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In a recent exchange, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attributed Nigeria's economic challenges to the "poor policies" of President Bola Tinubu. However, the Presidency responded, accusing Atiku of hypocrisy and failing to propose better policy alternatives. Atiku criticized Tinubu's economic policies, stating that they are causing pain, despair, and a shrinking private sector. He also questioned the effectiveness of Tinubu's budget and characterized his initiatives as uninformed and chaotic.

On the other hand, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku's criticism, claiming it reflects a mission as a poor opposition figure. Onanuga defended Tinubu's reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and harmonization of exchange rates, emphasizing their long-term benefits. He countered Atiku's claims about a shrinking private sector and multinational companies leaving, stating they are not grounded in facts.

The Presidency highlighted Tinubu's acknowledgment that the reforms would cause immediate pain but insisted they are essential for future prosperity. Onanuga urged Atiku to be honest about the inherited weak economy and commended President Tinubu's focus on solving economic and security challenges through fiscal and tax policy reforms. Despite Atiku's criticism, the Presidency emphasized its commitment to nation-building and economic recovery initiated by President Tinubu.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government inaugurated four Reform Task Teams with the goal of expediting the realization of presidential objectives for the housing sector in Nigeria. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, stressed the importance of unlocking the sector's massive potential for fostering inclusive economic growth.

The four committees introduced are the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team, the Land Reform Task Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. Minister Dangiwa challenged these committees to diligently work and present their recommendations within an eight-week timeframe. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms addressing systemic issues hindering development and removing legal impediments in the housing sector.

Dangiwa highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to revitalizing the housing sector, citing the demerger from the Ministry of Works and the establishment of the task teams as significant steps toward realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector.

The Housing Institutions Reform Task Team aims to create a robust framework for optimizing housing agencies under the ministry's supervision, delivering decent and affordable homes to Nigerians. The Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team will ensure collaborative efforts among housing agencies for efficient housing delivery. The Land Reform Task Team focuses on developing a blueprint for sustainable land administration reforms, promoting easy and cost-effective land access. The Building Materials Manufacturing Hub Task Team will assess the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector, identifying challenges and opportunities.

Dangiwa assured the committees of the government's support and resources to fulfill their responsibilities within the specified timeline. He urged the Federal Housing Authority to intensify operations with government support and encouraged the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide mortgages, enabling more Nigerians to own homes.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the necessity of these task teams in addressing multifaceted challenges in effective housing delivery. The chairmen and members of the committees were selected for their proven integrity and competence. The appointed chairmen include Adedeji Adesemoye for the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime for the Land Reform Task Team, Nuhu Wya for the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, and Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis for the Multi-Agency Project Task Team.

Nigerians expressed their approval on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu took a decisive step to reduce the size of his entourage for domestic and international travels by 60%. This move aims to curb excessive spending on travel.

The austerity measures extend to all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, and the wives of both. President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the details, emphasizing the president's commitment to cutting costs.

On international trips, President Tinubu directed that only 20 individuals accompany him, reduced to five for the First Lady. The Vice President's entourage on official international trips is also limited to five, with the same restriction for the Vice President's wife.

This decision follows criticism of the Tinubu administration for sponsoring over a thousand delegates to COP28 in Dubai, with reports suggesting significant spending. Many Nigerians commended the president for this move, urging governors to follow suit to reduce recurrent expenditure.

Despite some skepticism, there was widespread appreciation for the cost-cutting initiative, with citizens lauding President Tinubu's leadership by example. The spokesperson emphasized that the president is determined to bring prudence and sanity to the management of public resources.

Further details include limits on staff members accompanying officials on domestic and international trips. Ministers and agency heads now face restrictions on the number of individuals allowed to travel with them. The president's spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the directive and warned against defying it. This initiative reflects Tinubu's commitment to aligning government prudence with the expectations of Nigerian citizens.

In the aftermath of the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the ministry's Permanent Secretary, has assumed the responsibilities of the ministry. This transition aligns with the directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended Betta Edu on Monday, citing alleged payments of public funds into private accounts.

The assumption of responsibilities by Enitan occurred following the reception of a letter to that effect from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday night. President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, instructed the suspended Minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The President further directed Edu to fully cooperate with investigating authorities during their inquiry. Additionally, a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance has been tasked by the President to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The aim is to reform relevant institutions and programs, addressing institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and regaining lost public confidence in the initiative.

Leaders of thought and elder statesmen representing Southern and Middle Belt regions have penned a letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to address the ongoing killings and destruction in the Middle Belt, which they see as a threat to the nation's existence. The group, known as the Southern and Middle Leaders Forum (SMBLF), emphasized the President's responsibility to resolve the issue and criticized the portrayal of the conflict as mere herders/farmers clashes. They called for a comprehensive security inquiry, the closure of IDP camps, and specialized training for security agents.

The leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, highlighted the diversity within the North-West geopolitical zone and underscored the dangers of the Fulani territorial agenda. They urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, address the senseless killings, and ensure the safety of citizens, especially in the Middle Belt. The letter criticized the government's handling of the Fulanization agenda and called for the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.

In a separate development, governors from the North Central states visited Plateau State, expressing concern over the persistent attacks and killings. They called on the federal government to address the root causes of the issue and find lasting solutions. The governors emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among the North Central states to combat banditry effectively.

Additionally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on President Tinubu to deploy radical security and economic policies in response to the increasing insecurity in the country. The NBA condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and a drone strike in Kaduna State, urging the government to prioritize the security of lives and properties. The association called for a comprehensive and region-specific approach to address security challenges, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination and substantial investments in security.

Dear Compatriots,

It gives me immense joy to welcome each and everyone of you – young and old- to this brand new year 2024. We must lift up our hands to Almighty God, in gratitude, for His grace and benevolence to our country and our lives in the year 2023 that has just gone by.

Though the past year was a very challenging one, it was eventful in so many ways. For our country, it was a transition year that saw a peaceful, orderly and successful transfer of power from one administration to another, marking yet another remarkable step in our 24 years of unbroken democracy.It was a year, you the gracious people of this blessed nation, entrusted your faith in me with a clear mandate to make our country better, to revamp our economy, restore security within our borders, revitalise our floundering industrial sector, boost agricultural production, increase national productivity and set our country on an irreversible path towards national greatness that we and future generations will forever be proud of.

The task of building a better nation and making sure we have a Nigeria society that cares for all her citizens is the reason I ran to become your President. It was the core of my Renewed Hope campaign message on the basis of which you voted me as President.

Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country.

Over the past seven months of our administration, I have taken some difficult and yet necessary decisions to save our country from fiscal catastrophe. One of those decisions was the removal of fuel subsidy which had become an unsustainable financial burden on our country for more than four decades. Another was the removal of the chokehold of few people on our foreign exchange system that benefited only the rich and the most powerful among us. Without doubt, these two decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families and businesses.

I am well aware that for some time now the conversations and debates have centred on the rising cost of living, high inflation which is now above 28% and the unacceptable high under-employment rate.

From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main-streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.

I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know for a fact that some of our compatriots are even asking if this is how our administration wants to renew their hope.

Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens.

Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads.

Having laid the groundwork of our economic recovery plans within the last seven months of 2023, we are now poised to accelerate the pace of our service delivery across sectors.

Just this past December during COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and I agreed and committed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project that will ultimately deliver reliable supply of electricity to our homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative which began in 2018.

Other power installation projects to strengthen the reliability of our transmission lines and optimise the integrity of our National grid are ongoing across the country.My administration recognises that no meaningful economic transformation can happen without steady electricity supply. In 2024, we are moving a step further in our quest to restart local refining of petroleum products with Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Dangote Refinery which shall fully come on stream.

To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our National Wheat Development Programme.

In this new year, we will race against time to ensure all the fiscal and tax policies reforms we need to put in place are codified and simplified to ensure the business environment does not destroy value. On every foreign trip I have embarked on, my message to investors and other business people has been the same. Nigeria is ready and open for business.

I will fight every obstacle that impedes business competitiveness in Nigeria and I will not hesitate to remove any clog hindering our path to making Nigeria a destination of choice for local and foreign investments.

In my 2024 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, I listed my administration’s 8 priority areas to include national defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction and social security. Because we take our development agenda very seriously, our 2024 budget reflects the premium we placed on achieving our governance objectives.

We will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of their government. The economic aspirations and the material well-being of the poor, the most vulnerable and the working people shall not be neglected. It is in this spirit that we are going to implement a new national living wage for our industrious workers this new year. It is not only good economics to do this, it is also a morally and politically correct thing to do.

I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough.

It is the reason I put in place a Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring and Delivery Unit in the Presidency to make sure that governance output improves the living condition of our people.

We have set the parameters for evaluation. Within the first quarter of this new year, Ministers and Heads of Agencies with a future in this administration that I lead will continue to show themselves.

Fellow Nigerians, my major ambition in government as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic, as Governor of Lagos State for eight years and now as the President of this blessed country is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality. While I believe the rich should enjoy their legitimately-earned wealth, our minimum bargain must be that, any Nigerian that works hard and diligent enough will have a chance to get ahead in life. I must add that because God didn’t create us with equal talents and strengths, I can not guarantee that we will have equal outcomes when we work hard. But my government, in this new year 2024 and beyond, will work to give every Nigerian equal opportunity to strive and to thrive.For the new year to yield all its good benefits to us as individuals and collectively as a people we must be prepared to play our part. The job of building a prosperous nation is not the job of the President, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and government officials alone. Our destinies are connected as members of this household of Nigeria. Our language, creed, ethnicity and religious beliefs even when they are not same should never make us work at cross purposes.

In this new year, let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress and stability of our country. I extend this call to my political opponents in the last election. Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country.

We must let the light each of us carries – men and women, young and old – shine bright and brighter to illuminate our path to a glorious dawn.

I wish all of us a happy and prosperous year 2024.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 81st birthday. In a statement released on Saturday by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu praised Buhari as the "finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause."

The statement, titled 'President Tinubu celebrates Nigeria's icon of integrity and patriotism, former President Muhammadu Buhari,' highlighted Tinubu's appreciation for the exemplary leadership and achievements of the former President. Tinubu commended Buhari's service to the nation during his tenure as Head of State and President, emphasizing his unmatched record of infrastructural development, including international airports, standard-gauge railway lines, seaport development, dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways, and mega-bridges.

President Tinubu fondly recalled Buhari's dedication to modernizing Nigeria's defense architecture and his progressive initiatives, such as the national social investment and protection program, aimed at enhancing food security by empowering millions of Nigerian farmers.

Tinubu praised Buhari as a rare virtuous servant-leader, emphasizing his unwavering integrity and sacrificial devotion to the nation, even enduring detention for his patriotism. Tinubu expressed gratitude for Buhari's friendship and steadfast support for the administration, assuring the elder statesman of Nigeria's continued progress under his envisioned prosperous and peaceful leadership.

In extending birthday wishes, Tinubu wished Buhari longevity and strength, emphasizing that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which Buhari has tirelessly worked for, will endure.

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for public universities currently under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to exit the payment platform. The Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, revealed this development shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu.

Providing further clarification on this presidential directive, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris explained, "Today, the universities and other tertiary institutions have gotten a very big relief from the integrated payroll and personnel information system." He emphasized that the clamor for exemption from IPPIS by university authorities and other tertiary institutions has been addressed.

The Federal Executive Council has officially approved the removal of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education from the IPPIS. Going forward, these institutions, as highlighted by the Minister of Education, will manage the payment of their personnel independently, marking a significant shift from reliance on the IPPIS system. This decision is expected to offer more autonomy to universities and other tertiary institutions in handling their financial processes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, northern governors, and other prominent Nigerians are urging a thorough investigation into the drone attack on a Kaduna village on Sunday. Tinubu, expressing condolences and grief over the tragic incident, has ordered an immediate inquiry, emphasizing the need for calm while authorities investigate the mishap. The National Emergency Agency has confirmed at least 85 casualties from the drone attack, and the president has directed comprehensive medical attention for survivors while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

In addition to Tinubu's call for an investigation, the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the accidental bombing, emphasizing the importance of executing the fight against banditry and terrorism with the highest level of professionalism to prevent such heart-wrenching accidents. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and assured support for the affected families and the community.

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have also condemned the "horrific armed drone attack" on a religious gathering, calling for a full investigation, compensation for victims, and transparency. ACF expressed concern about the operation in a densely populated area, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation and full compensation for the victims.

JNI, in utter disbelief about the military's actions, called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Both ACF and JNI implored Allah’s mercy upon the departed souls and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed grief over the incident, highlighting the increasing concern about miscalculated airstrikes during internal security operations. He called for counter-insurgency strategies to protect civilians from such tragic incidents and urged a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, pledged to ensure that victims of the mishap are not abandoned to fate and expressed condolences to the people of Kaduna State and the affected community.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz oversaw the signing of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) agreement between their nations in Dubai during the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28). The agreement aims to add 12,000 megawatts of electricity to Nigeria's national grid. The Managing Director of the Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company, Kenny Anue, and the Managing Director (Africa) Siemens AG, Nadja Haakansson, signed the agreement. Anue highlighted President Tinubu's commitment to power infrastructure development, emphasizing that electricity and financing are central to the economic reform agenda. The PPI seeks to address both elements with support from partners Siemens Energy and German-backed financiers.

Anue stated that achievements under the Federal Government include establishing the FGN Power Company as the special purpose vehicle for project implementation. The German government has nominated mandated lead arrangers and financiers, and Siemens Energy has delivered 10 units of power transformers and 10 units of mobile substations. Chairman of Siemens Energy Supervisory Board, Joe Kaeser, expressed delight at the progress, tracing the agreement's history to the Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2018. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu shared the PPI's target of adding 12,000 megawatts to the national grid. With the signing, the process will proceed, ensuring a consistent power supply for Nigerians.

Adelabu highlighted the significant achievements of the PPI despite delays since 2018, including the impact of COVID-19 in 2020. The agreement focuses on end-to-end improvements in grid stabilization for Nigeria's power sector, aiming to enhance regularity, functionality, and affordability in the future. Adelabu revealed the project would be financed through a Government export credit facility provided by several German banks. The original agreement was for $2.3 billion, with current costs totaling around $60 million for the importation and installation of transformers and mobile substations delivered by Siemens. Key Nigerian officials attended the ceremony, including Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Transportation Said Alkali, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Dorris Anite, and Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other prominent figures are slated to participate in this year’s National Day of Solemn Prayer. The event, set for Friday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, aims to foster unity and common understanding among Nigerians, as announced by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Chapter. The National Solemn Assembly serves as a platform for Nigerians to express support for President Tinubu’s administration and promote unity in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will serve as the mother of the day, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will chair the occasion. Pastor Williams Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, is set to be the keynote speaker, with the presence of Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ooni of Ife HRH Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, Tor Tiv HRH Prof. James Ayatse, and Governors including Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Makinde, Babagana Zulum, Bassey Otu, and Dapo Abiodun, among other eminent personalities from various sector

Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, the President of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as a three-hour non-stop session of praise, worship, and thanksgiving. CAN’s National Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Mrs. Comfort Chigbue, highlighted the event's focus on promoting unity and harmony, expressing prayers and blessings for the nation, its people, and leaders. The assembly seeks to celebrate the benefits of good leadership and anticipate a future marked by peace and prosperity. 

The memo addressed to heads of universities states that, effective November 2023, the government will deduct 40% of IGR deposited in the universities' accounts via the Treasury Single Accounts (TSA). This move has been met with resistance from academic staff, notably the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has a history of engaging in strikes to address issues affecting the education sector.

Critics argue that the proposed deduction could exacerbate existing challenges faced by universities, including the departure of lecturers seeking better opportunities abroad and the overall decline in academic standards. The issue highlights the ongoing struggle for adequate funding in Nigerian universities, as the country's education spending has consistently fallen below UNESCO's recommended benchmarks.

In response to the deduction, ASUU and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) expressed concern, describing the decision as draconian, barbaric, and detrimental to the survival of public universities. There are fears that this deduction may lead to further tuition hikes, impacting students and their families.

This development emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to funding education in Nigeria. The government, education stakeholders, and university workers must engage in dialogue to find solutions that prioritize the growth and stability of the education sector while addressing the concerns of all parties involved.

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of twenty capable Nigerians to serve as Federal Commissioners in the National Population Commission (NPC). Nine of these appointees are current Federal Commissioners who have been reappointed for a second term:

The appointees' names were disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale. The list includes Hon. Emmanuel Trump Eke (Abia), Dr. Clifford Zirra (Adamawa, reappointed), Mr. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke (Anambra, reappointed), and Barr. Isa Audu Buratai (Borno, reappointed). 

Other newly appointed Federal Commissioners are Bishop Alex Ukam (Cross River), Ms. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba (Delta), Dr. Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu (Ebonyi), Dr. Tony Aiyejina (Edo, reappointed), Mr. Ejike Ezeh (Enugu, reappointed), Mr. Abubakar Damburam (Gombe, reappointed), Prof. Uba Nnabue (Imo, reappointed), Ms. Sa’adatu Dogon Bauchi Garba (Kaduna), Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa (Kano), and Hon. Yori Afolabi (Kogi).

Furthermore, Hon. Olakunle Sobukola (Ogun), Hon. Temitayo Oluseye Oluwatuyi (Ondo), Sen. Mudashiru Hussain (Osun, reappointed), Ms. Mary Ishaya Afan (Plateau), Mr. Ogiri Itotenaan Henry (Rivers), and Mr. Saany Sale (Taraba, reappointed) have also been appointed.

President Tinubu has entrusted the new and returning NPC Federal Commissioners with the important task of effectively implementing measures that will generate accurate population data. These data will be crucial in addressing Nigeria's socio-political and economic challenges with well-informed solutions.

President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law the 2023 Supplementary Budget, which amounts to N2.17 trillion. The National Assembly recently passed this supplementary appropriation act.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was attended by prominent figures, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass. Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji. Senators Opeyemi Bamidele and Olamilakan Adeola, Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, respectively, also attended the event.

In the latest legal development concerning the 2023 general election in Nigeria, the Supreme Court has upheld Bola Tinubu's election as the President of the country. This decision comes after challenging appeals by his major opponents, Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

Atiku and Obi had originally sought to have the election results overturned, arguing that they should be declared winners instead. They approached the election tribunal to nullify Tinubu's victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These appeals were dismissed, prompting them to bring their case to the Supreme Court.

At the Supreme Court, Atiku attempted to introduce new evidence of alleged forgery against Tinubu. However, the court dismissed this appeal on Thursday, citing that the issue of forgery was not part of the initial appeal presented at the tribunal, and the time allotted for filing new evidence had already expired.

Justice John Okoro further explained that the appellants did not apply for an extension of time or request to amend their appeal to include the issue of forgery, and even if they had, it wouldn't have been granted. He emphasized that the lower court, guided by the provisions of section 285 Sub 6 of the state constitution, had lost jurisdiction in dealing with the matter.

One of the arguments presented was that Tinubu couldn't be declared President as he had failed to secure 25% of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Tribunal, which ruled that Abuja/FCT should be considered as the 37th state for the purpose of calculating the two-thirds majority needed to declare a presidential candidate as the election winner.

Regarding the electronic transmission of results, the Supreme Court ruled that the election couldn't be nullified due to the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) failure to transmit results electronically. Justice Okoro stated that the absence of electronic result transmission (iREV) couldn't be used as grounds for election nullification, as it hadn't affected the overall election results.

Additionally, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Peter Obi, who sought to disqualify Tinubu over the double nomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima. The justices noted that this matter had already been addressed in a previous Supreme Court judgment.

This recent Supreme Court ruling adds another chapter to the legal disputes surrounding Nigeria's 2023 presidential election. In May, the Supreme Court had previously dismissed a suit filed by the PDP, stating that the party lacked locus standi to bring the case to court.