Tinubu not in France for medical attention –  Presidency

The presidency on Sunday refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu left the shores of the country to see doctors in France, insisting that it was a working visit.

During a guest appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, clarified that President Tinubu’s trip to France was for medical treatment, contrary to claims made by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria in ‘about a fortnight’, according to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

He wrote, “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fled Nigeria again to France for medical care, although some liars in his office claim he is on a working visit.

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“It is troubling to know that approximately 200 million Nigerians may be repeatedly subjected to misinformation disseminated daily, and they, in turn, do nothing to liberate themselves.”

In reaction, Bwala defended his employer, saying there was no iota of truth in the claim.

He said, “The president’s trips to France are not related to medical. Have you not seen him receiving people? I mean, there has been information about him receiving people.

“The president did not go to see a doctor. He was on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities.”

Tinubu not in France for medical attention –  Presidency

Expatriates to pay $15 daily fine for visa overstay – FG

The federal government has warned expatriates against violating Nigeria’s immigration laws, particularly regarding visa overstays. 

It said defaulters will now face a daily fine of $15, alongside a possible long-term entry ban.

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this over the weekend during a stakeholder engagement with members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) House in Ikeja, Lagos.

He announced that effective August 1, 2025, any foreign national who overstays their visa in Nigeria will be required to pay a $15 daily fine.

He also said more serious overstays would attract stiffer penalties, explaining that an expatriate who overstays by more than six months will be banned from re-entering Nigeria for five years, while a one-year overstay will result in a 10-year entry ban.

According to the minister, these measures are part of a broader initiative under the Expatriate Administration System, set to launch on May 1, 2025.

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The system aims to tighten immigration compliance and improve the accuracy of data on foreign residents in the country.

He said current estimates place the number of expatriates working and residing in Nigeria at over 50,000, a figure he described as unreliable for effective planning and policymaking.

As part of the transition to the new system, a three-month grace period will begin on May 1, 2025, allowing expatriates to regularise their immigration status before enforcement begins in August.

The e-visa system, Tunji-Ojo added, will replace the visa-on-arrival process, allowing legitimate tourists and business travellers to obtain Nigerian visas within 48 hours. This reform is expected to curb abuse and streamline entry procedures.

Tinubu, Gov Yusuf asked to resolve Kano Emirate crisis

A group, One Kano Agenda(OKA), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Yusuf to facilitate peaceful dialogue among the stakeholders to resolve the current Emirship crisis in Kano.

The Director-General of the group, Amb. Abbas Abdullahi, who made the call while addressing a press conference at the NUJ press centre, Kano, on Sunday, also urged Northern Elders to encourage peaceful dialogue over the matter.

“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency the Governor of Kano State and the respected elders of Arewa to take a proactive role in encouraging peaceful dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.

“National peace begins with local harmony and the restoration of calm in Kano is a matter of national interest.

“A prompt non partisan mediation effort will go a long way in maintaining mutual respect between state and federal institutions and protecting our traditional values,” Abdullahi said.

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The group also called for peace and unity among residents of the state in the wake of the Emirship tussle.

It emphasized the need for all stakeholders “to put Kano first and avoid divisions that could harm the state’s social fabric.

“We are gathered here because we believe that Kano must come first before political differences, personal ambitions or any divisive agenda.

“Recent developments around the Emirate issue have stirred tensions, sparked public debates and regrettably fueled discord among our people.

“While discussions on matters of history and tradition are important, we must be careful not to allow misinformation or political manipulation to erode the unity we have built over generations,” it said.

The group warned against any attempt to politicize the Emirate issue and emphasized the importance of respecting the state’s traditional institution.

It urged all stakeholders, including youth, civil society groups, and religious leaders “to rise above divisions and work towards peace and unity.”

Tinubu, Gov Yusuf asked to resolve Kano Emirate crisis