President Bola Tinubu, on Monday night in Abuja, called on political leaders in the country to channel more resources and policies towards catering to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

The President, who hosted governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and some selected Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to break the Ramadan fast at the State House, urged leaders to be selfless and work for the people’s benefit.

“I thank you all for responding to this invitation. You honoured it out of respect, not because you don’t have enough to eat or share,” President Tinubu said.

He noted that political leaders’ efforts are crucial in meeting citizens’ expectations.

He commended the people-oriented policies that had started yielding positive results in improved human development indexes and economic indicators.

The President attributed the success of economic reforms to the collective efforts of members of FEC and the collaboration of leaders at the sub-national level.

“I recall in our first FEC meeting, I said we were going to work hard to fetch water from a dry well.

”We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink and that we spend money, not the people.

“You, the leaders at the subnational levels, are also doing all you can to spend money, not the people,” he stated.

President Tinubu urged political leaders to work for posterity so that history would remember them for good.

“Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honour, and you can’t trade it.

“Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people,” he added.

Tinubu urged leaders to see the entire country as one big family in a house with people living in different rooms.

Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, thanked the President for the bold and decisive reform of the Nigerian economy.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, who led the Christian prayers, said, “It is no coincidence that Muslims and Christians are fasting at the same time.”

Mr Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, noted that the prices of goods and foodstuffs were steadily dropping.

The minister said the reforms had also improved livelihoods while commending the President for his courage. (NAN)

Mr Akari Loveday, Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been rescued from his abductors by the Nigerian Army troops.

Loveday was rescued on Sunday by troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Navy, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police. The special adviser was abducted on Friday along the Ayakoro Community waterways in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa. Spokesman for the Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, confirmed Loveday’s release to journalists on Monday.“Loveday’s rescue was achieved through a meticulous operation conducted by troops of the 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in close synergy with the navy, DSS, and police,” he stated.Danjuma said that the operation was successful due to the support received from the Ayakoro communityHe explained that during the army’s operation, residents of the community came out en masse and assisted troops by blocking all exit points, thereby preventing the kidnappers from escaping with Loveday.According to him, the blocked exit routes forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim and fled into the creeks.“Loveday has since been reunited with the NDDC managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the leaders of Ayakoro community, while troops are currently combing the general area to apprehend the kidnappers,” he added.Danjuma further stated that the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, had directed troops to capture the kidnappers and rid the waterways of criminal elements. (NAN)

Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, has called on Gov.

Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to resign within 48 hours, or face impeached.Okocha made the remark in a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday.He said that the Supreme Court judgement is sacrosanct and should be obeyed to the later. Okocha described the invitation by the governor to the Assembly members led by Martins Amaewhule as very punitive. He said that Fubara was aware that the Assembly would be sitting on March 10 before inviting them for a discussion on the Supreme Court judgement.He recalled that Fubara invited the Assembly members to come and discuss about their remuneration, the place that they would use for their sitting, and also the budget.Okocha stated that Fubara had no right to invite the Assembly to come and discuss the Supreme Court judgement since he was meant to present the budget to them.According to him, the Governor ab initio disregarded the 8-point agenda for peace by President Bola Tinubu, who is also the leader of our party.‘’The All Progressive Congress, as an opposition party in the state, will not sit down and watch Gov. Fubara disobey Mr President; for us, that’s an insult.“We call on Gov. Fubara to resign within 48 hours or face impeachment; the findings of the Supreme Court is enough for him to resign, he is already sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” Okocha said.He, however, commended the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly for standing on their grounds till date.(NAN)