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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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VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI

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VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI:

Late ex-President Pursued Justice With Sincerity

** Says Tinubu-led FG will continue to protect dignity of the Buhari family, Katsina people

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said the late former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued justice with the utmost sincerity.

And in death, according to Senator Shettima, the late Buhari has also proved to the world that he was, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday during the 3rd day prayers (Fidau) offered for the repose of the soul of the former Nigerian leader, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

“Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity.

“When you are in power, your friends know you; when you are out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, the greatest son of Africa. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings,” he prayed.

On behalf of his boss, President Bola Tinubu, VP Shettima expressed gratitude to Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State for the reception and kind gesture accorded to the Federal Government delegation throughout their stay in the state.

“We have been together with the governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support,” he said, adding that President Tinubu is personally pained by the loss of his friend, brother and political soulmate.

The VP assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, “will continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.”

He revealed that he will proceed to Abuja with the family of the late former President to attend a Special Valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the deceased.

Earlier, the governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda, said the deceased rendered selfless service to the nation, maintaining that nobody can dispute the fact that he was an honest and just person.

He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for honouring the remains of late President Buhari, saying, “We, the people of Katsina State, don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown compassion, respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely. Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet, under the leadership of Vice President Shettima, to be in Katsina State. The 25 Ministers supported us at this trying moment, and we also thank the President for declaring a public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest,” Governor Radda added.

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the late Buhari has an important place in the national history of Nigeria, appealing to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of the former President, as reminded by Islamic clerics.

“We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers, as directed by Mr President, for finding time to offer prayers for our President and also participate in this national assignment. Indeed, former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world,” the minister said.

Earlier, the prayer session was opened by the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Pantami, who emphasised the need for constant prayers for all the departed souls, including late President Buhari.

Pantami further observed that prayer for the departed soul should not be restricted to a number of days.

Similarly, the Minister of State Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Abudullahi, on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), prayed Almighty Allah to cover the grave of Buhari with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.

Islamic scholars who offered prayer include Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque; Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Bishop of Katsina; Mamman Musa; Khalifa Mohammad Nasir; and Malam Hassan Daura, among others.

Other dignitaries present at the prayer session are former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Ambassador Adamu Daura; former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari; former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adu, and former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.

Others are former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai; Business Mogul, Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, former FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade; the Sultan of Maradi from the Niger Republic, and thousands of sympathisers from various walks of life.

VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI

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Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura

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Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other African leaders in Daura, Katsina State, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in a London hospital.

Earlier in the day, President Tinubu received the remains of the former President at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where he inspected a military guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force jet conveying the casket arrived at 1:51 p.m.

The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was conveyed by a senior military pallbearer team led by Major General Mike Alechenu, and wheeled in a solemn procession to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” flanked by a full military guard of honour.

Vice President Shettima had accompanied the body of the late President from London, alongside the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the late President’s widow, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and close family members.

Upon arrival in Daura, the remains of President Buhari were received by a large crowd of mourners chanting praises of Allah and offering prayers for his soul. The body was later interred at his private residence in a ceremony attended by a cross-section of dignitaries and ordinary citizens alike.

President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were joined at the burial by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou. Also in attendance were governors, ministers, service chiefs, former governors, captains of industry, Islamic clerics, and representatives from across the continent, including an envoy of the President of Chad.

Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura

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Accion MfB Launches AccionMonie App to Transform Digital Banking in Nigeria

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Accion MfB Launches AccionMonie App to Transform Digital Banking in Nigeria

By: Michael Michael

Nigeria’s leading microfinance institution, Accion Microfinance Bank (MfB) has launched AccionMonie, a transformative digital financial services platform designed to empower individuals, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households.

A statement on Tuesday said through AccionMonie, the microfinance bank is expanding digital capabilities for financial
access and empowerment across the spectrum of underserved individuals and businesses. The user-friendly platform offers instant access to essential services, including loans, savings, capital,
and other forms of support.

It started that the launch of AccionMonie is a key part of the bank’s “Always there to lend you a hand” campaign, which reinforces its long-standing commitment to small business growth and the
welfare of low-income households. The campaign positions Accion MFB not just as a financial provider but as a trusted partner in its customers’ journey towards business success and economic empowerment.

In Nigeria, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are one of the key growth drivers of the economy. Estimated at about 37 million, MSMEs currently account for 86 per cent of employment and 48 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, despite their strong
potential, the MSMEs continue to be impacted by existential challenges, notably access to capital and finance, infrastructure and an enabling business environment.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Accion MfB, Taiwo Joda, described the launch of
AccionMonie as an important milestone and a testament to the bank’s culture of innovation; one that ensures its products and offerings continue to reflect the evolving needs of its customers.

He said: “At Accion Microfinance Bank, we believe in the potential of every MSME to drive inclusive economic growth. That is why we are committed to empowering them with the financial support they need to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.”

On his part, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of the bank, Stephen Olalere, stated that AccionMonie and the combination of the bank’s extensive network of over 74 branches in 12 states will address the persistent challenge of limited access to financial services faced by many small businesses in Nigeria. He added that the platform’s user-friendly features will simplify payments and offer much-needed support for both businesses and individuals.

The Chief Digital Officer of the bank,
Paul Ehiagbonare, said this is a bold move towards digital leadership, maturity and excellence. He stated that: “For us, AccionMonie is a reflection of the much needed customer empowerment through digital tools and technologies. We are not only providing access to finance but standing beside our customers as partners, supporting their ambitions when others
may not and doing so timely and more efficiently. Our goal is to be a reliable ally on their journey toward growth, stability, and long-term success.”

He stated that AccionMonie offers a range of customer-focused features designed to promote financial inclusion and empower users. One of its unique offerings is Save2Loan, which allows customers
to save between N50,000 and N250,000 over 90 days and qualify for a loan worth twice their savings. He noted that this feature is expected to encourage a stronger culture of saving while expanding access to credit.

He explained that customers can also fund their AccionMonie accounts directly using any debit card, which is an easy, seamless process that eliminates the need for long queues at banking halls. Another key
feature is the targeted saving option and locked savings, which helps users plan and save for long-term goals such as tuition, rent, or investment while earning competitive interest.

He noted that customers can also earn for referring others, adding that account management features include on demand
bank statement, account upgrade features, secure access, transfer limit management amongst others.

The AccionMonie app is now available for download on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or directly via this link: https://onelink.to/57z27p.

Accion Microfinance Bank has been in operation for over 16 years and is a pioneer in Nigeria’s microfinance sector, providing innovative financial solutions. The bank’s long history of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses has greatly contributed to economic growth and
development.

The bank has solid shareholder investments from three major banks – Ecobank, Zenith Bank and Citi Bank – as well as International Finance Corporation, a World Bank member, and Accion Investments, all of which contribute to its strong financial base and allow it to serve an ever-increasing number of customers.

Accion MfB Launches AccionMonie App to Transform Digital Banking in Nigeria

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