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Lead with Wisdom, Courage, Compassion, Buhari Tells Tinubu

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday urged the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the country with wisdom, courage and compassion.

Buhari gave the advise during the investiture of the President-elect and Vice President-elect in Abuja.

“Once again, I congratulate President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima on their well-deserved investiture.

May the Almighty bless you and guide you in your endeavors to lead Nigeria towards a brighter and more prosperous future,” he stated.

Buhari said the administration was faced with many challenges at inception and worked hard to tackle hydra-headed issues.

“This administration from inception has faced security challenges such as insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping as well as corruption which has eaten deep into the system.

“With the political will and support of many Nigerians, especially our dogged Armed Forces, insurgency, terrorism, and kidnapping have been reduced to their barest minimum while corruption has been tackled headlong.

“Despite the aforementioned challenges, our administration has made economic gains over the years. While acknowledging the turbulent times and global economic meltdown occasioned by the world oil crisis and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy has remained afloat and strong.

“Our administration’s commitment and determination in infrastructural upliftment of Nigeria have remained unshaken,” he added.

As part of his achievements, the President noted that Second Niger Bridge, named President Muhammadu Buhari Bridge, had been completed and commissioned.

“I am happy to say that no administration in Nigeria’s modern history has given so much attention to roads as we have done in the last eight years. In all, we have been able to construct and complete over 8,352.94 kilometers of roads across Nigeria.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in spite of the shortfall in the federal government’s revenue, due to the weakness in the global economy that led to a drop in oil revenue, we have touched on all sectors of the Nigerian economy positively.

“As we celebrate the monumental infrastructural strides achieved by this Administration, it is pertinent to acknowledge that these transformative endeavors have not only reshaped our physical landscape but have also paved the way for remarkable economic outcomes that reverberate across our nation.

“The link between infrastructure and economic prosperity is undeniable. It is through the construction of roads, railways, bridges, and other critical assets that we unlock the true potential of our nation, leading to better communication, facilitating trade, and propelling economic growth,” he said.

“To avoid a repeat of our 2015 experience,” the President said an Executive Order No. 14 of 2023, had been signed, establishing the legal framework for conducting presidential transitions at the federal level.

He said the Executive Order establishes the Presidential Transition Council chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Ministerial Transition Teams headed by the Permanent Secretaries.

Buhari explained that the primary responsibility of the two ad-hoc bodies was to ensure that every piece of information that will help a new administration get off to a speedy start was made available in a usable format and in a timely manner.

 “Today, I am so proud to have handed over to you my Successor, Your Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu three key documents that will guide you as you aim to define a path for your administration.

“It is my earnest desire that you will find these documents useful as this would be the first time in the history of this country that such detailed documentation will be produced for handover to a new administration. I strongly encourage you to uphold this legacy and make the experience even better for your successor by the time you are to leave office.

“It may also interest you to know that apart from these three documents, all the Ministries and their Agencies have also prepared their Handover Notes, ready to brief their new political leadership. I want to sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his team for this great feat,” he further stated.

On the transfer of a symbolic baton to Asiwaju Tinubu, the President said that the incoming government would continue with the race of advancing democracy and development.

“This is a first in the history of our Nation’s transition process. To preserve this remarkable history for generations to come, I have directed that the Baton be preserved in the Presidential history wing of the National Archives and I hope that President-elect Tinubu and those after him will build on this tradition,” he stressed.

At the event, Buhari honoured president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima with national investiture of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) respectfully in line with the May 29, inaugural process.

The President said, “I have run a good race, I have finished my course. It is now time for another to take up the baton.”

The investiture of the President-elect and Vice President-elect sets the pace for their swearing into office on Monday, May 29th, 2023, drawing a curtain on the eight-year administration of President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who served two terms, 2015-2023.

Buhari congratulated both political leaders, who had served as Governor of Lagos and Borno States, respectively.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to the President-elect, on his well-deserved victory at the February 25th, 2023 Presidential elections. The Nigerian people have recognized your leadership qualities, political acumen, and passion to serve our great nation, and have entrusted you with the burden of governing our beloved country.

“I have no doubt that Nigeria will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under your leadership. You were the best candidate at the elections and Nigerians have chosen wisely.

“I equally extend my congratulations to the Vice President-elect. Your wealth of experience in governance, your unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people, and your exemplary leadership during challenging times as Governor of Borno State, have made you a deserving candidate for this position. I have full confidence that you will serve our nation with utmost dedication and integrity.

“In accordance with the Honours Award Act, 1963, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, (LFN), 2004, Presidents/Heads of State receive the Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) while the Vice Presidents are awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

“Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of the GCON on His Excellency Kashim Shettima respectively.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us not forget the immense responsibilities that come with leadership. The challenges facing our nation are significant, and it is the duty of the President and Vice President to address them with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

“We must remain committed to the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, as these are the foundations upon which our nation’s progress and development rely,” he said.

Buhari noted that Asiwaju had the experience and capacity to lead the country, carrying on the legacy of his administration.

“President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a long and illustrious track record of public service, marked by your exceptional achievements in various capacities. Your transformative leadership in Lagos State, where you left an indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people.

The President expressed deepest gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and trust throughout his tenure, adding “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this great nation, and I am confident that Nigeria is in capable hands as we embark on this new chapter.”

President Hands Over  Transition Documents 

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday handed over transition documents to the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The files which contain three key documents, comprise of briefing notes (on each of the nine priority areas covering key sectors).

A compendium (which captures the priority programmes and projects implemented by his administration) and a Policy Status update were also handed to the president-elect.

This documents were given to Tinubu at the State House Conference Center in Abuja, after he and his vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima, were conferred with the National Honours of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

The President also handed over the baton of service to the president-elect indicating that government is a continuum. The ceremony is the first in a series of events lined up for the May 29 inauguration.

This is the first time in the history of transitions in Nigeria that the transition process has been driven under an Executive Order 14 signed by President Buhari.

The order sets the process of presidential transition on a path of a legislation, which will institutionalize it.

I Understand Task Ahead, Won’t Disappoint  – Tinubu

President-elect Bola Tinubu, yesterday said he understands the magnitude of the task ahead as he prepares to take on the mantle of leadership.

The former governor of Lagos was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election after defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

Yesterday, Tinubu was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) — the highest national honour — while Kashim Shettima, the vice-president-elect, was bestowed with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Speaking after receiving the honour in Abuja, Tinubu told President Muhammdu Buhari to “expect knocks” on his door.

“I understand the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task ahead; whether you go to Daura or Niger Republic, expect knocks on your doors,” he said.

Tinubu, who is expected to be sworn in as president on May 29, said he will not disappoint Buhari and Nigerians.

He also praised the outgoing president for honouring the late MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided. One such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on the late MKO Abiola,” Tinubu said.

“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the records straight and heal a festering wound. The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.

“I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.

“Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the meaning of the honour given to me today and of the task that awaits.

“I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors, we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President.”

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Seven Months After, Reps Pass Harmonized Tax Reform Bills

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By Eze Okechukwu and Ubong Ukpong,Abuja

House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024.The bills were passed at a session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

The development followed the adoption of the harmonised versions of the reform bills by both the House and the Senate.
At plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives considered the report of the conference committee, which harmonised the bills.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke (APC, Lagos), who headed the House team to the conference committee, presented the conference report to the House for consideration.
According to him, the Conference Committee met and agreed on all areas of difference in the version passed by both chambers of the National Assembly. He stated that there were 45 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 12 areas of difference in the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, 9 areas of difference in the Joint Revenue Board Bill and 46 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Bill, adding that all grey areas were resolved ahead of the passage. While the conference committee agreed to retain the Senate version in some of the clauses, they also retained the House version in some others, making amendments in a few others. The conference committee agreed to the imposition of a 4 per cent development levy on the assessable profit of all companies chargeable to tax under Chapters 2 and 3, except small companies and non-resident companies. They also agreed that the levy shall be collected by the Nigeria Revenue Service and paid into a special account created for the same purpose.

In the sharing formula, the committee agreed that 50 per cent of the tax would go to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, 15 per cent to the Education Loan Fund (up from 3 per cent agreed by the House), and 8 per cent to the Nigeria Information Technology Development Fund.

Similarly, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure is to get 8 per cent (down from 10 per cent earlier agreed by both chambers), the National Board for Technology Incubation is to get 4 per cent from the fund, defence and security infrastructure is to get 10 per cent while cyber security fund will get 5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Social Security Fund, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and National Sports Development Fund were excluded from the list of beneficiaries passed by the House of Representatives.

The committee also adopted a new clause 158, which imposes a 5 per cent surcharge on chargeable fossil fuel products provided or produced in Nigeria and shall be collected at the time a chargeable transaction occurs.

The controversial Value Added Tax sharing formula was not part of the areas of disagreement between the two legislative chambers.

In his remarks, Kalu said the parliament has played its part in ensuring that the country moves forward, even as he urged the executive arm of government to do its part.

In his contribution, a member of the House representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Jaha warned those who will clean up the bill not to tamper with any of the clauses passed, saying “Where the T is not crossed, don’t cross it, where the I is not dotted, don’t do it. We have the original copies of the bills as passed before and after harmonisation.

“We have had cases in the past where those in charge of cleaning up the bills tamper with it and at the end of the day, the President will withhold assent. That must not happen.”

That said, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker singled out Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu for praise, saying, “I want to thank your leadership for the role you played in making these bills a success. I also want to thank the Chairman of the Committee, Abiodun Faleke. He showed that he is truly a good elder. He provided a lot of training for some of us, and I want to say that this is the way to go.”

In a related development, the Senate has approved the Rivers State 2025 budget for a second reading.

The budget, which totals ₦1,480,662,592,442 trillion, was presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, on Wednesday.

Bamidele explained that the Senate had assumed legislative powers over Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.

Supporting the motion, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan emphasised the urgency of passing the budget to ensure that the people of Rivers State feel the impact of governance.

He said, “Mr. President, I am not exactly sure under what title this document is categorised, but from what I can see, it pertains to a budget under the state of emergency. I hereby support its passage for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government.”

With no opposition to the motion, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, conducted a voice vote and referred the budget to the Ad-hoc Committee on Overseeing the Rivers State of Emergency for further legislative action.

Senate announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, along with other key state officials, would appear before a Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee to defend the state’s 2025 budget. NASS holds commemorate 25 years of democracy, holds joint session,

Also,President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has announced that a joint session of the National Assembly will be held on June 12 to commemorate Democracy Day.

He made the announcement after the upper chamber reconvened for plenary on Wednesday.

Akpabio revealed that the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro as well as the Chairman senate services, Senator Sunday Karimi will meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to finalize the programme of activities and coordinate arrangements for the special session.

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Dangote Beats MTN, DSTV, AZAM to Emerge as Most Admired African Brand

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By David Torough, Abuja

It was another historic milestone for pan-African investor Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Industries Limited over the weekend, as they garnered three prestigious accolades at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

Dangote Industries Limited was named Most Admired African Brand, following an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries.
The company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction. The induction recognises Dangote’s transformative impact on African consumers and its influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the continent.
President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world-class African brand and reshaping the continent’s economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected brands.Reacting to the awards, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said the honours reflect the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group’s journey. He added that they are a testament to the dedication of the company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.”We also extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative. This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage. His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa,” he said.Noting that the recognition would further inspire the company to push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Industries’ commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.In his keynote address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr Claver Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Brand Africa laureates for advancing the African agenda.He highlighted the alignment between Brand Africa and the ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector-led growth. He also called for increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains and the establishment of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance and globalise Africa’s most promising brands.”I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the “Most Admired African Brands” category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact,” he said.

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Land Revocation: FCTA Seals PDP Secretariat, FIRS, Access Bank, Others

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By Johnson Eyiangho and Laide Akinboade Anima, Abuja

A team from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday sealed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.The sealing of the PDP secretariat came barely 24 hours to the much anticipated meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled for Tuesday.

The national secretariat also serves as the venue to the PDP NEC meeting.
A joint taskforce comprising officials from the FCTA, Police, DSS, Army, NDLEA and NSCDC stormed the Secretariat at about 2.04pm and sealed the office shortly after a crucial meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).However, after a briefing meeting between the FCTA and PDP officials, all cars parked in the premises of the Secretariat were allowed to move out, while the PDP’s officials rushed to Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge for the Caucus meeting of the party.
The sealing of the Secretariat is widely perceived as a strategic escalation in Wike’s ongoing feud with leadership of the party, particularly those pushing for the removal of his lackey, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, as National Secretary of the party.Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has vowed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Tuesday May 27, 2025 will be held as scheduled.A party official who did not want to be named described the sealing of the Secretariat as a temporary setback, vowing that all party activities leading to NEC and beyond will continue.The National Caucus Meeting, Board of Trustees and Governors meetings are part of activities ahead of the NEC meeting.The FCT Minister had revoked over 4,700 properties due to long-standing non-payment of ground rent to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).Also affected by the Monday exercise are Access Bank, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ibro Hotel and Total Energy in Abuja.The enforcement, which began in the Wuse District, was led by FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze and Director Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.Speaking during the sealing of Plot 534, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, Galadima said, “Today is about walking the talk. We announced this earlier, and we are here to implement what we said to take possession of all revoked properties, starting with this plot.”He noted that the Total PLC property had accumulated over 10 years of unpaid ground rent, leading to its revocation in March 2025.Also sealed was the Access Bank branch located on Plot 2456, Wuse 1, Cadastral Zone A02. The property, however, belongs to Rana Taher Furniture Nigeria Limited and was revoked due to 34 years of unpaid ground rent.Galadima said the enforcement would proceed to other parts of the city, including the Central Area, after the Wuse district.Tinubu Intervenes, Gives 14-days GracePresident Bola Tinubu has intervened on the ongoing enforcement of possession of 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent from 10 to 43 years and has given them 14 days ultimatum to pay up.This was revealed at a briefing by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, in Abuja.He said the defaulters have been given 14 days to pay up all outstanding and the penalty fees.The Director of Land noted that even though properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected, the Administration is committed to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.He said, “However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties.”For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.”Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.”Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed”.He added, “Also, all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (TWO WEEKS) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles”.The FCT Minister therefore urged property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.

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