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TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

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TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

By Moses Okezie-Okafor

The victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court of Nigeria earlier today (Thursday, 26th October, 2023) calls for congratulations to Mr. President. Although today’s outcome was entirely expected, given my more than 23 years of experience as a lawyer and my direct involvement in the Renewed Hope Campaign, it is still highly gratifying. One thing is sure, this judgment is a significant milestone for both our president and our nation, Nigeria. By confirming his election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and putting an end to all judicial challenges by his opponents, the apex court of the land has removed all lawful impediments for the President to continue with the task of governing Africa’s largest economy and most complex polity.

While I enjoin all persons of goodwill to extend sincere felicitations to Mr. President, even if only in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I am also quick to remind our president that every constituency in Nigeria, down to the smallest polling unit, is now eagerly anticipating accelerated and proportionate development of the country under his leadership. This expectation is neither unreasonable nor surprising, after all President Tinubu made promises of renewed hope and a future assured to Nigerians when he applied for the job. He committed, through his Renewed Hope Manifesto (a document that I personally consider one of the most comprehensive governance templates by any presidential candidate ever) to do his utmost in the best interests of Nigeria. It is safe to assert that the entire world, not just Nigerians, holds him accountable for these promises.

I will now provide a summary of some of the President’s most outstanding promises to Nigerians, for the records and to emphasize the importance of keeping these promises. I will also be calling on all Nigerians before the end of this article to put aside partisan divisions and give him a genuine opportunity to keep his word.

The president pledged to build a Nigeria where ample employment opportunities with respectable remuneration would enhance the quality of life, especially for the youth. He undertook that the country would manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services we require. This implies that his administration will facilitate the necessary conditions to achieve this goal, with the aim of making Nigeria known as a nation of creators, not just consumers. The Renewed Hope Manifesto also commits to enhancing exports and reducing imports, which would fortify both the Naira and our way of life. These two promises, in particular, ring with an urgency that cannot be overemphasized, especially now that his removal of fuel subsidy and harmonizing of the exchange rate has seen the Naira facing significant forex headwinds with little to no support from domestic production, which, admittedly, the President inherited at a very low ebb.

The Renewed Hope Manifesto consists of interconnected commitments, one linked to another. To fulfill the aforementioned promises, the President must also uphold others alongside them. His commitment to transforming Nigerian agriculture into a potent force is a quick-win objective that became long overdue the moment it was made due to carryover expectations from previous administrations. Nigerians are now counting on him to provide the necessary political will to support our ‘ever-toiling farmers’, as he affectionately refers to them, with the practical policies and enlightenment as well as the agricultural tools and inputs to finally succeed. This support is required to boost productivity, secure decent incomes, sustain their families, and feed the nation. The President is well aware that if we can provide the promised assistance to the 70% of our people engaged in subsistence agriculture, they will lift themselves and their families out of poverty, ideally within the four years it takes to complete a first term as president of Nigeria.

The President’s electoral promises also encompass his intention to modernize and expand public infrastructure and utilities so that the rest of the Nigerian economy can piggyback on it for optimal and accelerated growth. This commitment underscores his understanding that inadequate infrastructure and nonexistent utilities lie at the heart of poor domestic production, a key contributor to the country’s balance of trade challenges. Now that the Supreme Court has relieved him of the uncertainty of judicial outcomes concerning his continued stay in office, no doubt Mr. President and his ministers in the relevant sectors are ready to commence the construction of the promised infrastructure and utilities.

The time has also come to uphold another significant promise, namely, the much-anticipated commitment to empower and support our young entrepreneurs of all genders who have embarked on the challenging path of entrepreneurship and are ensnared in a demanding operational environment. Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurs can be likened to small vessels carrying precious cargo stranded in a fierce storm on a rocky shoreline in pitch-dark night. Mr. President must now devise methods and strategies to deploy his administration like a tugboat and send it into those storm-tossed seas to rescue these struggling vessels and guide them to a safe harbor of his design and defense. This is the only way that emerging sectors led by these young entrepreneurs, such as the digital economy, entertainment, culture, tourism, and others, will have the opportunity to thrive and help us construct the Nigeria of tomorrow, today.

An implication of such targeted investments in these sectors by the administration is that the President’s other commitment to train and offer economic opportunities to the poorest and most vulnerable among us will also be fulfilled. With some time and sustained support, earnest efforts in agriculture and these emerging sectors have the potential to equip sufficient Nigerians with the self-help abilities to lift the 133 million people believed to be in multidimensional poverty out of the wretched state that has confined them. Mr. President has expressed the aspiration of creating a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry, anxious about what the future holds. I emphasize: uphold these promises, sir, and witness these concerns essentially address themselves.

In addition to the promises outlined in the Renewed Hope Manifesto, President Tinubu’s administration has recently articulated eight priority areas through which it intends to realize the electoral commitments of its principal. Mr. President himself enumerated these areas in his speech during the opening ceremony of the 29th NESG Summit this week as food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusion, rule of law and fighting corruption. To my mind, this 8-point agenda presses all the right buttons and it is commendable that Mr. President’s focus remains on these key areas, meaning that he is taking tangible steps to translate words into actions.

As I have advocated on numerous occasions, I firmly believe that this Administration is well-positioned to be a Super Administration, and I am using ‘super’ as an acronym to represent Security, Unity, Prosperity, Equity, and Reconciliation (S.U.P.E.R). Nigerians demand actions and I believe we can get so much mileage out of a few action areas, hence the acronym. Each of these words represents a substantial source of concern for Nigerians, and the President must urgently transform each of them into a tangible reality, accessible in every part of the country, if he aims to alleviate the suffering of his people and deliver the dividends of democracy.

Security is number one and remains paramount. The President must ensure the security of lives and property in the country. He must adequately equip and motivate the security agencies to execute their duties effectively. Marching in double quick time, the President must address the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism that has become both endemic and devastating in every part of the country, but particularly the South East and North East.

Unity comes a close second and is no less a critical objective for a diverse nation like Nigeria. Our diversity of ethnic groups and religions is undoubtedly one of our greatest assets, but it is a most challenging one. The President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima raised concerns for many non-Muslims, and the President must work to build trust. Nigeria needs a ‘civil or civic religion’, also known as the shared values of a nation as expressed through public rituals and symbols. They are the bond that unites a people who live under the same laws and rules and help to provide a sense of inclusion, belonging, identity, unity, structure, worth, confidence, transcendence, purpose and pride in the nation. The President must reawaken this long lost ethos for Nigeria while cementing unity and inclusivity in his administration by ensuring that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging in the country and a shared ownership of her.

Prosperity is a pivotal goal, considering Nigeria’s economic woes despite her abundant natural resources. The President must see to it that these resources are effectively harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians. He pledged ‘shared prosperity,’ and he must deliver on this promise. The masses must experience his benevolent influence in their livelihoods and overall standard of living. Our President must cultivate an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs for the vast population of unemployed youths.

Equity is crucial, and the President must ensure that every Nigerian is treated fairly and justly. There should be no discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or gender. Meritocracy must be the guiding principle for appointments and promotions. The President must confront the issue of inequality head-on, particularly addressing the cries of marginalization and ensuring that every part of the country is included in the development agenda. He must also take decisive steps to combat corruption, which has hindered the country’s progress.

Reconciliation is a pressing need in a country plagued by ethnic and religious conflicts. Ethnic and religious nationalism has gone out of hand in many places and must be reined in. Political campaigns since 2015 have been particularly divisive and Nigerians have left deep wounds on themselves from vicious hatchet-jobs. It is now the President’s unenviable responsibility to craft deliberate policies and initiatives that will facilitate reconciliation and healing in the country. He must ensure that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging, is treated with respect and dignity, and that social justice is upheld while the rule of law is enforced.

President Tinubu must fulfill his promises to Nigerians. He must provide leadership that propels the country forward. I am one of those who firmly believe that if we in the All Progressives Congress (APC) adhere to the core principles of our manifesto in our interactions with citizens, Nigerians will undeniably witness and recognize the transformational leadership and good governance for which President Tinubu is renowned. These principles form the foundation of our contract with the nation as a governing party and we have no room for foibles or failure.

While it is essential to hold the President accountable and offer constructive criticism when necessary, we must also grant him the benefit of the doubt and support his efforts to propel the country forward. The Supreme Court’s judgment today affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election, not only put a burden on him to keep his electoral promises to us, but it also signifies that it is time for us to unite and support him in delivering on his promises to Nigerians.

He has pledged to renew hope in Nigeria, create jobs, promote unity, and ensure that every Nigerian is treated fairly and justly. He has also committed to prioritizing security, prosperity, equity, and reconciliation. However, President Tinubu cannot accomplish these things alone. He requires our support, trust, and cooperation. Let us therefore set aside our differences and work together to construct a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations of Nigerians. Together, we can achieve our goals of Renewed Hope and Future Assured.

Moses Okezie-Okafor, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) writes from Abuja.

TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

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President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

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2 days ago

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July 5, 2026

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President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the strategic highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration, and national security.

The two road projects, regarded as economic lifelines of North-East Nigeria, serves as key gateways to neighbouring African countries, which will bolster cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen security operations in a region recovering from over a decade of insurgency.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

The Vice President said the rehabilitation of the roads would improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State.”

The President also commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a strong partnership with the Federal Government.

“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions are united by the urgency of service. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” Tinubu stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole.

“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Governor Zulum also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The Governor equally praised his representative Vice President Shettima for his sustained support towards the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

“Your Excellency, your personal interest in the reconstruction and development of our state continues to inspire confidence among our people. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and steadfast commitment.” said Zulum.

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

He recalled the construction of Dangote Village, the donation of ₦1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ₦1 billion to the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood, and the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons.

“Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, thousands of displaced persons received food and non-food items. Essentially, in 2017, he donated 106 trucks of food to IDPs.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote has also donated ₦1.5 billion to NEMA to support flood victims in Borno State in the year 2024.”

Governor Zulum assured that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure value for money and strict compliance with quality standards. He also appealed to the Minister of Works to grant the Borno State Government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers using the roads intermittently.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.

The ceremony was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori; senators; members of the House of Representatives; the Shehu of Borno, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa; ministers; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; APC leaders; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service; the Acting Chief of Staff; commissioners; heads of government agencies; and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

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Tinubu Flags Off Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki Road Projects

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2 days ago

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July 5, 2026

By

Tinubu Flags Off Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki Road Projects

..:Describes Zulum Best Performing Governor

…Zulum Hails Tinubu’s Commitment to Borno Recovery Process

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the strategic highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration, and national security.

The two road projects, regarded as economic lifelines of the North-East, serve as key gateways to neighbouring African countries, which will bolster cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen security operations in a region recovering from over a decade of insurgency.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

The Vice President said the rehabilitation of the roads would improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State.”

The Vice President also commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a strong partnership with the Federal Government.

“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions are united by the urgency of service. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” the Vice President stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum remarked.

“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Governor Zulum also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The governor equally praised Vice President Shettima for his sustained support towards the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

“Your Excellency, your personal interest in the reconstruction and development of our state continues to inspire confidence among our people. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and steadfast commitment.”

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

He recalled the construction of Dangote Village, the donation of ₦1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ₦1 billion to the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood, and the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons.

“Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, thousands of displaced persons received food and non-food items. Essentially, in 2017, he donated 106 trucks of food to IDPs. Alhaji Aliko Dangote has also donated ₦1.5 billion to NEMA to support flood victims in Borno State in the year 2024.”

Governor Zulum assured that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure value for money and strict compliance with quality standards. He also appealed to the Minister of Works to grant the Borno State Government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers using the roads.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.

The ceremony was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; senators; members of the House of Representatives; the Shehu of Borno, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa; ministers; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; APC leaders; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service; the Acting Chief of Staff; commissioners; heads of government agencies; and other dignitaries.

Tinubu Flags Off Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki Road Projects

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PEBEC Targets Seamless Digital Government as 98% of MDAs Meet Business Reform Standards

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4 days ago

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July 3, 2026

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PEBEC Targets Seamless Digital Government as 98% of MDAs Meet Business Reform Standards

By: Michael Mike

The Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has unveiled plans to integrate digital platforms across federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to eliminate duplication, reduce regulatory bottlenecks and create a seamless experience for businesses, following significant gains in public sector service delivery reforms.

Audu disclosed that 98 per cent of the 69 MDAs monitored by the council now meet prescribed responsiveness standards after a targeted reform programme designed to improve compliance with the Business Facilitation Act.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, she said PEBEC’s next phase of reforms would focus on ensuring government agencies no longer operate in isolation but are digitally connected to enable secure information sharing and faster service delivery.

According to her, while many agencies have digitised their operations, businesses still face unnecessary delays because they are repeatedly required to submit the same information to different regulators.

She cited the National Identification Number (NIN) as an example, noting that agencies should no longer demand documents containing information already available on government databases.

“Our objective is to create an environment where businesses provide information once, and relevant government agencies can securely access it instead of making investors repeat the same process multiple times,” she said.

Audu explained that the reforms are part of PEBEC’s broader mandate to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, simplify regulatory processes and position Nigeria as a preferred investment destination.

Rather than adopting a confrontational approach, she said the council works collaboratively with government institutions to resolve operational challenges.

“PEBEC is not a name-and-shame organisation. We identify gaps and provide technical support to help agencies improve their services,” she said.

She revealed that the council recently concluded a 90-day Business Environment Enhancement Accelerator Programme, during which reform champions embedded across 69 MDAs worked with PEBEC to strengthen compliance with the Business Facilitation Act.

The initiative, she said, resulted in 98 per cent of the agencies meeting service delivery timelines and responding promptly to enquiries from businesses and members of the public.

Audu noted that the council is now shifting attention from basic compliance to competitiveness, with the goal of making Nigeria a more business-friendly destination than neighbouring economies such as Ghana, Benin Republic and Kenya before benchmarking against leading global performers.

As part of efforts to simplify business regulation, she said PEBEC reviewed licensing procedures and documentation requirements across several agencies to eliminate obsolete and repetitive processes that increase the cost and time of doing business.

She also identified top-performing agencies during the council’s assessment, commending the Nigeria Customs Service for fully complying with reform requirements while reducing cargo clearance timelines and simplifying import and export procedures.

Other agencies recognised for exceeding compliance expectations include the Nigerian Ports Authority, the National Information Technology Development Agency and the National Pension Commission, all of which introduced additional customer-focused reforms beyond the minimum standards.

Audu stressed that the assessment was not intended to rank agencies but to institutionalise reforms capable of improving the experience of businesses dealing with government institutions.

She warned that inefficiency in a single government office can undermine investor confidence in the entire country.

“If someone has a bad experience with one government agency, they do not separate that agency from the government. They simply conclude that Nigeria is not working,” she said.

To sustain the reforms, Audu disclosed that PEBEC will continue its quarterly mystery-shopping exercise, under which officials anonymously access government services to independently assess service quality from the perspective of ordinary users.

She added that the council also operates live performance trackers that allow agencies and the public to monitor compliance levels and identify areas requiring improvement.

According to her, the 2026 Business Facilitation Act Compliance Report is expected to be released in November after the completion of the annual assessment.

She said PEBEC’s long-term goal is to entrench a public service culture built on transparency, efficiency and accountability while creating a fully integrated digital government that makes regulatory compliance faster, easier and more predictable for businesses and investors.

PEBEC Targets Seamless Digital Government as 98% of MDAs Meet Business Reform Standards

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