintended gaffe, the event saw the recognition of several notable national figures for their sacrifices and contributions.

Observers have called on the Presidency to tighten vetting processes for such sensitive recognitions to avoid future errors that could embarrass or misrepresent national icons.

June 13, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

‘We are sorry’ – Presidency apologises over errors in federal appointments list

by Folarin Kehinde April 10, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has tendered an apology for the errors in the list of appointments released to counter the narrative about President Bola Tinubu’s alleged lopsided appointments.

LEADING REPORTERS reports that the president’s appointments have been a topic of conversation lately, as opposition politicians accuse him of favoring his tribesmen and women over Nigerians from other ethnic groups.

Senator Ali Ndume, an APC lawmaker representing Borno South, in a recent interview with Arise Television, accused the President of violating the federal character principle in his appointments.

Ndume said he decided to call the president’s attention to his ‘lopsided appointments’ because, as a lawmaker, he has the right to criticize the President, even though they belong to the same party.

Countering the allegation, the presidency released a list of President Tinubu’s appointees and their geopolitical zones.

The list showed that the President had appointed 29 people from the South West, his home region, 35 from the North West, 22 from the South-South, 16 from the South East, 25 from North Central, and 24 from the North East.

However, the President’s critics have pointed out that the list was not comprehensive, as the name of a major appointee from the President’s home region was missing.

The omission of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, from the list further strengthened the regional imbalance narrative against President Tinubu’s administration, as the list clearly showed that the South East is highly underrepresented in his government.

As the document triggered debate on social media, the Special Adviser, Media & Public Communication/Spokesperson to the President, Sunday Dare, has apologized for the errors in the list.

We have noticed a number of errors in the list of appointments tweeted. We are sorry. We will provide an updated list later. Thank you,” Dare appealed to Nigerians on X.

However, Dare did not explain why Gbajabiamila’s name was omitted from the list.

April 10, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Presidency Lambast Obasanjo for Tagging Tinubu’s Projects as ‘Wasteful’

by Folarin Kehinde March 13, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian presidency has reacted to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s projects, dismissing his claims as baseless and misleading.

Obasanjo had condemned the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it wasteful and corrupt.

He also criticized the Tinubu administration for approving N21 billion for a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, labelling it an unnecessary expense and a misplaced priority.

The former president made these remarks in his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he analyzed the leadership styles and decisions of Nigerian leaders. The book was launched last week as part of his 88th birthday celebrations.

In response, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing Obasanjo of hypocrisy and poor leadership during his own time in office.

“While it is common for many elder statesmen to write books aimed at sanctifying their days as the leader of the country despite obvious flaws, another elder statesman, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has just published a memoir containing claims that would further relegate his integrity as the leader who opened Nigeria to the cankerworms of corruption,” Olusegun wrote.

He accused Obasanjo of neglecting critical projects during his tenure.

He said, “By underplaying the importance of the Lagos-Calabar project in his latest book, President OBJ has not only affirmed to those who witnessed his administration’s several failures to address the needs of the country when he had the opportunity, but he has also put in written form, a position which generations to come will indeed question when the road that will end up as one of the most significant endeavors of any Federal Government in the history of the country finally becomes a reality.”

Olusegun further argued that Obasanjo failed in infrastructure development despite spending eight years in office. According to him, “It took former President Buhari just three years to deliver the first modern rail to pass through Baba’s backyard in Abeokuta. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most important road projects, remained incomplete under Baba and the PDP for 16 years until Buhari completed it.”

He also referenced other abandoned projects, such as the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, which he claimed had to be inherited by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2024 because Obasanjo failed to complete it despite holding power.

“Should we delve into the corruption that brought Nigeria’s power sector to its knees despite the claims of spending billions of dollars to fix the same under his administration? Or his failure to revive our refineries, killing our steel industry, and the fraudulent privatization of NITEL, among others?” Olusegun added.

The presidential aide accused Obasanjo of being jealous of Tinubu’s leadership. His words, “Like the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and Lagos-Abuja Highway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is a project that will change the economic landscape of our country for life. Former President OBJ must pretend not to be jealous of the master strategist who is rewriting the history of the southwestern presidency by fixing all that needs to be fixed across the country.”

“President Tinubu will not be deterred by distractions such as these, and believe me, Nigerians who understand development will not be distracted at this point,” he added.

March 13, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Tinubu Needed to Borrow, Buy New Presidential Jet Worth N150 billion – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde February 11, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has justified President Bola Tinubu’s decision to purchase a new presidential jet, worth around N150 billion, despite public outcry and widespread poverty.

Aside from the purchase of a new presidential jet, the government have been criticised for continuing in the habit of borrowing despite improved income.

According to Daniel Bwala, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, the new jet is necessary for the president’s global travels.

The government had last year unveiled a new Airbus A330 purchased for the President. The new jet, it was revealed, replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Asked for the justification of the purchase in Arise Television’s The Morning Show program on Tuesday, Bwala explained that the previous jet had frequent problems.

He said, “As for the purchase of the presidential jet, it’s justifiable because for the president to travel around the world, he would need a better jet.

“I understand that when Buhari was in power, occasionally his jet had problems that needed to be fixed.

“And with respect to appointment, you appoint to meet a purpose, if there is a need to appoint people you will appoint, where the trouble will come is when you appoint people and they are not effective.”

The presidential spokesman also addressed concerns about the administration’s borrowing policy. Bwala stated that borrowing is justified when funds are used for infrastructural development. He noted that Nigeria’s limited resources require borrowing to meet the government’s mandate.

His words, “When I made the decision to support the president, I decided to pay attention to his policies and doing research. In doing so I decided to look at where there failure, I tried to know why.

“For example, there was a time we had food inflation and I tried to look at what actually is the cause of the food inflation and I realized there was natural disaster in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, while we have insecurity in the Northwest.

“The research is to find reason for whatever is the policy and where there is a misinterpretation of the policy, we will come out and give our perspective. Government is a work in progress, there is nothing magical about what I said before and what I’m saying now .

“As opposition, I opposed the government and now I speak for the government.

“The government borrows and there is a justification for borrowing. Before now, I never cared about whatever is the justification but now I realize that for the government to be able to carryout it’s mandate for the people with limited resources, it needs to borrow.

“I will give you an example, there is a research by economics that only infrastructure alone, Nigeria needs to spend between 30 to 100 billion dollars annually in other to meet up with the deficit. Or in proper perspective, over a period of 30 years, Nigeria must spend between two to three trillion dollars.

“The budget of Nigeria is less than 35 trillion dollars, so definitely you see the need to borrow, when you borrow what do you do with it is what matters. The government borrow for infrastructure and intervention in the areas where it affects Nigerian people, so there is a justification for borrowing.”

February 11, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Tax reform bills won’t harm north, no plan to scrap agencies – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has clarified that the proposed Tax Reform Bills do not recommend the scrapping of prominent agencies such as TETFUND, NASENI, or NITDA.

According to the State House, instead, the reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, reducing the burden on businesses and promoting investment.

In a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, stressed that the bills consolidate multiple taxes into a single levy while ensuring agencies remain funded through budgetary provisions.

The changes, he noted, are designed to modernize outdated tax laws, fostering national growth without impoverishing any region.

Part of the statement read: “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country.

“Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living. Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.

“Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes.

“One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.

“For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives.

“The multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations.

“Some companies have had to make the rational decision to relocate to other countries. We can not continue on this path or wait for 20 years if this country is to deliver the prosperity we need for our people.

“The proposal, as contained in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill, only seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with the key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030.

“The time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations in line with the constitution and international best practices.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Presidency announces death of Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja

by Folarin Kehinde November 6, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga,presidential spokesman, it was revealed that Lagbaja In a statement passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

November 6, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding positive results – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde October 22, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The presidency has insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are yielding positive results.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this via a post on X.

Onanuga, however, admitted that the times are tough but there is a brighter future ahead.

He wrote: “The economic reforms of the PBAT administration are yielding dividends. The road is rough, the times are tough, let us persevere for a brighter future. Surely, there is a beam of light at the end of the tunnel.”

Onanuga churned out some statistics that said: “In the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria recorded trade super plus of N65.527 trillion. But by the second quarter, that number rose to N65.945 trillion, a 6.5 percent increase.

“By half year 2024, we had exported enough to cover half of Nigeria’s N28.77 trillion budget.”

October 22, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Presidency Reveals Stance Amid ‘Impeachment Plans’ for Senate President Akpabio

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian presidency has revealed its stance on an alleged impeachment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The announcement was made by Senator Basheer Lado, President Bola Tinubu’s Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate).

Lado said claims of such impeachment are baseless.

According to him, the Executive and Legislature enjoy a healthy relationship, rendering any impeachment plans impossible.

It can be recalled that there were reports alleging that security agents had been deployed to prevent senators from carrying out their legislative duties over a potential impeachment.

However, Lado, in a statement, countered the claims.

He said, “I wish to categorically state that these reports are baseless and should be disregarded as there is no discord within the rank and file of the senators.

“The legislative body remains united in its commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in line with his dedication to a harmonious working relationship among the senators, recognises the critical role of the senate in driving legislative progress.

“His Excellency remains committed to ensuring that this collaboration is based on mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for peace, progress and prosperity of all Nigerians.

“I therefore urge the public to disregard such unfounded publications which could undermine the integrity of the legislature.”

October 17, 2024 0 comments

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