President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, on his birthday, 12 January.

President Tinubu describes Senator Lawan as a seasoned legislator and statesman who has made enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The President extols the senator’s decades of distinguished service to the nation as a legislator, particularly his tenure as Senate President, during which he provided steady leadership and upheld the principles of dialogue, stability, and collaborative governance.

The President acknowledges Senator Lawan’s commitment to national unity, good governance, and democratic values, which has earned him respect across party lines and among Nigerians from all walks of life.

“As Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan played a critical role in strengthening the legislature and fostering constructive engagement among the arms of government in the interest of national progress,” the President states.

President Tinubu wishes the legislator good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve the nation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Sunday ahead of his participation in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which begins on Monday.

The President’s plane landed at the Presidential Wing of Zayed International Airport at exactly 11:30 pm local time.

He was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi.

Several other ministers, including the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, welcomed President Tinubu at his hotel.

President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi from Europe, where he spent part of his end-of-year break, engaging in fruitful discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with the theme “The Nexus of Next, All Systems Go,” is a global platform that brings together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and experts to advance dialogue and action on sustainable development, climate action, energy transition, and inclusive economic growth.

This visit further reinforces the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, while positioning Nigeria as an active contributor to global conversations on sustainable development.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 11, 2026

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to residents to remain calm as the State House of Assembly advances moves to impeach him.

The governor made the appeal on Sunday during a church service in Port Harcourt held to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He reassured the congregation that the situation would be resolved.

Governor Fubara explained that his silence amid the unfolding developments was intentional, stating that his confidence and resilience are rooted in his faith in God.

Referring to comments he made during the New Year banquet at the Government House, the governor remarked that “dogs bark when they do not understand”.

In her address, the Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Ngozi Odu, who also addressed the worshippers, encouraged the public to conduct themselves responsibly, echoing the message of the Dean of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Blessing Eyinda, who had emphasized in his sermon that every action would one day be remembered.