Tinubu confers GCON on Indian PM, Modi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, conferred the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

President Tinubu bestowed the honour on the PM during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that the award was bestowed on the Indian leader to signify Nigeria’s appreciation and commitment to the Nigerian Indian partnership.

The Nigerian Leader added that the invitation to the Indian PM was to rekindle and reclassify existing relationship between Nigeria and India.

He also stated that the high level engagement was intended to improve

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According to him, “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.

“You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms, you have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much.

“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”

Commiserating with Nigeria over the recent floods that ravaged several cities across the country, including the Maiduguri major flood incident, the Indian Prime Minister promised to support Nigeria with 20 tons of relief materials.

Modi said this is to support the administration of President Tinubu on its ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Tinubu confers GCON on Indian PM, Modi

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Four people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday and Friday.

Local sources revealed that the victims, including two young men and a soldier, were attacked late Friday night.

Another individual, believed to be a cultist, was killed in his home on Thursday.

Chairman of the vigilance group Operation Shara, Nura Umar, stated, “The soldier and two boys were innocent victims attacked by suspected cultists. The incidents occurred near the BIPC area.”

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However, police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed only one civilian death, adding, “Operatives have been deployed to address the situation.”

The area has seen a surge in rival cult clashes in recent weeks, raising concerns over public safety.

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to apologize to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

In a statement, Ndume attributed his plea to Bwala’s earlier criticism of Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate, a decision that led to Bwala’s exit from the APC over concerns about the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.

It should be recalled that Bwala, previously a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, recently joined Tinubu’s team after being a vocal critic of the ruling party’s decision to present two Muslim candidates for the 2023 presidential election.

Bwala resigned from the APC in July 2022, condemning the party’s choice of Shettima as insensitive to Nigeria’s secular principles. At the time, he publicly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, sparking significant debate.

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In his statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media. This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.”

Ndume praised Tinubu’s appointment as a move towards inclusivity and reconciliation, urging Bwala to work closely with Vice President Shettima. “You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised.

He also encouraged Bwala to follow the example of key Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the need for constructive advocacy. “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach,” Ndume stated.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots connection, Ndume added, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst