Obasanjo Calls for Incentives to Retain Doctors in Nigeria

           

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Former President has called on governments at all levels to provide incentives for medical professionals in order to stem the tide of migration, popularly known as ‘Japa’.

Speaking at the commissioning of a hospital in Zamfara State, the former President stressed the urgent need to retain trained doctors and healthcare workers within the country.

Chief Obasanjo emphasised that beyond infrastructure and equipment, quality healthcare delivery also depends on human resources.

His comments come amid growing concern over the exodus of Nigerian health professionals seeking better pay and working conditions abroad.

Federal Government Moves to Close 2.3 Trillion Dollar Infrastructure Gap Through PPP

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is ready and open for business as he officially opened the Nigeria 2025 Public-Private Partnership Summit at the State House, Abuja on Monday.

The Vice President, delivered his remarks on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, at an event, organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, which brought together stakeholders from government and the private sector to explore strategies for closing Nigeria’s 2.3 trillion-dollar infrastructure gap.

He underscored that Nigeria can no longer build a modern economy on outdated infrastructure, adding that exclusive reliance on government funding for capital projects was unsustainable.

Highlighting the government’s reform efforts, Vice President Shettima said the President Tinubu administration had liberalized the foreign exchange market, removed fuel subsidies, and strengthened the ICRC in a bid to attract investment.

The Vice President noted that the goal, guided by the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, is to raise infrastructure stock from 30–35 percent of GDP to at least 70 percent by 2043.

Senator Lokpobiri faults Senator Dickson’s criticism of president Tinubu’s Democratic Credentials.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, has criticized Senator Seriake Dickson over his Democracy Day comments, which accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of complicity in the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement issued through Mrs. Nneamaka Okafor, his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Senator Lokpobiri described Senator Dickson's remarks as regrettable and an unfair attack on a leader with proven commitment to democracy and regional development.

Senator Lokpobiri emphasized that President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey are well-documented.

He recalled President Tinubu’s sacrifices during the military era, including exile and personal hardship, which helped lay the foundation for today’s democracy.

He said Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Niger Delta has witnessed significant progress.

Senator Lokpobiri highlighted key achievements such as the activation of Host Community Development Trusts, accelerated Ogoni land cleanup, establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, FUET in Ogoni, reconstruction of the East-West Road, and appointments of Niger Delta indigenes to critical positions.

Additionally, security improvements have led to reduced pipeline vandalism and increased investor confidence.

Senator Lokpobiri urged Senator Dickson to avoid politicizing the situation in Rivers State, stressing that President Tinubu's administration has consistently upheld constitutional order and dialogue.

He called for unity and collaboration in the Niger Delta, urging leaders to support the President's national renewal efforts.

Rivers lawmakers warn ex-Bayelsa gov against interference

The Rivers State National Assembly caucus has warned Senator Seriake Dickson, the lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District to stop mingling in the affairs of the state, following the senator’s condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day outing at the parliament on Thursday.

The group also said the state is not under military rule dismissing Dickson’s assertion that Rivers was under military rule, explaining that the current administrator, Vice Admiral (retd) Ibok-Ette Ibas, is a civilian by law adding that Senator Dickson, a retired police corporal himself, should understand that retired officers are civilians.

Addressing a press conference at the National Assembly Complex on Friday, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the leader of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus noted that Senator Dickson’s utterances were not only inciteful but unbecoming of a lawmaker who equally had a security background as a former policeman.

The caucus maintained that President Bola Tinubu acted swiftly and decisively to prevent the escalation of violence and systemic breakdown that loomed over the state.

Dickson had on Thursday condemned Tinubu’s silence in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State during his address at a joint session of the National Assembly.

He further accused the Tinubu administration of backing unconstitutional governance in Rivers, saying it contradicted the spirit of June 12, which commemorates Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

But addressing journalists on Friday at the National Assembly, the leader of the rivers’ caucus at the National Assembly, Kingsley Chinda, described Dickson’s comments as inciting and unbecoming of a lawmaker with a background in law enforcement.

The statement was co-signed by Senators Barry Mpigi (Rivers South-East) and Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East); and House of Representatives members Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, Cyril Hart, Blessing Amadi, and Victor Obuzor.

The caucus insisted that the emergency rule in Rivers was a constitutional response to political instability, citing the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025 ruling that there was no government in the state.

He accused Dickson of promoting ethnic bias and misleading Fubara during his visits, which allegedly led to the governor’s suspension.

Amnesty International tells President to Declare Ken Saro-Wiwa innocent

Amnesty International has criticized the recent pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to Mr. Ken Saro-Wiwa, the late environmental activist and his eight co-campaigners, who were convicted and executed by the Gen. Sani Abacha’s military regime.

In a statement by Mr. Isa Sanusi, Nigeria’s Director of the Amnesty International, said while the government’s move was a step in the right direction, it did not go far enough in delivering justice.

In separate event, the Human rights organization has called on the National Assembly to take urgent legislative action to protect and promote human rights in the country, amid growing concerns over repression, insecurity, and shrinking civic space.

It may interest you to know that Saro-Wiwa, who was the leader of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, was executed alongside eight other activists on November 10, 1995.

The activists, known as the Ogoni Nine, had Saro-Wiwa, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, and Daniel Gbokoo.

But Tinubu, during the June 12 Democracy Day on Thursday, pardoned the activists.

However, the international rights organisation stated that the pardon fell far short of the justice they deserve.

He accused the Nigerian government of using the executions to silence protests against oil pollution in the Niger Delta and shield multinational oil firms from accountability.

Sanusi also stressed that justice for the Ogoni Nine was only a starting point, urging the government to take further steps to address decades of environmental degradation in the region.

He, however, called on oil firms to pay full compensation and clean up the environmental mess caused by decades of oil spills and gas flaring in the region.

Speaking at the first-ever membership Annual General Meeting of the organisation in Abuja, Mr. Auwal Musa, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the organization expressed concern over the deteriorating state of human rights and persistent abuses across Nigeria.

Wike, Fayose, Ikpeazu, Ortom Visit Tinubu At Aso Villa

In what many political observers describe as an early step towards strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday evening held a closed-door meeting with prominent figures of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, including key allies of the former G5 Governors faction.

The high-level meeting took place at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and was reportedly convened by Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Chief Wike, who served as the immediate past governor of Rivers State, played a central role during the last election cycle by leading the influential G5 Governors bloc, a group that famously broke ranks with the PDP leadership and opposed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate.

Joining Chief Wike at the Saturday meeting were two of his former G5 colleagues, ex-governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, as well as former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, another PDP heavyweight known for his maverick political moves and open support for Tinubu during the 2023 elections.

Although the Presidency has yet to issue an official statement regarding the details of the parley, sources close to the discussions revealed that the meeting explored the possibility of formal political collaboration and how the former PDP stalwarts could be integrated into the evolving power structure under the President Tinubu administration.

Political analysts believe the meeting is a signal that the President Tinubu camp is consolidating alliances across party lines, particularly with influential opposition figures who have a history of rebellion against their party’s national leadership.

Some sources described the move as a strategic attempt to further weaken the PDP, fortify the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and shape the political landscape ahead of 2027.

President Tinubu cancels National Broadcast, to address Nigerians from National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his previously scheduled nationwide broadcast for Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary and will instead deliver his address during a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, who attributed the change to the president’s scheduled attendance at the National Assembly.

Imohiosen also confirmed that despite the cancellation of the broadcast, other planned activities for Democracy Day will proceed as scheduled.

Additionally, an earlier notice sent to journalists disclosed that the traditional military parade, initially planned for June 12, has also been cancelled. However, no official reason was given for its removal from the program.

The revised lineup for the Democracy Day celebrations was outlined in a statement signed by Abdulhakeem Adeoye on behalf of the Director, Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It includes:

1. Presidential National Broadcast: Cancelled

2. Democracy Day Parade: Cancelled

3. National Assembly Joint Session: President Tinubu to attend at 12 noon

4. Public Lecture on Democracy Day Celebration: State House Conference Centre, Abuja, at 4 p.m.

The theme for the public lecture is “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.” The committee organising the event specified that the lecture would be covered exclusively by accredited State House correspondents.

President Tinubu’s decision to address the nation from the National Assembly instead of the traditional broadcast marks a shift in the observance of Democracy Day, as Nigerians anticipate his message on governance and national development.

Governor Eno welcome by a mammoth crowd Warns Against Destructive Criticism

Governor Umo Eno returned to a rousing welcome at the Victor Attah International Airport, where a mammoth crowd gathered to receive him. His Excellency had been in Nice, France, as part of the delegation to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025 Special Event on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience.

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on the people of the State to ignore detractors and destructive critics who are hell bent on disrupting the inherent peace in the State, but to remain focused on the realization of the ARISE Agenda .

Governor Eno was addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Victor Attah International Airport on his arrival from the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC); 2025 Special Event on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience held in Nice, France. 

He stressed that Akwa Ibom State will remain focused, peaceful and united in support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue and complete the life-touching projects initiated by the Federal Government for the people as well as Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

He said his 'progressive' movement to the All Progressive Congress, APC, was never meant to bring disunity to the State, but to strategically position the State for progress and greatness. 

He vowed to remain committed to leading Akwa Ibom on the path of unity, peace and progress, under the directive and influence of the Holy Spirit which found him worthy to lead the State at this critical period. 

The State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described the political criticism against the Governor's movement as unreasonable, adding that Governor Eno is the right leader at the moment who will continue to pilot the affairs of the State with passion irrespective of the criticisms. 

He called on the people to desist from listening to vain criticisms, and join hands to support the Governor to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal to the State.

Welcoming the Governor back to the State, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the warm and colourful reception was a demonstration of solidarity and love for a father and Governor who has performed creditably well.

Expressing the sentiments of the people of the State, he pledged the continued support of Akwa Ibom people who, he said, have promised to follow and stand by the Governor wherever he goes.

Governor Eno welcome back home with a mammoth crowd

President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide address at 7 AM on Thursday, June 12, as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, representing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day, the President’s speech will be followed by a joint session of the National Assembly at noon.

Later in the day, a public lecture themed “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms” will take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4 PM.

However, the traditional Democracy Day parade has been cancelled, with no official explanation provided.

Despite the milestone of 26 years of democracy, concerns over governance persist. Dele Momodu, a publisher and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, voiced his concerns on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, warning that Nigeria is sliding into a “civilian dictatorship.”

The Democracy Day National Broadcast is expected to unveil the direction of the Tinubu’s administration in the next two years.

There are also indication that the President will use the opportunity to grant State Pardon to deserving Nigerians, amongst other landmark decisions.

Osinbajo constitutes judicial commission‎ to probe military

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, of the Court of Appeal, to review compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations.

In a press release made available to newsmen by the senior special assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the Commission is empowered to review extant rules of engagement applicable to the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the extent of compliance.

According to the statement, the commission is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation, (by Nigerian security agencies) of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws.

Members of the committee include:

(i) Hon. Justice Biobele A. Georgewill – Chairman;
(ii) Major-General Patrick Akem – member;
(iii) Mr. Wale Fapohunda – member;
(iv) Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim – member;
(v) Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim – member;
(vi) Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama – member; and
(vii) Representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser – member.

The Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days.

Nigerians new minimum wage – Saraki

The Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, says the National Assembly is ready to legalize a new Minimum Wage for Nigerians.

Saraki, who made this known in Abuja, says that the senate is aware of the need to review the current minimum wage.

He, note that the legislature is only waiting for the executive to make a formal presentation to the National Assembly on the issue.

The nations number three man adds that all the indices upon which the last minimum wage of N18, 000 was approved had changed and that there is, therefore, no need leaving the wage unchanged.

He acknowledged that the sufferings of Nigerians were glaring, stressing that the national assembly is only waiting for the executive to present a bill for a wage review.

Note that the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is demanding an upward push from 18,000 to 56,000 as minimum wage.

 

On the inability of some state governments to pay the current minimum wage, Saraki expressed optimism that all state governors were responsible and would key into a new wage when approved.

 

Note that the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is demanding an upward push from 18,000 to 56,000 as minimum wage.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/56000-new-minimum-wage-nass-ready-waiting-executive-saraki/

Note that the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is demanding an upward push from 18,000 to 56,000 as minimum wage.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/56000-new-minimum-wage-nass-ready-waiting-executive-saraki/

Note that the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is demanding an upward push from 18,000 to 56,000 as minimum wage.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/56000-new-minimum-wage-nass-ready-waiting-executive-saraki/

Note that the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is demanding an upward push from 18,000 to 56,000 as minimum wage.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/56000-new-minimum-wage-nass-ready-waiting-executive-saraki/

Archbishop of Canterbury again visits Buhari in London

 

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has paid a personal visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja House, London.

This was confirmed by Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement.

Adesina says Welby and his principal are friends, who share deep respect for each other.

The cleric pledged to continue praying for both President Buhari and Nigeria.

On his part, the Nigerian president thanked Archbishop Welby, whom he noted had always stood by him at critical times, and wished him God’s continued grace in his spiritual duty of leading the Anglican Communion worldwide.

It may intrest you to know that the Archbishop also paid a goodwill visit to Buhari in March during his medical vacation in London, UK.

Senate orders arrest of 30 firms’ officials over an alleged N30trn revenue scam

The Senate has directed the Nigerian Police to arrest chief executives of 30 firms, including Crown Flour Mills and Glo Mobile, for failing to appear before its committee probing national revenue loss.

The companies are alleged to have been involved in the N30 trillion-revenue believed to have been lost by the country in its maritime sector.

The other companies are British American Tobacco, CCECC, Dana Group, Olam Int. Ltd., Hong Xing Steel Co. Ltd., Visafone, African Wire, Star Comments and Allied Ltd. and Aarti Steel Nig. Ltd.

Others are Abyem-Diva Int. Ltd., Gagasel Int., Friesland Capina, Etco Nig., Edic Chemicals and Allied Distributors, De United Foods, Don Climax Group, Skill G Nig. Ltd., Premium Seafood and La Rauf Nig. Ltd.

Also involved are Standard Metallurgical Co. Ltd., Kam Industries, IBG Investment Ltd., Orazulike Trading Co. Ltd., Popular Foods Ltd., A-Kelnal Integrated & Logistics Services, African Industries, African Tiles & Ceramics and ZTE Nigeria.

The Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff and Marine Transport, handling the investigation had invited 63 firms accused of complicity in the scam but only 33 honoured the invitation.

The order to arrest the companies’ officials was announced by Chairman of the committee, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, at the committee’s meeting on Friday in Abuja.

He note that the refusal of the officials to honour the invitation in spite of several reminders was disrespect for the National Assembly.

Uzodinma warned that the 8th Senate would not tolerate such behaviour from anybody or institution, particularly in the present situation that involved Federal Government funds.

According to him, investigations carried out by the joint committee showed several forms of infractions that have cost the country huge amount of money in revenue loss.

The chairman asked the firms that honoured the invitation to go through the documents given to them and return next week for defence.

The Senate had mandated the joint committee to carry out extensive investigation into alleged N30 trillion revenue leakages in the import and export value chain between 2006 and 2017.

The committee had already interfaced with commercial banks indicted in the matter as well as relevant government agencies.