Category: PM News

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has revealed that he knows the position taken by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar during the Federal Executive Council debate over unpaid Nigeria Airways pensions under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Fani-Kayode, however, declined to disclose whether Atiku supported or opposed the payment, insisting that decisions taken by the administration were collective responsibilities.

The former minister made the disclosure in a post on X while responding to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who had accused Atiku of hypocrisy over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economy.

‘As for His Excellency Waziri @atiku I know what side of the divide he was during that debate in council but I will not share that publicly because whatever decision was finally taken was a collective one,’ Fani-Kayode stated.

‘We bore and still bear the consequences of that decision together as a Government.’

Fani-Kayode explained that, as Minister of Aviation in 2006, he presented a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council seeking approval for the payment of outstanding pensions owed to former Nigeria Airways workers.

According to him, the proposal followed recommendations by a committee chaired by the then Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed.

He disclosed that the memorandum was rejected following opposition from cabinet members who believed that former employees and officials of the defunct airline had contributed to its collapse.

‘Sadly the memo was not approved because there were elements in the cabinet that were so angry with the former Boards and management teams of the defunct Nigerian Airways that they opposed my memo vehemently,’ he said.

‘I did not share that view but sadly I and those that supported me were in a minority and we lost the debate.’

The former minister also defended Obasanjo against suggestions that his administration was responsible for the airline’s collapse.

He claimed that Nigeria Airways had 32 functional aircraft when Obasanjo left office as military Head of State in 1979 but only one non-functional aircraft when he returned as civilian president in 1999.

Fani-Kayode attributed the airline’s collapse to years of alleged corruption, mismanagement, mounting debts and operational failures.

‘The company was liquidated primarily due to chronic insolvency, operational collapse and mismanagement in its operations which took place between 1979 and 1999,’ he stated.

He maintained that the liquidation, completed in 2004, followed unsuccessful efforts to rescue the airline.

Fani-Kayode acknowledged that the decision left outstanding pension obligations, which subsequent administrations under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari partly addressed.

He commended Keyamo and the Tinubu administration for the latest efforts to settle the remaining entitlements.

‘It is gratifying that under your leadership the remainder of the pensions have been paid. I only wish we had done that when we were in office,’ he said.

Keyamo had earlier accused Atiku of abandoning Nigeria Airways workers during his tenure as vice-president, alleging that thousands lost their jobs without receiving their pensions and gratuities.

The aviation minister claimed that Tinubu recently approved and released ?36 billion to settle outstanding entitlements owed to the affected workers.

He described Atiku’s criticism of the current administration as hypocrisy, accusing him of selectively claiming credit for the Obasanjo government’s achievements while distancing himself from its controversial decisions.

The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, congratulating the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council and commending the appointments of Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General and former Speaker Sanusi Rikiji as Director of Artisans’ Mobilisation.

ASNAT, the umbrella body for more than 12.5 million artisans, technicians and skilled workers nationwide, said the appointments reflected recognition of the role of artisans and technicians in the country’s political and economic development.

In a statement issued by its Head of New Media, Abdulkadir Salihu (IBN), the association congratulated the APC on the inauguration of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement said the ceremony was chaired by President Tinubu and attended by APC governors, members of the party’s National Working Committee, serving and former lawmakers, and other political stakeholders.

ASNAT described Yari, a former Zamfara State governor and senator, as an experienced political mobiliser and grassroots politician whose leadership, it said, would be instrumental to the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The association pledged its support for Yari and said its structures across the country’s 774 local government areas were prepared to participate in the party’s mobilisation efforts.

‘Our structures in all 774 Local Government Areas are fully on ground as foot soldiers to deliver Operation 30:30 for the party,’ the statement said.

ASNAT also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Yari for the appointment of its patron, Rikiji, as Director of the Directorate of Artisans’ Mobilisation in the campaign council.

According to the association, Rikiji’s appointment offered an opportunity to strengthen the representation of artisans and technicians within the APC’s campaign structure and ensure that their concerns received greater attention.

It said the appointment demonstrated recognition of the contribution of skilled workers to the economy and expressed hope that artisans and technicians would have greater opportunities and representation under a potential second Tinubu administration.

The association wished Tinubu, Yari and other members of the campaign council success in their assignment, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the APC’s 2027 electoral campaign.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger State has urged households and schools to adopt proactive safety measures to prevent disasters and mitigate their impact on lives and property.

Mr Hussaini Isah, Head of Operations, NEMA Minna Operations Office, stated this on Wednesday at an event to mark the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on Oct. 13 to promote global awareness and action towards reducing disaster risks and strengthening resilience.

The theme of the day is: ‘Resilience Starts at Home.’

Isah said disaster prevention must begin at the household level by embracing simple safety practices that could reduce risks and strengthen community resilience.

He said keeping surroundings clean, clearing drains, preparing for emergencies and responding promptly to early warnings were essential measures individuals and families should adopt to mitigate disasters.

According to Isah, disaster risk reduction requires a collective commitment by the government, emergency management agencies, individuals and families to protect lives and property.

He said that while government agencies provide early warnings, public education, coordination and emergency response, citizens must complement these efforts by taking responsibility for safety in their respective environments.

The NEMA official said the day was commemorated to raise awareness and encourage practical actions towards building safe homes, schools and communities.

Isah said the event featured a road walk to sensitise residents to the importance of disaster prevention and preparedness.

He urged students to apply the safety knowledge acquired during the exercise and share it with their families, friends and communities.

Isah described students as potential agents of change whose awareness and actions could help promote a culture of safety and preparedness at the grassroots.

Dr Zainab Ndanusa, Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, NEMA, said the theme was particularly relevant to students because the knowledge and skills acquired could help them identify risks and respond appropriately to emergencies.

Ndanusa urged the students to put the lessons learnt into practice, stressing that their understanding of disaster risks could contribute to safer homes, schools and communities.

Also, Audu Yohana of the Niger State Fire Service said disasters could not be completely eliminated, but their impact could be reduced through effective prevention and preparedness.

Yohana warned that failure to prevent or mitigate disasters could result in huge expenditure on emergency response and recovery, in addition to the potential loss of lives and property.

He stressed the need for individuals and communities to take preventive measures seriously rather than wait for disasters to occur before seeking intervention.

The event was attended by representatives of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, Niger State Fire Service, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Red Cross Society, among others.

A Finnish Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa from six years to four years.

Finnish newspaper Yle reported the development on Thursday.

However, the court upheld Ekpa’s conviction for terrorism related offences, which was handed down by the Päijät-Häme District Court last year.

The charges were linked to his alleged activities aimed at establishing an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria.

In its earlier judgment, the district court said Ekpa used his large social media following to increase tensions in the region between August 2021 and November 2024.

Ekpa appealed the judgment, asking the court to overturn his conviction and prison sentence.

However, the Court of Appeal upheld his conviction but reduced his jail term after considering the circumstances surrounding his actions.

The court noted that the situation in the Biafran region was similar to a civil war but did not meet the legal definition of one.

During the proceedings, Ekpa argued that his actions were not motivated by terrorist intentions. He pointed to the political crisis in the Biafran region as part of his defence.

The prosecutor also appealed the district court’s judgment, arguing that the six year sentence was not severe enough considering the seriousness of Ekpa’s offences.

Despite the prosecutor’s appeal, the Court of Appeal reduced Ekpa’s prison term to four years while maintaining his conviction.

The Senate on Thursday called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a corps member, Etimbuk Daniel, at an NYSC orientation camp in Enugu.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Sen. Aniekan Bassey (APC-Akwa Ibom North-East) during plenary.

Bassey said the Senate received with shock and profound grief the news of Daniel’s death while undergoing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Enugu.

He described the deceased as an outstanding student leader and former Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University who had embarked on national service.

Bassey expressed concern over reports that Daniel died following complications from a minor headache after allegedly experiencing delays in receiving adequate medical attention at the camp’s clinic.

He said the incident raised concerns about healthcare services in NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional facilities and effective emergency referral systems.

The senator said the reported lapses highlighted the need to review healthcare delivery in orientation camps to prevent similar tragedies and protect corps members.

He emphasised that the government had a constitutional responsibility to safeguard citizens’ welfare, adding that young graduates mobilised for national service deserved adequate medical care throughout their service.

Bassey said Daniel’s death had plunged his family, the Akwa Ibom State University community and the entire state into mourning.

Seconding the motion, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North) supported the call for an investigation, emphasising the importance of establishing the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and ensuring accountability.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and prayed that God would grant his family the strength to bear the loss.

It also called for a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding Daniel’s death and determine whether negligence contributed to the incident.

The Senate directed its committees on Police, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the matter alongside the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the proceedings, thanked Bassey for bringing the matter before the Senate and urged the relevant committees to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, has pledged massive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, charging members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to prioritise grassroots mobilisation, discipline and measurable results.

Speaking at the council’s inauguration on Wednesday, Masari assured the President that the votes secured by opposition parties combined would not match what the council intends to deliver.

He described the assignment as a sacred trust, urging members to take the campaign to polling units, wards, local governments and communities nationwide.

‘Stop talking to yourselves and start talking to the people,’ he declared, warning against excessive meetings, inflated electoral claims and promises unsupported by verifiable grassroots results.

Masari said performance would be assessed based on actual delivery, stressing that political influence must translate into tangible electoral outcomes.

He also urged members to shun internal divisions, hate speech and personal grievances, while calling on Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to ensure unity, coordination and consistent messaging across the council.

The campaign, he said, must communicate the administration’s policies and interventions in economic reform, education, healthcare and infrastructure, while addressing Nigerians’ concerns with facts.

Masari also emphasised responsible democratic participation, urging political parties to respect electoral laws, reject misinformation and conduct issue-based campaigns. He called on citizens to scrutinise campaign promises and participate peacefully in the electoral process.

‘The task before us is clear: to turn our convictions into action, our organisation into mobilisation, and our mobilisation into votes,’ he said, urging members to demonstrate discipline, accountability and commitment as the 2027 elections approach.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to dismantle terrorist and bandit camps, rescue abducted Nigerians and strengthen security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting between Tinubu and security agency heads at the State House, Abuja.

Musa said the President ordered security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits, ensuring that all Nigerians held captive were rescued.

‘The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are,’ he said.

He said Tinubu also stressed the need for free, fair and credible elections, assuring Nigerians that security agencies would remain professional and neutral.

‘You can see all heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair, and credible election.

‘We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote,’ he said.

The minister assured political parties and their supporters that security agencies would provide a level playing field without intimidation.

‘All other political parties should understand that the security forces are going to be neutral, we’re going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve.

‘So they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and that nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,’ he said.

Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ professionalism, saying security agencies were working together to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

He said there should be no terrorist or bandit camps anywhere in the country, reiterating the government’s commitment to rescuing abducted persons.

Responding to questions about protecting lives ahead of the elections, Musa said the government had increased recruitment, training and procurement of security equipment.

He disclosed that newly acquired aircraft and helicopters would soon be commissioned by the President.

‘Of recent, I want to assure very soon, Mr President, is coming to commission. A set of new aircraft and helicopters have been bought. I think almost about 10 of them in number,’ he said.

Musa said the planned commissioning demonstrated the administration’s continued attention to security in spite of prevailing economic challenges.

He also welcomed the recent salary increase for Armed Forces personnel, adding that the welfare of police officers, other security personnel and pensioners was receiving attention.

The minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and misconduct by security personnel.

He said: ‘Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces.

‘Everyone has a role to play, and we keep on preaching whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members that are not doing what is right. Please don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken.’

Those at the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam; and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Others were the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, retired Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, also attended.

The meeting further included the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has honoured the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the prestigious Benin traditional coral beads, known as ‘Ikele’.

With the honour, Mrs Tinubu becomes the first Nigerian First Lady to be decorated with the royal beads, a symbol of warm welcome and appreciation for her goodwill towards the Benin throne.

She was decorated on Thursday at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City during a courtesy visit to traditional rulers drawn from the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

Mrs Tinubu is the third prominent Nigerian woman to receive the Ikele. The bead had previously been bestowed on retired Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and former Zonal Director, NTA Benin Network Centre, Mrs Pauline Igbanor.

In an address read on his behalf by his eldest daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu-Ewuare, Oba Ewuare prayed to God and the ancestors to grant President Bola Tinubu and other leaders’ divine wisdom and strength to fulfil their responsibilities.

The monarch described his reign so far as a journey of service, reflection and renewal, anchored on preserving Benin cultural heritage, strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace, unity and the welfare of the people.

He also commended the First Lady for projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage, noting her recent recognition by United States President Donald Trump.

Earlier, Mrs Tinubu, who expressed delight at the honour, pledged to continue to collaborate with traditional institutions.

She said her Renewed Hope Initiative would deepen partnership with rural women across the country.

She noted that she was in Edo at the invitation of Governor Monday Okpebholo to commission the fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the state government.

Mrs Tinubu highlighted some achievements of the Tinubu administration, including empowerment grants for rural women, the elderly, vulnerable citizens and persons living with disabilities.

Conveying President Tinubu’s goodwill message, she congratulated Oba Ewuare II on his 10th coronation anniversary.

‘He asked me to appreciate your support and wish you well on your 10th coronation anniversary. We didn’t plan it this way, but it is divine,’ she said.

‘I am truly happy, and I wish you long life, divine health, prosperity, joy, peace and fruitfulness.’

The First Lady was accompanied to the palace by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, First Ladies of Kogi, Kwara, Zamfara and Cross River States, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday commissioned 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and flagged off a N1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo State.

Mrs Tinubu, who performed the inauguration in Benin City, said the projects initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo reflect his commitment to the welfare of Edo people.

According to her, the two interventions will ease transportation challenges, strengthen small businesses and expand economic opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable groups.

She said: ‘I am glad to be in Edo today after quite a long time for the commissioning of 50 compressed natural gas buses for the benefit of the people.’

She praised the state government for the initiatives, describing them as practical steps to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.

She explained that under the empowerment programme, 5,000 beneficiaries will receive N200,000 each to support their businesses and promote financial independence.

‘I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,’ the First Lady said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Okpebholo said Mrs Tinubu’s visit went beyond ceremony, noting that it demonstrated care and commitment to the people.

‘Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,’ he said.

The governor said the two programmes tackle critical needs of the people – affordable transportation and economic empowerment, especially for women and small-scale entrepreneurs.

He said the CNG buses will make public transportation more accessible, affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly, while the N1 billion grant will help beneficiaries grow their businesses.

‘When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,’ Okpebholo stated.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, pledging loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure inclusive governance and development across the state.

‘Our commitment is to build an Edo State where good governance is felt in every home, opportunities are within the reach of every citizen, and no community is left behind,’ he added.

China and Botswana have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations through a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with both countries committing to expand cooperation in security, mining, trade, agriculture and other key sectors.

The agreement followed talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Botswana’s President Duma Boko at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, October 13, during Boko’s state visit to China.

According to a joint statement issued by the two countries, the leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering the Global Security Initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, green mining, health and human resources.

The new partnership is intended to deepen political trust, promote economic development, strengthen strategic coordination and expand exchanges between the peoples of both countries.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a longstanding relationship based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, digital technology and other productive sectors.

Xi called for increased economic and trade cooperation, highlighting opportunities presented by China’s zero-tariff measures for African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.

The Chinese president also encouraged greater cooperation in the digital economy, agriculture, livestock development and education, including the proposed Smart Education Project.

On mining, Xi stressed that Africa’s mineral resources should benefit African countries. He said China was willing to share its expertise and support African nations in developing mining strategies suited to their national circumstances.

He also called for the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies, greater local mineral processing and industrial value addition, as well as sustainable financing models to support development.

Xi cautioned against turning Africa’s natural resources into instruments of geopolitical rivalry, urging international partners to contribute genuinely to the continent’s development.

Boko, in turn, welcomed closer economic ties and greater Chinese investment in Botswana. He commended China’s development achievements and expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in mining, agriculture, industrial development and technological innovation.

The Botswana president also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the one-China principle and expressed support for closer coordination between developing countries on international issues.

The two leaders further agreed to promote exchanges between their respective governments, legislatures, political parties, local authorities, business communities and academic institutions.

They also pledged to strengthen cooperation on sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

The partnership comes as Botswana marks the 60th anniversary of its independence in 2026, while China commemorates the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The two countries established diplomatic relations 51 years ago. They said the elevation of their relationship would open a new chapter in their longstanding ties and provide a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development.

The joint statement described President Boko’s state visit as an important milestone in China-Botswana relations, with both sides committing to translate their agreements into practical results.The report is based on the official joint statement and information published by Chinese government sources.