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Tinubu Praises Kaduna’s Free CNG Transit Programme, Calls for More Relief Measures

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President Bola Tinubu has commended Kaduna State’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme, describing it as a model of the kind of practical intervention expected from state governments to cushion the economic burden on Nigerians.

The scheme, which operates a fleet of 100 CNG-powered buses, recorded about 3.2 million passenger trips and saved commuters more than ₦3.5 billion in its first year, according to the Kaduna State Government.

President Tinubu made special mention of the Kaduna initiative in a post on his official X account, praising the intervention as an example of how the transition to cheaper domestic energy could translate into tangible relief for citizens.
The post was made available to newsmen by Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki.

“This is more of what we need to see at the subnational level,” the President said.

The commendation came amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and the 36 state governments to expand the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme and reduce transportation costs across the country.
At a meeting with governors on 27 August, President Tinubu and the state chief executives agreed on the need for coordinated action to deliver significant reductions in commuting costs, with an implementation committee subsequently established under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was appointed to lead the committee.

Working with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, the committee is expected to identify priority transport corridors, determine appropriate interventions for different locations and establish an operational framework for implementation.

The push for CNG-powered transportation has gained added urgency amid disruptions in global energy supplies, which have placed renewed pressure on petrol and diesel prices and contributed to rising transportation costs.

The Tinubu administration has maintained that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources provide an opportunity to reduce the country’s exposure to imported fuel costs and international energy price shocks.

The president has also ruled out a return to the former petrol subsidy regime, arguing that it placed a heavy burden on public finances and exposed the economy to fluctuations in international oil prices.

Instead, the federal government says it will support states that adopt CNG transportation and other interventions capable of delivering measurable relief to citizens.

Responding to the presidential commendation, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centered governance.

“We deeply appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this recognition and for his administration’s continued support to subnational governments in delivering meaningful interventions to our people,” Sani said.
The governor said Kaduna had continued to pursue interventions in areas with direct implications for citizens’ welfare, including education, vocational training, skills development, and transportation.

“Kaduna State continues to set national benchmarks in critical areas: from tackling the challenge of out-of-school children and expanding vocational training and skills development to pioneering CNG mass transit,” he said.

Read Also:NDC Rejects 59-Member Campaign Council Linked to Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters

Sani also highlighted the scale of the free transport programme, describing it as one of the administration’s most significant responses to the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal.

“Kaduna remains the only subnational government providing FREE CNG mass transit rides to its citizens. With about 3.2 million passenger trips and over ₦3.5 billion saved by commuters in the first year alone, the scheme has become one of our most impactful interventions in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal,” the governor said.

He added:

“Our commitment remains clear: to put people first, reduce the burden on vulnerable households, and ensure that the dividends of governance reach ordinary citizens.”

A direct intervention in household costs

The Kaduna free CNG transit scheme is part of the state government’s broader response to the economic pressures facing households following the removal of petrol subsidies.

By providing free rides on designated CNG-powered buses, the programme has reduced transportation expenses for workers, traders, students and other residents who depend on public transport for their daily activities.

The reported ₦3.5 billion in savings represents money retained by commuters and households at a time when rising transportation and living costs have placed additional pressure on disposable incomes.

The intervention also complements the administration’s investments in education, skills development, economic inclusion and human capital development.

President Tinubu’s recognition has consequently placed Kaduna’s experience within the Federal Government’s wider effort to expand the use of CNG as a cheaper and domestically available alternative to petrol and diesel.

For Kaduna, the presidential commendation represents both recognition of the programme’s reported impact and a renewed call to sustain interventions aimed at reducing the economic burden on citizens.

As Nigeria’s national CNG programme expands, the Kaduna experience is likely to remain part of the conversation on how state governments can translate national energy and economic policies into practical relief for citizens at the grassroots.

NDC Rejects 59-Member Campaign Council Linked to Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters

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The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from the 59-member presidential campaign council constituted by the OK Movement.
It was reported that the OK Movement is a support group for the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

On Thursday, the OK Movement unveiled a 59-member committee, comprising zonal and state coordinators, as well as directors overseeing mobilisation, women’s affairs, strategy, security, legal affairs, and other areas.

However, the NDC national chairman, Cleopas Moses, in a statement on Saturday, said the list did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded.
Moses said the NDC was not involved in constituting the campaign council.

“The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement. It did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media,” he said.

Moses noted that the party’s candidates were subject to the authority and discipline of the NDC, adding that only the party’s leadership could constitute and announce a presidential campaign council.

Read Also: Miners’ Deaths: PRP Demands Prosecution, Faults Federal Government Over Insecurity

“All candidates of the party must appreciate that they are not running as independent candidates.

“They are products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party.

“Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council,” he said.

He warned members, candidates and support groups against undermining the party or operating structures in its name without approval.

“Henceforth, no individual or group is authorised to announce, constitute, or publish any campaign council, structure, or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC),” Moses said.

He said the party appreciated the contributions of support groups but warned against operating as parallel structures.

“While the party will continue to work collaboratively with all support groups, such groups should not see themselves as alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party,” he said.

Moses also called on support groups and members to channel their grievances through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than resorting to public attacks.

Miners’ Deaths: PRP Demands Prosecution, Faults Federal Government Over Insecurity

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The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has demanded the prosecution of anyone found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. GeographicReference

The opposition party also criticised the Federal Government over what it described as worsening insecurity, citing the continued captivity of residents abducted by bandits from Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State since August.

In a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP called for the immediate establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners.
“Furthermore, the PRP condemns the tragic death of 37 miners who lost their lives while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State. We demand the immediate establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident and call for the prosecution of anyone found culpable”, the party said.

The Federal Government, however, on Saturday constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent probe.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of officers involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation. The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.

The deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC operations on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. They were found dead while in custody on September 17.

President Tinubu had on Friday ordered a full and transparent investigation, warning that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be prosecuted.

Tinubu said the government would not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence or dereliction of duty, insisting that being suspected of illegal mining did not deprive the detainees of their rights to life, dignity and humane treatment. HireGrant Writers

Turning to the wider security situation, the PRP expressed concern over the continued captivity of persons it said were kidnapped by bandits in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area, last month.

It described the government’s inability to secure their release as unacceptable, arguing that the incident reinforced its criticism of the administration’s handling of security.

“The inability to safeguard citizens from such heinous acts is both worrisome and unacceptable, warranting widespread condemnation”, the party said.

The PRP warned that incidents of banditry, kidnapping and other security breaches across the North-Central and North-West required urgent action to prevent further deterioration.

“The PRP urges the government to recognise that the escalating incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and other security breaches across the North Central and North West regions pose an imminent threat.

“If left unaddressed, these issues may escalate into catastrophic and disastrous breaches of national security”, it said.

The party urged the government to intensify efforts to restore peace and security, review policies affecting the welfare of Nigerians and ensure accountability among security personnel. DownloadInteractive Maps

“As a party committed to justice and good governance, we implore all relevant authorities to take decisive action to address these pressing security issues and uphold the dignity and safety of every Nigerian citizen”, the PRP said.

Phyna, Nkechi Blessing Take Online Feud to Boxing Ring in Lagos

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A recent social media dispute involving reality TV star Phyna and Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing is set to move from the internet to the boxing ring.

The two entertainers will face off in a celebrity boxing contest scheduled for October 1 at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.

The bout, officially tagged “Phyna vs Nkechi,” is part of Balmoral Group Promotions’ “Chaos in the Ring” series.

The organisers announced the contest on Friday, September 18, sharing promotional materials that showed Phyna and Nkechi dressed in boxing gear.

The announcement comes after the two women exchanged words on social media.

Nkechi had publicly criticised Phyna over her involvement in online disputes. Phyna subsequently responded, questioning why the actress had chosen to address her publicly.

Read Also: Nigerian Creative Industry Set for Stronger Global Partnerships – FG

The reality star also explained that she and Nkechi had previously communicated in connection with a movie project.

Their disagreement has now become part of a live entertainment programme, with the two personalities expected to face each other in the ring.

The “Chaos in the Ring” series has previously brought entertainment personalities into boxing contests, including Portable, Charles Okocha, Speed Darlington and Carter Efe.

In May, Carter Efe defeated Portable by unanimous decision. Charles Okocha later won a rematch held in July.

Organisers have announced that the October 1 programme will also be available to audiences outside the Federal Palace Hotel, with live coverage scheduled on DAZN and SuperSport.

The event reflects the growing combination of celebrity culture, social media publicity and boxing entertainment in Nigeria.

While the main attraction has been announced, organisers had not released details of the undercard or ticketing arrangements as of Saturday.

Nigerian Creative Industry Set for Stronger Global Partnerships – FG

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Nigeria, China Strengthen Creative Ties Through Fashion Exchange

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy by creating platforms that connect local talents with international partners, markets and audiences.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this at the China-Nigeria Fashion Show held in Abuja, where designers and cultural stakeholders from both countries showcased their creativity, traditions and fashion heritage.

The event, organised with the support of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, attracted government officials, diplomats, fashion designers, creative industry practitioners, models, entrepreneurs and members of the media.

The fashion show provided an avenue for participants to celebrate the cultural heritage of Nigeria and China while exploring opportunities for greater collaboration within the creative sector.

Musawa, who was represented at the event by a Director in the ministry, Mohammed Tukura, said Nigeria was endowed with a vibrant and diverse pool of creative talents capable of competing on the global stage.

She described fashion as an important instrument for cultural diplomacy, economic development and mutual understanding between nations.

According to her, fashion goes beyond clothing because it represents identity, culture, creativity and heritage. She said the industry could help bridge cultural differences, promote friendship and generate opportunities for economic cooperation.

“The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s creative industry and creating platforms that enable our creative talent to connect with international partners and audiences,” she said.

The minister also described the China-Nigeria fashion event as a significant recognition of the growing strength of Nigeria’s fashion industry and an indication of the expanding relationship between Nigeria and China.

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She noted that events of this nature provide opportunities for both countries to showcase their cultural traditions, exchange creative ideas and strengthen people-to-people relationships.

Musawa said Nigeria’s fashion sector was driven by talented designers, artisans, young creatives and entrepreneurs, while China also possessed a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic creative industry.

She explained that bringing practitioners from both countries together could create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge transfer, innovation and economic growth.

Also speaking, the Culture Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the fashion show represented more than a presentation of clothes, describing fashion as a universal cultural language capable of crossing geographical and cultural boundaries.

He said the event provided an opportunity for Chinese and Nigerian traditions to interact through creative expression, with the runway serving as a platform for the artistic heritage of the two countries.

Yang highlighted several traditional Chinese clothing styles, including Hanfu, Tang-style attire, the qipao, also known as cheongsam, and the increasingly popular mamianqun, or horse-face skirt.

He explained that the various styles reflect different periods of Chinese history, aesthetics and cultural development.

He also acknowledged Nigeria’s rich fashion traditions, citing Yoruba Aso Oke, Agbada, Buba, Iro and Gele among the garments and textiles that represent the country’s diverse ethnic identities and social customs.

According to him, Nigerian traditional clothing plays an important role during weddings, festivals and other major social occasions, while the movement of fabrics and designs across different regions continues to influence the development of contemporary Nigerian fashion.

Yang said the fashion show was intended to encourage greater interaction between Chinese aesthetics and African artistic traditions.

He expressed the view that cooperation in fashion design, manufacturing and other areas of the creative industry could contribute to the development of the creative economies of both countries.

The Chinese cultural envoy also referred to the philosophy of Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong, who promoted the idea that appreciating one’s own culture while respecting the cultures of others could encourage harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Yang expressed optimism that the event would provide a foundation for future cooperation in fashion design, industrial development and cultural exchange, while contributing to stronger relations between China, Nigeria and other African countries.

In her remarks, Binta Muazu, Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs for the City Boy Movement, described the fashion show as another demonstration of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China.

Muazu, who attended the event as a special guest, drew attention to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

She noted that bilateral cooperation had expanded beyond traditional areas such as trade and infrastructure to include education, culture and people-to-people relationships.

According to her, Nigeria’s cultural heritage, textiles, craftsmanship and distinctive colour combinations are important national assets that deserve greater international exposure.

She said fashion provides an effective avenue for presenting Nigeria’s cultural identity to audiences around the world and creating new opportunities for young people in the creative sector.

Muazu encouraged young designers, artisans and entrepreneurs to remain committed to their ambitions, stressing that modest beginnings should not prevent them from pursuing greater achievements.

She also called on government institutions, private-sector players and other stakeholders to support platforms capable of creating employment for young Nigerians, expanding the creative economy and developing international partnerships through fashion and cultural exchange.

The China-Nigeria Fashion Show therefore served as both a celebration of cultural heritage and a platform for exploring new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries’ creative industries.

Police Arrest 47 Suspected Fake Security Personnel During Bauchi By-Election

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The Bauchi Police Command has arrested 47 persons allegedly posing as state-owned security operatives and carrying guns, cutlasses and sticks at polling units during the ongoing by-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The suspects were reportedly arrested as voting commenced in the Disina constituency on Saturday.

The arrests came despite the police command’s earlier warning that state-owned security outfits, vigilante groups, private security guards and other quasi-security agencies were not permitted to participate in the election security operation.

The command had said only security agencies recognised under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security were authorised to provide security during the by-election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesman of the command, SP Nafiu Habib, said the 47 suspects were arrested by police personnel deployed to polling units across Disina.

Read Also: NAFDAC Confirms 48 Deaths Linked To Ondo Herbal Mixture Incident

He said the suspects, who allegedly claimed to be members of a state-owned security outfit, were found with firearms and other dangerous weapons.

The police said the weapons, including guns, cutlasses and sticks, were recovered from the suspects, who were subsequently taken into custody.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bauchi, for investigation and prosecution.

The command said the arrests were part of efforts to enforce the security guidelines issued ahead of the by-election in Disina and Sakwa state constituencies.

The police commissioner also warned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting the electoral process or causing a breach of the peace.

The command also urged residents of Shira and Zaki LGAs to remain peaceful and report suspicious activities to security personnel.

It was reported that the by-elections are being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA.

NAFDAC Confirms 48 Deaths Linked To Ondo Herbal Mixture Incident

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed the deaths of 48 people following the consumption of suspected contaminated traditional medicine and alcohol mixtures in Ondo State.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists.

According to her, the incident affected several communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga.

Adeyeye said the incident was first reported in early September 2026 after several residents suddenly fell ill, with some dying after consuming what was suspected to be a traditional herbal concoction.

Read Also: Bauchi Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Alleged Homicide And Foeticide

She said preliminary reports from investigating officials initially recorded 31 deaths, comprising 20 in Odigbo town and 11 in Araromi-Obu.

The NAFDAC boss added that several other victims were admitted to hospitals or placed under intensive medical observation.

She said further investigations by health authorities and other relevant agencies showed that the number of affected persons had increased, with 48 deaths confirmed and 182 others in critical condition.

Adeyeye expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of those who died.

She added that laboratory tests and investigations were ongoing to identify the toxic substances that may have been present in the substances consumed by the victims.

Bauchi Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Alleged Homicide And Foeticide

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The Bauchi Police Command has arrested three suspects over separate cases of alleged culpable homicide in Bauchi metropolis and Kirfi, as well as criminal conspiracy and foeticide in Ningi Local Government Area.

The command said the arrests followed separate incidents recorded between Thursday and Friday in the affected areas.

In Bauchi metropolis, a 19-year-old man, Abubakar Hudu, was arrested after a fight with Hassan Adamu at Gida Dubu, Bauchi.

The police said the two men had a misunderstanding at about 5:15pm on Thursday which later degenerated into a fight.

According to the command, Adamu was separated from Hudu and left the scene but later collapsed and became unconscious.

He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, where he was pronounced dead.

The police said detectives attached to the ‘C’ Division visited the scene and the hospital before arresting Hudu after he was traced.

In a similar incident in Kirfi, 22-year-old Audu Babangida was arrested for allegedly stabbing 25-year-old Haruna Bala to death during a dispute over farmland.

Read Also: Adamawa: Son Accused Of Plotting Midnight Robbery Against Mother

The incident occurred at Kafin Sarkin Yaki village on Thursday night.

The police said the dispute between the two men turned violent, during which Babangida allegedly stabbed Bala in the neck with a knife.

Bala was taken to the General Hospital, Kirfi, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspect reportedly fled after the incident but was arrested around 11am on Friday at River Kafin Iya while allegedly trying to cross into Gombe State.

Police said the knife allegedly used in the attack was also recovered.

Meanwhile, two men, Aminu Jibrin and Salihu Mohammed, were arrested in Ningi over alleged criminal conspiracy and foeticide.

The command said the two allegedly conspired to administer substances to 22-year-old Hauwa’u Yakubu, resulting in the termination of her pregnancy.

Jibrin is from Burra District, while Mohammed, 25, operates a chemist shop at Sabuwar Tiffi, Ningi.

Their arrest followed information reportedly provided by a human rights activist in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the Command, SP Nafiu Habib, directed that the cases be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bauchi, for further investigation and prosecution.

The CP also warned residents against jungle justice, urging them to report disputes and criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to self-help.

Adamawa: Son Accused Of Plotting Midnight Robbery Against Mother

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A man in Adamawa State has been accused of conspiring with two other men to attack his mother at midnight and rob her of N200,000 and other valuables.

The Adamawa State Police Command said on Friday that it had arrested the three suspects in connection with the robbery, which took place at Wuro Kuturu, a community in the Jimeta axis of Yola.

The command said the incident occurred on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at about midnight, when the victim’s son allegedly conspired with two others, armed themselves with dangerous weapons and gained entry into the family residence, where they robbed his mother and siblings of N200,000, two phones and a power bank.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sulaiman Nguroje, identified the suspects as Aminu Adamu, 20; Adamu Mamman, 22; and Nuhu Umar, 22, all of Wuro-Kuturu.

Read Also: Mambilla Dispute: Presidency Accuses Atiku Of Taking Nigerians For Granted

Nguroje said the suspects were arrested by operatives attached to the Karewa Area Command on Thursday, September 17, 2026, following a report lodged by the victim.

Items recovered from the suspects include a knife, pliers, scissors, various suspected hard drugs and some quantities of Indian hemp.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime,” Nguroje stated.

He added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, had directed that a thorough investigation be conducted and the suspects diligently prosecuted.

Mambilla Dispute: Presidency Accuses Atiku Of Taking Nigerians For Granted

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The Presidency has accused the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, of taking Nigerians for buffoons and failing to address questions about his integrity.
It was reported that the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said this on Friday while reacting to Atiku’s alleged $500,000 Mambilla project bribe.Latest News Updates

He branded Atiku Abubakar, ‘Diverter-in-Chief’ for dodging journalists’ questions on the alleged bribe.

He stated that Atiku was avoiding comment on his indictment in Paris by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) over the alleged illegal Mambilla Hydro Power Project contract.
The Presidency claimed that Atiku and former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, awarded the contract to Sunrise Power without authorisation from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The statement alleged that during the hearings at the Tribunal, Atiku collected a $500,000 bribe from Sunrise and Leno Adesanya, the company’s CEO, to approve the contract.

“A man who cares about his integrity and wants to offer himself for leadership ought to address the integrity issue first, but instead, he used his so-called world press conference to speak about his newfound campaign mantra, his pro-petrol subsidy stance.

“He also attacked the Tinubu administration, claiming it plans to withdraw electricity subsidies. The Power Minister, Joseph Tegbe, has already debunked that lie. But Atiku doesn’t care a hoot. He must weaponise everything in his desperation for power.

“Atiku, the diverter-in-chief, takes Nigerians for buffoons, thinking that his crimes against the Nigerian people do not matter. Nigerians should not be deceived: Atiku does not have the people’s interests at heart. He cares more about himself.

“Nigerians should also consider what was at stake for the public treasury if Atiku’s allies succeeded in Paris.

“Sunrise and Leno Adesanya would have walked away in Paris with $3.38 billion, including the $680 million settlement sum and interest, plus a claim of $2.7 billion as compensation and interest associated with the non-development of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project.

“A politician who aspires to lead Nigeria must be willing to answer questions about his integrity. Atiku should respond to the $500,000 bribe directly rather than divert public attention with unsupported allegations against the government,” the Presidency said in the statement.Join Diaspora Networks