Tinubu greets Trump, expects better US-Nigeria relations

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, said President Tinubu looks forward to strengthening the relations between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

Donald Trump claimed victory on Wednesday and pledged to “heal” the country Wednesday as results put him on the verge of beating Kamala Harris in a stunning White House comeback.

President Tinubu says, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

According to President Tinubu, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.

He congratulates them on their commitment to democracy.

President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.

NNPP crisis: Kano Gov Yusuf ignores Kwankwaso’s calls, meetings

The political crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano has deepened as Governor Abba Yusuf and his political mentor and party godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are said not to be on talking terms.

Tensions have escalated with Kwankwaso taking critical party and local government decisions without input from the governor, newstrends learnt.

These include appointment of local government chairmen and influencing the party’s political machinery, which has fueled growing resentment within the governor’s camp.

An inside source was quoted as saying, “Abba (Gov Yusuf) does not want to denigrate Kwankwaso, but he truly wants to be independent. Ninety per cent of the commissioners were imposed by Kwankwaso, and Abba is still working with them. This shows he still respects him.

“For a long time, Abba wanted to drop some commissioners who are either incompetent or disloyal to him, but out of respect for Kwankwaso, he reluctantly accommodates them for peace to reign.”

A report by Daily Nigerian says except for the governor’s appearance at Kwankwaso’s birthday celebrations on October 21, where the godfather used the opportunity to corner the governor at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport lounge, the duo had not met or spoken in recent months.

It was also learnt that the governor shunned meetings convened by Kwankwaso at his Miller Road and Maitama residences in Kano and Abuja respectively.

READ ALSO:

• Domestic worker leads robbers to employer’s house, steal jewellery, cash, laptops, phones (video)
• Bandits shoot activist, abduct his two wives in Katsina
• Iran slams US deployment of B-52 bombers as ‘destabilising’

“He (Governor Yusuf) earlier agreed to attend the Miller Road meeting at night but he kept Kwankwaso waiting through midnight and refused to come,” an insider said.

Kwankwaso’s efforts to meet or speak directly with the governor we’re frustrated.

The NNPP leader on some occasions reportedly made further futile attempts through the governor’s ADC and private secretary.

When attempts to see the governor failed, the NNPP leader allegedly sent an emissary to convey his directive to sack the SSG, who is believed to be the architect of the governor’s rebellion.

After Kwankwaso’s directive for the SSG’s sack fell on the governor’s deaf ears, the chairman of the NNPP in Kano, Hashimu Dungurawa, on October 14, announced the dismissal of the SSG and Commissioner for Transport over alleged anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, several high-profile NNPP figures, including lawmakers and commissioners, are said to be aligning with the governor.

Some are reportedly negotiating a potential defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

NNPP crisis: Kano Gov Yusuf ignores Kwankwaso’s calls, meetings

APC sweeps Cross River council polls

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Cross River State has emerged victorious in all 18 chairmanship positions and 196 councillorship seats in the local government councils election conducted on Saturday.

The results were announced on Sunday by the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC Dr. Ekong Bocco.

Following the announcement, all the elected chairmen were presented with certificates of return.

Among the 18 elected local government council leaders, three are women and fifteen are men.

In his address to the newly elected council heads, the CROSIEC Chairman extended his congratulations and emphasised the importance of fulfilling campaign promises and the responsibilities associated with local government councils in democratic governance.

READ ALSO:

• Band A electricity customers complain of high tariff, seek review
• Physiotherapist: Cellphone, laptop use can increase dementia risk
• Sickle Cell Foundation, LUTH celebrate bone marrow transplant breakthrough

The comprehensive triumph of the All Progressive Congress in Cross River State signifies a notable transformation in the political arena. By securing all 18 Chairmanship positions and 196 councillorship seats, the APC has cemented its dominance in the local government councils.

During the ceremony to present certificates of return to the elected chairmen, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, highlighted the crucial tasks awaiting the newly elected officials, including addressing the needs of their constituents, promoting transparency, and fulfilling their electoral commitments in line with the People First Mantra championed by the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

He emphasized that the success in the local government polls paves the way for the State government to continue showcasing effective governance and making a positive impact on the lives of the people in Cross River State.

APC sweeps Cross River council polls