President Tinubu names staunch PDP stalwart who has been supporting his Govt
President Tinubu names staunch PDP stalwart who has been supporting his Govt
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the role played by former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, in offering constructive advice to his administration, revealing that he personally appealed to the elder statesman not to go on self-exile after the 2023 elections.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of Chief George’s memoir in Lagos.
The president was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
In his tribute, the president commended George a former military governor of Ondo State for what he described as consistent and patriotic contributions to national discourse.
“Since assuming office, Chief George has been very gracious in offering advice and suggestions through his various interventions on national issues. I find many of his suggestions very valuable and enriching,” Tinubu said.
The president also recalled George’s public declaration before the 2023 polls that he might leave the country if Tinubu emerged victorious. He said he personally urged the PDP chieftain to reconsider, assuring him that Nigeria needed all its statesmen at home to build a united and prosperous nation.
“When he said he would go on exile if I won, I appealed to him to have a change of heart because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together for the peaceful and prosperous country we all desire,” Tinubu added.
President Tinubu added that, ‘’The event of today has again demonstrated that, as politicians, we disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of a household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than us.
“Politically, Chief Olabode George and I have been on opposite sides since 1999. But that has never diminished my admiration for him as a leader in Nigeria and in Lagos, our home state. I know the respect has always been mutual.”
The event was attended by former governors of Adamawa, Niger, Ogun, and Kano states — Murtala Nyako, Babangida Aliyu, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, respectively.
Also in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, among other dignitaries.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Col. Paul Edor-Obi (rtd), lauded Chief George as both a mentor and a father figure.
“This milestone is a testimony to a life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
“Over the decades, you distinguished yourself as a professional, elder statesman, and a political leader. Your contributions to Nigerian democratic development and national unity remain deeply appreciated.
“You have demonstrated uncommon courage in standing with conviction, and have shown remarkable consistency in promoting justice, peace and good governance,” he said.
He added that Chief George’s autobiography would serve as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, recounted how Chief George played a pivotal role in his political rise, revealing that the elder statesman intervened at a critical moment when he was pursuing his ambition to become governor, ultimately preventing him from being “drowned” in the turbulence of politics.
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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.
The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.
“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.
FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.
The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.
“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.
The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.
Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.
“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.
He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)
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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”
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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.
The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.
Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
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