Hails Reform Agenda, National Milestones

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, praising the President’s leadership style and the series of reforms that have shaped the direction of the country since he assumed office.

In a statement issued at the weekend, Araraume described President Tinubu as “a courageous reformer whose decisions continue to redefine Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape.

He noted that the President’s first year in office has been marked by bold policy choices aimed at stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for long term national development.

Araraume highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most significant economic decisions in recent decades, saying it demonstrated the President’s willingness to confront long‑standing structural challenges.

According to him, the policy, though demanding, has redirected national resources toward infrastructure, social investment, and other critical sectors.

He also commended the administration’s unification of the foreign exchange market, describing it as a major step toward restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

The senator noted that the reforms have attracted renewed interest from international partners and signaled a commitment to transparent economic management.

Beyond economic restructuring, Araraume pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion as evidence of the administration’s focus on national development.

He cited the acceleration of key road projects, renewed efforts to expand rail connectivity, and the push to improve power generation and distribution as initiatives that reflect the President’s long term vision for a more productive Nigeria.

The senator further acknowledged the government’s interventions in agriculture, including support for mechanization and targeted programs aimed at boosting food security.

He said these efforts are essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local production.

On the diplomatic front, Araraume praised President Tinubu’s engagements across Africa and beyond, noting his role in strengthening regional cooperation within ECOWAS and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognize the resilience and determination with which President Tinubu has approached the task of nation building,” Araraume said.

“His commitment to reforms, economic stability, and democratic governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.”

He wished the President good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom as he leads the country through what he described as “a defining period in Nigeria’s history.”
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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Prince Adewole Adebayo has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to shut down access roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex and Eagle Square for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, describing it as an abuse of office and misuse of state resources.

Adebayo said the directive, which effectively halted physical government operations and restricted movement in the area, blurred the line between state functions and partisan political activities.

He argued that public infrastructure and the time of civil servants should not be deployed to serve the interests of any political party.

His comments followed a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation announcing the closure of all access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The circular, signed by Dr. Abdul S. U. Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, stated that the measure was due to the use of Eagle Square for the APC National Convention scheduled for the same period.

As a result, all personnel working within the affected offices, including those at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were directed to work from home on Friday, March 27.

The directive also instructed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that staff comply strictly with the work-from-home order.

The road closures are expected to disrupt traffic and economic activities in the area, with commuters and businesses bracing for limited access and delays throughout the two-day period.

Observers say the development has reignited debate over the appropriate use of public facilities and whether government operations should be adjusted to accommodate political party events.
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By David Torough, Abuja

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in Abuja, the Federal Government has ordered civil servants within the Federal Secretariat Complex to work from home, citing extensive security and logistical arrangements around the event.

In a circular issued by the Head of Service through the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Abdul Garba, all access roads leading to the Federal Secretariat Phases I, II, and III will be closed from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The move, according to the government, is to facilitate the use of Eagle Square, the venue of the APC convention, which is expected to attract thousands of party members, dignitaries, and observers from across the country.

Consequently, affected workers have been directed to remain off-site on Friday, while heads of ministries, departments, and agencies have been tasked with ensuring full compliance.

Meanwhile, preparations for the convention have intensified, with the party confirming the arrival of 8,453 accredited delegates in the nation’s capital. The Chairman of the Convention Central Working Committee, Bello Masari, reaffirmed the party’s readiness and defended its zoning arrangement for National Working Committee (NWC) positions.

Masari dismissed complaints from some aspirants who alleged exclusion after purchasing nomination forms, insisting that all positions were allocated based on the federal character principle. He stressed that only candidates from designated zones are eligible to contest specific offices, warning that any deviation could undermine party unity.

He further stated that the party was unaware of any legal action from aggrieved aspirants but would respond appropriately if served.

Also speaking ahead of the exercise, the Minister of Information and Chairman of the Convention Media and Publicity Committee, Mohammed Idris, assured that the process would be transparent and credible. He urged journalists to maintain professionalism and patriotism in their coverage.

As the convention gets underway, major roads leading to Eagle Square remain cordoned off, contributing to restricted movement across key parts of Abuja. The convergence of delegates and heightened security presence signals the scale and significance of the ruling party’s gathering.