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Lamido recounts how he doused tension between Yar’Adua, Obasanjo

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Former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido has revealed the behind-the-scenes events that made him to advise late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to steer clear of any confrontation with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In his recently launched autobiography, “Being True To Myself,” a book presented to the public on May 13, 2025, Lamido sheds light on two key incidents that created the impression that Yar’Adua was preparing to challenge Obasanjo’s legacy.

Lamido recalled the controversial debate in the National Assembly over the alleged mismanagement of the $16 billion National Independent Power Project (NIPP). According to Lamido, the House of Representatives’ debate was spearheaded not by opposition members but by a prominent member of Yar’Adua’s own party, the PDP, and a close ally from Katsina State.

“This debate gave Nigerians the impression that Obasanjo had stolen the $16 billion and abandoned the projects, which later proved untrue,” Lamido noted.

Concerned by the political undercurrents, Lamido said he personally approached Yar’Adua to express his worries about the narrative being pushed in the legislature. However, Yar’Adua’s response was firm: “It is an issue being discussed by an independent arm of government.”

The second incident was more personal, according to Lamido. He recounted receiving a call from the President’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Tilde, while he was in his Dutse village. The CSO’s unexpected remark that he “thought you are in Ota with your President” took Lamido by surprise.

When informed of a petition against him addressed to Yar’Adua, which the CSO claimed he could suppress, Lamido was furious.

“Who do you think you can blackmail? Go to hell!” Lamido recalled telling the CSO, suspecting the petition originated from Mohammed Ali Ringim, a political adversary.

Undeterred, Lamido immediately flew to the Presidential Villa, confronted the CSO with a verbal dressing-down in front of staff, and reminded them that Yar’Adua’s rise to power owed much to Obasanjo’s support.

He then met with the late president, who asked him, “Sule, what is agitating you?”

With emotion, Lamido pleaded, “Sir, in the name of God, please I beg you, do not fight Obasanjo. It is neither in our religion nor culture to show ingratitude to one who stood with you in your hour of need and ensured you attained this very office.”

Yar’Adua calmed Lamido and, by summoning his ADC, Lt. Col Mustapha, confirmed his stance. The ADC confirmed that Yar’Adua had instructed him to accommodate Obasanjo on all matters, including international travels, without needing the president’s further approval.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR IFEANYI ARARUME ON HIS BIRTHDAY

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President Bola Tinubu felicitates Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his birthday, December 16.

Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.

He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.

President Tinubu commends the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.

The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.

President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength.

 

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Ndigbo are no longer spectators in the Nigerian project- Minister Dave Umahi dismisses calls for Biafra under Tinubu’s administration

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the all-inclusive style of governance being practiced by President Bola Tinubu has made the agitation for Biafra an unnecessary clamour.

While speaking at the inspection of the Enugu-Anambra road last Saturday, December 13, Umahi said the Tinubu administration had given Ndigbo what they had sought for decades, not through secession, but through what he described as unprecedented inclusion in national governance and development.

He explained that the agitation for Biafra was historically driven by neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation at the federal level, but insisted that the situation had changed under the current administration.

“When a people are fully integrated, respected and empowered within the structure of the nation, the dream they once chased through agitation has already been achieved through cooperation.

The push for Biafran secession over the years was borne out of neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation but today the narrative has changed dramatically under President Bola Tinubu.

The President has deliberately opened the doors of national development to the South-East. Appointments, policy inputs and infrastructure priorities now reflect true federal balance.

Every sector now bears visible Igbo footprints. The emergence of Igbo sons and daughters in strategic positions is a testament to this inclusion.

Biafra was never about breaking Nigeria; it was about being counted in Nigeria. Through inclusion, equity and concrete development, Ndigbo are no longer spectators in the Nigerian project; they are co-authors of its future. When justice finds a people, agitation loses its voice.”he said

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ADC Launches 90-Day Membership Drive, Fixes Dates For Congresses, National Convention

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a 90-day nationwide membership mobilisation, revalidation, and registration exercise as part of preparations for its internal party activities ahead of 2026.

The party also approved provisional dates for its congresses and the election of delegates at the polling unit, ward, and local government levels across the country.

In circulars issued by its national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the ADC said the congresses are expected to hold between January 20 and January 27, 2026.

The process, the party said, will lead to the emergence of delegates who will participate in its non-elective national convention scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja.

A statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the party, said the decisions were reached at a meeting of the national working committee (NWC) held on November 27, 2025.

Abdullahi said the timetable and activities were approved in line with the resolutions of the NWC and in accordance with relevant provisions of the party’s constitution.

The ADC said further details on the membership exercise, congresses, and convention will be communicated to party members and stakeholders in due course.

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