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Presidency reacts to calls for Humanitarian Affairs minister to resign
The presidency has faulted calls for the resignation of Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, over recently released flood statistics, which ranked Jigawa as the highest among the most hit state and that Beyelsa was not in the first 10 most affected states.
The Niger Delta caucus in the House of Representatives had asked the minister to resign.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the Federal Government was equally concerned about the flooding in Bayelsa as well as that in other states.
The statement read in part, “Calls from some quarters for the resignation of the minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development are not appropriate in this climate,” he said in a statement.
“Almost every state in Nigeria has been affected. The Federal Government is concerned about what has happened in Bayelsa as it is with respect to the other states. No life lost is bigger or lesser than that of the others.
“The challenge of bringing succour to the large number of the displaced people in Bayelsa and other states, the restoration of their damaged property and farmlands washed away have clearly overwhelmed disaster management efforts so far, but that is not to say no efforts are being made.
“The huge need for everything from foodstuff to tents, blankets and mosquito nets; antimalarial and other drugs clearly indicate that more resources are needed, not only by the disaster management agencies at the center but also by those at the State and local council levels that are structurally, the first responders.
“The minister has been diligently working to target assistance where it’s most needed and plug the gaps in several state governments’ disaster responses.
“The state of Bayelsa has done commendably well but they certainly can do better with increased Federal assistance, which is still being delivered batch by batch.
“All these efforts are coming ahead of the report of the committee under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors Forum, set up by the president to fashion out solutions and then escalate their conclusions to the federal government, to alleviate the plight of people currently being ravaged by floods around the country.
“This is just as more is being expected by way of international response and how much difference can be made by support from businesses and nonprofits as the country deals with its worst flooding in decades.
“We hope that everyone, the agencies of the Federal Government, the states and the local councils will increase the attention to pay to the challenges of climate change.
“Clearly, this is not a time for public reproach. It will only weaken our collective response to the tragedy, and ultimately hinder cooperation that saves lives and delivers emergency aid.
“The government at the centre will continue to do more for Bayelsa and for all states so affected as more and more resources are made available to agencies dealing.”
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Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.
The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.
Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.
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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.
Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.
She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.
The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.
President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
News
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as a threat to religious harmony in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on April 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group accused the INEC chairman of authoring what it described as a “toxic 80-page legal brief,” allegedly used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria over claims of Christian genocide.
MURIC expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the “graveyard silence” of the Federal Government over calls from Islamic organisations for Amupitan’s removal. According to the group, the government’s inaction reflects a lack of sensitivity to the concerns of the Muslim community.
The organisation further alleged that Amupitan’s continued leadership poses a risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that a planned voter registration or revalidation exercise could disenfranchise Muslim voters.
“MURIC hereby declares a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss,” the statement read, urging the Federal Government to replace him with what it described as a “tolerant Christian” to restore confidence and balance.
The group also accused the INEC chairman of failing to address the allegations against him, noting that his silence has raised concerns among observers. It argued that public officials in other countries often resign over similar controversies, citing examples of past resignations by international political figures.
MURIC warned that Nigeria’s progress could be hindered if individuals accused of misconduct remain in sensitive public offices, stressing that Amupitan’s continued stay in office represents what it called a “sit-tight syndrome.”
Describing the INEC chairman as an “electoral burden” and a “threat to religious harmony,” the group insisted that his resignation or removal is necessary to safeguard national unity and the integrity of the electoral process.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the allegations.
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
News
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.
Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.
The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.
Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.
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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.
The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.
Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
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