Today's Headlines:Kwara PDP Suspends State Youth Leader Indefinitely;Tinubu Meets Abdulsalami

Kwara PDP Suspends State Youth Leader Indefinitely

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The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its youth leader, Prince Haliru Dansoho Mahmoud.

The decision was reached at the meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) after receiving the report of the disciplinary committee set up to look into the matter of the alleged ungentlemanly outbursts of the State Youth Leader against the party.

The report received from the disciplinary committee, however, indicated that Mahmoud was guilty of all the charges brought against him by party members.

According to a statement issued in Ilorin, the state capital, on Tuesday, by Prince Tunji Moronfoye, the spokesman of the party, the State Working Committee decided to suspend the youth leader indefinitely after considering the report.

Tinubu Meets Abdulsalami

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, met with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Touray; and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the Aso Villa.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, was also in the meeting held to discuss the coup in neighbouring Niger Republic.

Abdulsalami had led ECOWAS delegation to Niger over the weekend for “final” negotiations for a return of power to deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.

Abdulsalami briefed Tinubu in his capacity as ECOWAS chairperson on the details of the meeting with the junta leaders.

After his meeting with Tinubu on Tuesday, the envoy said he is hopeful that diplomacy will help resolve the political situation in Niger Republic without a recourse to the use of the military option.

Abdulsalami described the meetings in Niger Republic as fruitful.

The coup leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, had said the junta will return to civilian rule within three years but ECOWAS rejected the move.

Meanwhile, the African Union has suspended Niger Republic over the ongoing situation.

Army officers toppled Bazoum on July 26, prompting the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to threaten to use force to reinstate him.

ECOWAS agreed to activate a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger.

It has said it is ready to act, even as it continues to pursue hopes for a diplomatic solution.

The coup has heightened international worries over the Sahel, which faces growing jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Niger is the fourth nation in West Africa since 2020 to suffer a coup, following Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali.

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Badaru, Matawalle Assume Duty

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The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, and his state counterpart, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday, assumed office at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Mr Badaru, in his remarks shortly after officially taking over from Ibrahim Kana, permanent secretary in the ministry, pledged to review past reports on insecurity in the country.

He said this was with a view to tackling the hydra-headed challenge and making Nigeria safe for all.

The minister said they would not betray the trust of President Bola Tinubu and therefore charged the service chiefs to give him a timeline and requirements to solve the issue of insecurity in the country.

“This timeline and target will be passed on to the president, and trust he will be monitoring us.

“The president is ready to give us all the needed support to achieve success because he is an achiever and doesn’t have the patience for failure.

“For the sake of our country, we know that without security, there will be no investment, and without investment, there will be no economic growth,” Mr Badaru said.

The minister assured that his tenure would bring about a remarkable change in the country’s security situation and pledged not to joke with the appointment.

Similarly, Mr Matawalle, in his remarks, said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have demonstrated exceptional commitment over time in spite of the constantly evolving security landscape.

“New threats emerge while existing ones continue to persist.

“Terrorism, banditry, insurgency, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime, and communal conflicts pose significant challenges to our national security.

“The task ahead is not an easy one. However, I am confident that with the support of my colleagues, the dedication of our armed forces, and the unwavering commitment of every Nigerian citizen, we will overcome any challenge that comes our way,” he said.

Mr Matawalle noted that Nigeria was blessed with abundant resources, diverse cultures, and a resilient population.

“However, it is a nation that faces numerous challenges in maintaining peace and stability within its borders.

“Our geographical location, coupled with internal and external threats, demands a robust defence strategy that can effectively protect our sovereignty and preserve our national interest,” he said.

He said that the ministry would spare no effort in ensuring the security and well-being of every Nigerian.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to build a strong defence apparatus that can effectively counter emerging threats.”

He, however, said that defending the nation rests on the shoulders of all, not just the defence forces or government.

“It is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen,” Mr Matawalle said.

The minister of state further said that he and his senior colleague had resolved to adopt a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to tackle the prevailing security issues in the country effectively.

According to him, the armed forces would be modernised and strengthened through investment in advanced weaponry, intelligence gathering capabilities, surveillance system and cyber defence infrastructure.

“We will work with international partners to acquire cutting-edge technology and expertise that will enhance our defence capabilities.

“At the same time, we recognise that military might alone cannot guarantee lasting security and stability.

“We must address the root causes of conflicts, promote social cohesion and foster economic development.”

He further said that while the government takes the lead in addressing security challenges, the importance of engaging with all stakeholders could not be over-emphasised.

Be Patient–Remi Tinubu

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First Lady Remi Tinubu has again urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, saying they mean well for the country.

According to a statement on Tuesday by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to look beyond the present situation in the country and see the bigger picture.

The First Lady spoke when she received Wives of Service Chiefs and the Inspector general of Police led by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President, Defence and Police Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa.

The President’s wife assured the delegation that the Tinubu administration is doing everything possible to ensure that it cushions the effects of the fuel subsidy removal until the gains of the policy begins to materialise.

She said, “We will need your various Associations from time to time, at least to be able to reach out women in your various barracks, to reassure them that we mean well for this country, and that they should be patient and that whatever we can do to ameliorate what the subsidy has meted to us, we believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

“It is a greater Nigeria we are looking out for and it is a legacy that our children and generations yet unborn, we would leave a Nigeria we can relate better as Nigerians and also look for the good of this nation and the wealth of this country can be greater enhanced.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mrs Musa said the various Associations under Defence and Police Officers wives are poised to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Mrs Tinubu in all areas.

The First lady was thereafter decorated as the Grand Matron of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association.



Dunyanari (
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