Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the director-general of the disputed ‘Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council’ (PFIPC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent panel to investigate the PFIPC controversy. 

In an open letter to Tinubu, Adeyemi said the panel must be “independent” and “multi-stakeholder” to “guarantee complete neutrality”.

According to him, the panel’s membership should be drawn from civil society organisations and independent media representatives, international financial observers, and human rights observers, such as Amnesty International, to monitor compliance with international safety and legal standards.

He listed others as: “Diplomatic Observers: Representatives from the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, ECOWAS and the African Union” and “Statutory Enforcement: The ICPC and EFCC, serving as technical partners within this broader, independent coalition.”

Tinubu had asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter, but Adeyemi said since the agency is part of the government, it would be unfair to have it probe the matter.

“If this investigation is to command the absolute trust of the Nigerian public and the international community, it must transcend standard bureaucratic boundaries,” he said.

“The moment this independent, multi-stakeholder panel is constituted, I will immediately step forward to present comprehensive documentation and verifiable evidence,” Adeyemi said. “A system cannot credibly investigate itself when its own key actors are central to the discourse.”

He commended President Tinubu for directing the ICPC to investigate the circumstances “surrounding the PFIPC Scandal and ₦1.3 billion allocation inserted into the 2026 Appropriation Bill.”

“This directive is a vital first step, but the structural realities of this investigation compel me to speak out of a profound desire for absolute transparency,” he said.

But Adeyemi alleged that “True accountability cannot be achieved when the agency conducting the investigation answers directly to the branch of government within which the core allegations lie”.

“Furthermore, I must state clearly that walking freely into custody under the current arrangement poses an immediate, existential threat to my life. I have received verified, highly reliable intelligence indicating that I am targeted for elimination the moment I surface in an unmonitored environment.

“More disturbingly, under highly unclear circumstances and without the official involvement of any federal capital regulatory agency, the entire Kachi Hotel structure was swiftly invaded by unidentified armed actors and manually demolished down to the rubble days later—effectively erasing a vital physical crime scene and erasing material evidence.”

His letter came amid the controversy over the ‘council’, which the presidency said does not exist. Despite this, Adeyemi insists he was duly appointed.

Adeyemi denied any wrongdoing, accusing Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, and other senior government officials of attempts to frustrate his activities after he refused to comply with certain orders.

In a press conference last month, Adeyemi faulted Gbajabiamila’s comment, claiming the council wouldn’t have appeared in the 2026 budget if it did not exist. He alleged that the former House of Representatives Speaker got ₦400 million from him through a proxy and asked for another ₦200 million to enable him to get the appointment.

Prosecutors have accused him of forgery of several government documents, including a presidential appointment letter-headed paper.

But he has denied any wrongdoing, insisting he was appointed.

“If I’m wrong, let the court of law do that, and if I’m right, let the court of law do that; do the right thing,” he said on an edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State.
 
General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him
 
The President commiserated with his family, especially his wife, who is still being held against her will by the captors.
 
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy), in a statement, said the president also extended his condolences to the Katsina State government and the armed forces.
 
While the terrorists have done their worst, the President wants them to know that the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies.
 
As I said on June 12: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
 
“As Nigerians,  we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
 
“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared.”
 

By Dianabasi Effiong

President Bola Tinubu has tasked faith-based leaders in Nigeria to continually champion interfaith harmony, denounce violence, and work tirelessly for reconciliation in communities torn apart by conflicts.

The President said this on Sunday in Ikot Ekpene, at the opening ceremony of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, President Tinubu said that religious leaders could shape values and build trust among citizens.

According to him, faith-based organisations remain a vital bridge for peace, unity, and moral renewal in Nigeria.

The President also commended the Catholic Bishops and clerics across denominations for their consistent efforts to promote dialogue and tolerance despite Nigeria’s diversity.

He said that genuine reconciliation and national cohesion could only be achieved when spiritual leaders continue to preach messages of peace while actively discouraging extremism, hatred, and divisive tendencies.

He assured the conference of his administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity and social unrest, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

President Tinubu also urged religious leaders to complement government efforts by guiding their followers, nurturing communities with values of honesty, hard work, and compassion.

“The Catholic Church has been a credible partner in the journey towards national renewal,” the President said.

“Your investments in education, health, and social welfare – often in remote and underserved communities – speak louder than words. You have stood with the people in times of hardship, provided comfort in times of grief, and raised your voice against injustice and corruption.

“I encourage you to continue speaking truth to power not only to government but to all sectors of society – while also offering constructive solutions that will help us collectively build a nation where integrity, hard work, and compassion are the hallmarks of public and private life,” he said.

The President explained that his administration had taken bold steps to stabilise the economy in the face of daunting challenges over the years.

According to him, measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies, efforts to unify the exchange rate, and initiatives aimed at curbing leakages in public finances are designed to restore confidence in the system and create a more sustainable economic foundation.

He said that these policies, though demanding sacrifices in the short term were necessary to reposition Nigeria on the path of growth and long-term prosperity.

The President further emphasised that beyond stabilisation, his government is working assiduously to attract both local and foreign investments by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He highlighted ongoing reforms in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, which are expected to stimulate job creation, boost productivity, and expand opportunities for young people.

President Tinubu also assured that while the results might not be immediate, these reforms were carefully structured to deliver enduring benefits that would uplift the lives of citizens and secure a brighter economic future for the nation.

He said, “This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen our democratic institutions, and build a Nigeria that works for all.

“We have taken bold steps to stabilise the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms that will, in due course, yield enduring benefits for our people.

“We recognise that good governance is not just about economic growth, it is about justice, fairness, transparency, accountability, and the dignity of every Nigerian.

“It is also about ensuring that no one is left behind – whether in urban centres or rural communities, whether majority or minority, whether rich or poor.

“Our efforts in tackling Insecurity, expanding social investment programmes, strengthening agriculture, and revitalising infrastructure are all geared towards creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to live in peace and fulfil their God-given potential.

“Let me reassure you all that the Federal Government remains open to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church and other faith-based Organisations in key sectors such as education, healthcare, social welfare, and skills development.

“Together, we can tackle poverty, reduce inequality, and build stronger communities.”

He further urged the Church to collaborate with the government in advancing civic education, protecting the environment, and empowering young people, so that future generations of Nigerians would gain not only academic knowledge but also the values needed to uphold the moral fabric of society.

The former governor of Anambra state and Labour Party, LP, candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for embarking on a trip to visit Japan and Brazil.

Obi’s criticism is contained in a post that he shared on his official X handle on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy had earlier said the President will be visiting both countries.

“In addition to attending plenary sessions on themes linked to the conference, the Nigerian President will hold bilateral meetings and meet the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria,” Onanuga said.

Obi said it is unfortunate that Tinubu who just returned from a trip to Brazil is returning to the country.

He said the President should learn to stay in the country and fix the various challenges confronting the nation.

“How can anyone explain that a President who came from Brazil recently and met with the President is returning to the same country, leaving the various degrees of challenges at home unresolved?”.

By Tony Nezianya

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift recognition of the Super Falcons following their victory at the CAF African Women’s Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

During a Monday special reception at the State House, President Tinubu praised the team for their resilience, professionalism, and patriotic spirit, hailing their triumph as a powerful emblem of national unity and sporting excellence.

As Grand Patron of the NOC, President Tinubu presented each player of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, with a cash reward of $100,000, alongside national honours. Additionally, he gifted the team fully furnished three-bedroom apartments in Abuja.

This commendation comes in response to the Falcons’ remarkable victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they claimed their 10th continental title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback against the host nation, Morocco.

The Super Falcons showcased extraordinary grit, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the final match. Key contributions came from Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi, whose goals set the stage for Jennifer Echegini’s late winner, who clinched the historic victory.

Each member of the 11-man technical team will also receive a $50,000 cash award in recognition of their dedication.

President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.

This was made known by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.

President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi.

Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.

Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.

He noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State earlier this week.

He said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.

While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.

He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety.

‘‘In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,’’ President Tinubu said.

The President wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ‘‘Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,’’ a successful and hitch-free festival.

By Bayo Onanuga

After the removal of the wasteful fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Presidential CNG Initiative in October last year to deliver cheaper, safer and more climate friendly energy. The CNG Initiative was designed to deliver compressed natural gas especially for mass transit.

The Federal Government as part of the many intervention programmes to reduce the burden of increase in pump price on the masses, provided N100 billion (part of the N500 billion palliative budget) to purchase 5500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 Electric buses and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits, alongside spurring the development of CNG refilling stations and electric charging stations.

After months of detailed planning and background work, the committee driving the initiative is set to deliver on President Tinubu’s vision and promise.

Already, the committee, being led by Michael Oluwagbemi, an oil and gas expert, has delivered some major foundational reforms to enable the new CNG and Electric Vehicles future the President promised. All is now ready for delivery of the first set of critical assets for deployment and launch of the CNG initiative ahead of the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration on May 29.

With necessary tax and duty waivers approved by President Tinubu in December 2023, the PCNGI committee is partnering with the private sector to deliver the promise on the initiative. The private sector has responded with over $50 million in actual investments in refuelling stations, conversion centres, and mother stations.

Also, a safety policy document on 80 standards and regulations that must be strictly adhered to by operators has been developed and approved to ensure CNG conversions are done safely and reliably.

The deployment of CNG buses and tricycles and the vision to get at least one million natural gas propelled vehicles on our roads by 2027 will mark a major energy transition in our country’s transportation industry. The use of more expensive diesel and PMS will gradually be phased out, when many vehicles, including trucks run on natural gas, which our nation has in abundance in at least 30 out of the 36 states of the federation.

As studies have shown, one of the main causes of air pollution is primarily the amount of gases emitted by gasoline and diesel engines. To reduce the pollution, some countries of the world, such as India, China, Iran, Pakistan, Brazil , Argentina, Italy have built fleets of natural gas powered vehicles, instead of going the route of relying on liquid petroleum products propelled vehicles. Natural gas vehicles reduce tail pipe emission by up to 40 percent, and Nigeria’s commitment to this course will enable her meet her nationally determined commitments (NDCs) under Paris Climate Accord to which we are signatory.

From the end of May, Nigeria will take some baby steps to join such nations that already have large fleets of CNG vehicles.

Remarkably, the Tinubu administration, in driving the nation to the desired destination, has flagged open a new industry, along with thousands of new jobs.

Four plants owned by JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV located in various parts of the country are involved in the assembly of the Semi Knocked Down (SKD) components of the CNG buses. JET, which has received the SKD parts is coupling the buses in Lagos and is working towards delivering 200 units before the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

Brilliant EV will assemble electric vehicles. It is awaiting the SKD parts, which will arrive in due course. The electric vehicles it will produce are meant for states such as Kano and Borno, which do not have access to CNG for now. They will also be available in key Nigerian cities and university campuses. It must be noted that soon to be completed gas pipeline projects initiated by the Buhari administration and being completed by NNPCL (the AKK Pipeline) will take gas into the hinterlands of North East and North West where there is current paucity.

In all, over 600 buses are targeted for production in the first phase that will be accomplished this year.

A new plant on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will assemble thousands of tricycles. The SKD parts manufactured by the Chinese company LUOJIA in partnership with its local partner to support the consortium of local suppliers of CNG tricycles are set for shipment to Nigeria and expected to arrive early in May. About 2,500 of the tricycles will be ready before May 29, 2024.

Thousands of conversion kits for petrol powered buses and taxis that want to migrate to CNG are also ready with CNG cylinders. The Federal Government intends to provide them at subsidized rates, especially to commercial vehicle drivers to bring down the cost of public transportation.

As part of private sector collaboration, NIPCO and BOVAS are involved in offering refilling services for the CNG vehicles and also serving as conversion centres. NIPCO is setting up 32 stations nationwide to offer the services. The company has completed the set up of four of the CNG stations. Likewise, BOVAS is setting up eight stations in Ibadan, two each in Ekiti, Abuja and four in Ilorin. MRS is also involved. It is making efforts to announce where its refilling stations and conversion centres will be.

The NNPC Limited which had launched an on-and-off CNG initiative in the past is joining the new initiative. It is expected soon to announce the locations for CNG refilling and CNG conversion centres nationwide.

In addition, the PCNGI is working with 22 other agency partners, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria(SON) and Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council to deliver 80 Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion and Associated Appliances Standards for the country.

For proper monitoring, PCNGI will also launch MYCNG.NG App. The app will embed the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring Systems, which will show CNG conversion and refuelling sites in the country.

The Tinubu administration is an enabler of the evolving CNG industry. In collaboration with the private sector, the PCNGI is set to deliver 100 conversion workshops and 60 refuelling sites spread across 18 states before the end of this year.

The vision of Mr. President to deliver one million gas vehicles cannot be possible without the private sector, including the RTEAN, NARTO, NURTW, and players in the downstream sector of the transportation chain and financiers.

***Bayo Onanuga is the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy