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Governor of Anambra Restates Commitment to Tinubu’s Reform Programme

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Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

Soludo represented President Tinubu at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration in Awka, where he delivered the Federal Government’s message on its transition from economic reforms to shared prosperity.

The message acknowledged the resilience and contributions of Nigerians, particularly farmers, traders, teachers, entrepreneurs and security personnel, who have continued to sustain the country through various challenges.

He said the difficult economic reforms implemented by the Federal Government over the past three and a half years were necessary to address longstanding fiscal distortions and reposition the economy for sustainable growth.
According to the message, the reforms have contributed to economic growth of more than four per cent this year, lower inflation and increased non-oil export revenues.

The President said Nigeria had moved beyond the emergency phase of the reforms, with the government now focused on translating their gains into broader prosperity and improved living condition

The message also highlighted agricultural mechanisation and dry-season irrigation as key measures to boost food production, while stressing investment in roads, railways and ports to improve transportation and strengthen connections between farms and markets.

President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that would increase productivity, expand economic opportunities and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach more Nigerians.

The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity for residents and officials in Anambra to reflect on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead in the country’s development.

Our Marriage Is Not Even Up To Four Months, You Will Sleep In Prison – Jarvis Threatens To Sue Peller

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Nigerian social media personality Jarvis has threatened legal action against her husband, Peller, following an alleged disagreement over his reported intention to marry another woman.

Jarvis disclosed the development in a video shared on Snapchat, where she questioned why the issue of a second wife had surfaced only a few months after their marriage.

According to her, Peller had previously told her that he was a Muslim and that any woman he intended to marry as a second wife would also be Muslim.

Jarvis said she accepted the marriage based on her understanding of what Peller had told her before they got married. She therefore expressed anger over what she described as a change in his position.

The social media personality repeatedly threatened to take Peller to court, insisting that the reported plan was not part of what she had agreed to before the marriage.

“I will sue Peller. This is not what you promised,” she said during the confrontation.

Jarvis also referred to her own Muslim background while questioning Peller’s position on religion and marriage.

The exchange appeared heated, with Jarvis strongly objecting to the idea of Peller taking another wife so soon after their wedding.

Her comments have since attracted attention online, with followers debating the reported disagreement and the expectations surrounding the couple’s marriage.

However, the allegations remain based on Jarvis’s account of the situation. Peller’s response to the claims was not included in the report.

The controversy has generated further public interest in the couple’s relationship, particularly because the disagreement reportedly emerged only months after their wedding.

Osuntokun Criticises Atiku Over Use of ‘Bola’ for Tinubu

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Akin Osuntokun, a former presidential spokesman, has criticised Atiku Abubakar’s decision to repeatedly refer to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” during his Independence Day address.

Osuntokun made his position known in a statement on Thursday, saying Atiku had every right to challenge Tinubu’s policies and performance but should have shown greater regard for the institution of the presidency.

The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign said the use of Tinubu’s first name was not necessary to make Atiku’s political arguments more forceful.

He described the language as disrespectful and said it was particularly inappropriate in a national address.

Osuntokun maintained that Tinubu was the elected President and therefore entitled to the privileges associated with the office.

He noted that Atiku himself had contested for the presidency and therefore understood the importance attached to occupying the country’s highest elected office.

According to Osuntokun, those who oppose Tinubu have legitimate democratic and constitutional means of seeking a change in leadership.

Read Also: 2027: Peter Obi Says He Will Spend Holidays in Nigeria as President

He cited elections and constitutional impeachment procedures as examples of the processes through which political opponents can seek to remove a president from office.

The former presidential spokesman clarified that his comments did not amount to an endorsement of Tinubu’s administration.

He said the issue was about maintaining standards of public conduct and ensuring that political disagreements did not undermine respect for public institutions.

Osuntokun also argued that anyone seeking Nigerians’ mandate to become president should demonstrate respect for the office, including when it is occupied by a political rival.

He illustrated his point by asking how Nigerians would react if a former vice president repeatedly referred to a sitting president only by his first name during a national broadcast.

Osuntokun concluded that Atiku’s choice of words raised concerns for him about the judgment and temperament he might bring to the presidency if elected.

2027: Peter Obi Says He Will Spend Holidays in Nigeria as President

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to spend his holidays within Nigeria if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the pledge in his Independence Day address delivered in Abuja, saying he would use his four-year tenure to tour the country, engage with citizens and gain firsthand knowledge of their challenges.

He said his administration would lead by example by ensuring that presidential holidays were spent in different parts of the country.

“As I have always done, I will lead by example. In four years as President of this great nation, I will not spend my holidays outside Nigeria,” Obi said.

He added that he would visit states including Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi, Edo and Ekiti, among others.

“I want to continue to see Nigeria. I want to know Nigeria. I want to spend time with Nigerians, listen to them, understand their challenges and celebrate their resilience,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor also promised to make governance measurable and accountable, with a focus on the welfare and productivity of Nigerians.

He said Nigerians would begin to see the impact of his administration within its first year in office.

“As President of Nigeria, I will make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of our people. Within the first year, Nigerians will begin to see the tangible impact of purposeful and effective leadership,” Obi said.

On insecurity, the NDC candidate pledged to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, saying farmers would be able to return to their farms, children would return to school and businesses would operate without fear.

“We will confront insecurity decisively so that our farmers can return to their farms, our children can return to school, businesses can operate freely, and families can live without fear,” he said.

Obi added that no Nigerian should be forced to live in an Internally Displaced Persons camp because of the failure of government to provide adequate security.

Read Also: XEJET Drags SAHCO, AGHAN To Court, Seeks ₦16.1 billion Damages Over Breach Confidentiality, False Information,

The presidential candidate used the Independence Day address to criticise the APC-led Federal Government, arguing that Nigeria continued to face significant challenges despite promises made ahead of the 2023 elections.

He listed poverty, the high number of out-of-school children, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping among the challenges confronting the country.

“Despite the enormous promises made by the APC-led government in 2023, our nation continues to face deepening challenges across virtually every critical sector of national life,” he said.

According to Obi, Nigeria’s major problem was not a lack of resources but the failure of successive administrations to translate the country’s resources into human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity.

He also recounted his recent visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, where they held consultations on insecurity, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and the growing number of out-of-school children.

Obi said their visit to an IDP camp in Ramin Kura, within Sokoto metropolis, highlighted the hardship experienced by displaced women and children.

He described the situation as a reflection of the suffering experienced in various parts of the country.

The former governor said political leaders had failed the country and called for a change in the way Nigeria was governed.

Obi’s latest pledge comes about a month after he criticised the practice of Nigerian presidents spending their holidays abroad.

He had argued that the President should use holiday periods to visit parts of the country facing security and developmental challenges.

“Nigeria’s President must spend his vacation in Nigeria. We cannot continue with this nonsense. Where do other countries’ own send their vacation?” Obi had said.

He maintained that, if elected, he would visit other countries in his official capacity but would spend his holidays in Nigeria.

When questioned about the security implications of spending vacation time in states affected by insurgency and banditry, including Borno, Obi argued that security concerns should not prevent the President from remaining in the country during holidays.

XEJET Drags SAHCO, AGHAN To Court, Seeks ₦16.1 billion Damages Over Breach Confidentiality, False Information,

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A privately owned airline, XEJet Limited has dragged Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SACHO) before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, over breach of confidentiality.

In the suit, the airline said the aviation handling company had no contractual right to suspend or withdraw ground handling services for non-payment of invoices, adding that the defendant’s Credit Policy forms no part of the agreement the two companies entered into.

In the suit filed on behalf of XEJet by its Counsel, Alex Izinyon II, ESQ, the company sued Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SACHO) as the sole defendant.

In the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/4506/2026, the claimant raised seven questions for determination and also sought 11 reliefs.

Among the questions, the claimant prayed the court to determine the following: Whether, upon a true construction of Paragraph 13.1 of Annex B 1.1 to the Standard Groundy Handling Agreement between the Claimant and the Defendant effective 1 January 2026, information concerning the Claimant’s account with the Defendant, including the Defendant’s invoices and statements of account, the sums invoiced, paid and outstanding, and the Claimant’s payment history, communications and proposals, is information made available by or on behalf of the parties to each other in the provision of the services, which the Defendant undertook permanently to keep confidential.

Whether the Defendant, by disclosing information concerning the Claimant’s account to AGHAN, its officers or members, which AGHAN published in its statement of 28th September 2026, acted in breach of Paragraph 13.1 of the Agreement.

Whether, upon a true construction of Paragraph 4.2 of the Agreement, the exclusion of liability for loss of profits, revenue, business and goodwill applies to loss caused by a breach of Paragraph 13.1 committed negligently or with wilful misconduct.

In the suit dated September 30, 2026, the claimant sought the following reliefs:
A declaration that, upon a true construction of Paragraph 13.1 of the Agreement, information concerning the Claimant’s account with the Defendant, including the Defendant’s invoices and statements of account, the sums invoiced, paid and outstanding, and the Claimant’s payment history, communications and proposals, is confidential information which the Defendant is bound permanently to keep confidential,

A declaration that the Defendant is not entitled, without the Claimant’s prior written consent, to disclose such information to AGHAN, its officers or members, or to the press.

A declaration that the Defendant, by disclosing information concerning the Claimant’s account to AGHAN, its officers or members, acted in breach of Paragraph 13.1 of the Agreement, and that the breach was committed with wilful misconduct or, alternatively, negligently, within the meaning of Paragraph 4.2 of the Agreement.

The claimant also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, whether by itself, its directors, officers, servants, agents or privies, from further disclosing any information concerning the Claimant’s account, or any other information within Paragraph 13.1 of the Agreement, to AGHAN, its officers or members, the press or any other third party, save as Paragraph 13.1 permits.

The claimant sought the sum of N1b as general damages for breach of Paragraph 13.1 of the Agreement and another N100 Million as general damages for the wrongful withdrawal of ground handling services on 28th September 2026.

In the affidavit in support of the Originating Summons, deposed to, by
Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, the Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, the airline said it and the Defendant are parties to a Standard Ground Handling Agreement comprising Annex B 1.1 (Location(s), Agreed Services and Charges), effective 1st January 2026, and the Main Agreement and Annex A of the Standard Ground Handling Agreement of January 2018 published by the International Air Transport Association, which Annex B 1.1 incorporates by the simplified procedure as if repeated in full.

The claimant said by the Agreement, the Defendant undertook to provide ground handling services to the Claimant’s aircraft, passengers and baggage at Abuja, Lagos, Benin, Asaba and Warri airports, including passenger handling, baggage handling, marshalling, loading and unloading, towing and push-back of aircraft, and load control.

The deponent in the affidavit said, “By a letter dated 4th September 2026 (reference SAH/4U/MD/04-09/255) addressed to me, the Defendant requested settlement, on or before 10 September 2026, of the invoices shown in a Statement of Account as at 15 August 2026, and invited the Claimant to raise any queries on the statement within the same period.

“Upon receipt of the said letter, the Claimant engaged the Defendant in negotiation and in a joint reconciliation of the account, in order to verify the sums actually owed, invoice by invoice.

“The Defendant did not suspend its services when 10 September 2026 passed, and it continued to provide them.

“By a letter dated 23 September 2026 (reference SAH/4U/MD/23-09/257) addressed to me, the Defendant requested settlement within three working days of receipt, on or before 28 September 2026, and stated that it would suspend services, if it did not receive payment “or a satisfactory payment arrangement” within that period.

“On 28 September 2026, from about 8.00 a.m., before the period fixed in its letter of 23 September 2026 had expired, the Defendant withdrew ground handling services from the Claimant at all airports in Nigeria.

“Notwithstanding the withdrawal, and within the period stipulated in the Defendant’s letter of 23 September 2026, the Claimant on the same 28th September 2026 paid the Defendant the sum of N7,000,000.00 by two bank transfers of N2,000,000.00 and N5,000,000.00 respectively, each narrated “Ground handling outstanding”, toward the outstanding account and in furtherance of a payment arrangement with the Defendant.

Also, in a separate suit, the airline dragged the Incorporated Trustees of Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) before the court over allegations of false information to the media and to the general public. The airline claims ₦15 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

The Claimant said it had a commercial account for ground handling services with Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (“SAHCO”).

SAHCO is a ground handling company that is a member of the association (AGHAN).

The claimant in the Statement of Claim said by a letter of 23rd September
2026, SAHCO fixed 28th September 2026 as the latest date for payment or a satisfactory payment arrangement.

The airline said, “The Claimant and SAHCO were in discussion when the publications complained of in the media were made. The Claimant owed no sum to any other member of AGHAN.

“No payment plan had been concluded between the Claimant and SAHCO or the 1st Defendant; the Claimant had proposed terms and commenced payment on account, as pleaded below; and the Claimant was never served with, or became party to, any notice or arrangement arising from the 1st Defendant’s ultimatum of September 2026.

“Between 28th and 29th September 2026 the Claimant paid SAHCO the sum of N215,898,420.25 in aggregate, by five bank transfers, in full settlement of the account: the first two transfers, totalling N7,000,000.00, were received by SAHCO on 28th September 2026, within the period fixed by its letter of 23rd September 2026; the remaining three, totalling N208,898,420.25, were paid on 29th September 2026.”

“On 28th September 2026, the 1st Defendant, acting by its President and Vice President, published a joint statement signed by them and released it to the press”.

The claimant said the 1st Defendant released the AGHAN statement intending and knowing that it would be republished in national newspapers and online, and it was so republished by the media.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Sister Faces Backlash Over Criticism of Portugal Fans, Media

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s elder sister, Elma Aveiro, has sparked a backlash after attacking Portuguese fans, the national media and the country’s football structure following her brother’s decision to leave the Portugal camp.
Aveiro defended Ronaldo on Instagram by resharing a post from a supporter and endorsing its contents with the caption, “Everything was said on here.” The post said Ronaldo deserved greater respect while criticising the organisation of the national team and Portuguese journalism.

The message also accused Portuguese supporters of being “envious, disdainful, ignorant” and claimed they deserved to return to the “mediocrity” that existed in Portuguese football before Ronaldo’s emergence.

The comments have drawn criticism from fans and pundits, who argued that the remarks unfairly targeted supporters who have backed Ronaldo and the national team throughout his international career.

Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp came amid reported tension over his role under new head coach Jorge Jesus. The forward was an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday, marking the first time in 18 years that he had remained on the bench for an entire match while part of the squad.

Read Also: ‘Tinubu Is Pharaoh, Not Moses’ — Turaki-Led PDP Reacts to Independence Speech

Ronaldo later confirmed his departure in a statement on Instagram, saying it followed the national team’s press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

“After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team camp,” Ronaldo wrote. ExecutiveBranch

“In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself.

“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”

Portugal still have two matches scheduled during the international break, beginning with a meeting against Denmark on Thursday before facing Norway again on Sunday.

Ronaldo played 67 minutes in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales, although he had a goal disallowed, before sitting out the entire win over Norway.

‘Tinubu Is Pharaoh, Not Moses’ — Turaki-Led PDP Reacts to Independence Speech

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The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has used President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address to launch a fresh criticism of the APC-led Federal Government ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction challenged the President’s portrayal of Nigeria’s economic reforms and accused the administration of failing to sufficiently ease the burden on citizens.

Tinubu’s October 1 address focused heavily on the economy. The President said reforms introduced since 2023 had corrected fundamental weaknesses and argued that Nigeria had moved through a difficult period of adjustment. He said inflation had fallen substantially from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the economy had recorded renewed growth.

Tinubu also acknowledged that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with food, school fees, medical bills and transportation costs. He said the government’s next priority was to reduce the cost of living and promote jobs, enterprise and industrial growth.

The Turaki-led PDP said those assurances did not adequately reflect the economic reality confronting many households.

Read Also: Sexy Steel Says He Owned ‘Dami Duro’ Beat as Davido Clarifies Its Origin

The opposition faction pointed to food inflation as an important indicator. NBS data put food inflation at 19.57 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, down from 20.31 per cent in July. The rate was also lower than the 25.30 per cent recorded in August 2025.

The faction argued that a slowdown in the rate at which prices increase should not automatically be interpreted as a return to affordable prices.

It also criticised the prevailing cost of borrowing, saying businesses continued to face challenges accessing affordable credit despite monetary policy adjustments.

The group accused the APC government of worsening economic hardship, insecurity and political divisions. It also criticised what it described as political theatrics designed to persuade Nigerians that the country had already moved beyond its economic difficulties.

The faction said the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the government’s record and determine whether they wanted continuity or a change in political leadership.

It also urged citizens to pay attention to issues affecting their daily lives rather than political slogans.

The PDP faction concluded by maintaining that Nigerians would eventually determine their own political “Moses” through the ballot box.

Sexy Steel Says He Owned ‘Dami Duro’ Beat as Davido Clarifies Its Origin

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Davido has explained how a beat originally created for Nigerian singer Sexy Steel eventually became the instrumental for his hit song “Dami Duro.”

The explanation followed a claim by Sexy Steel in a video that he owned the beat used for the song.

Speaking during an interview for an Afrobeat documentary, Davido confirmed that the foundation of the instrumental was initially created for Sexy Steel.

He said he produced the beat in his Lagos studio in 2011 specifically for the artiste. Producer Shizzy later became involved and contributed keys and additional production.

Read Also: ‘We Cannot Build Nigeria and Tolerate Corruption’ — Olukoyede

Davido said he later recognised the potential of the instrumental and decided to use it for himself.

The beat eventually became the foundation of “Dami Duro,” which became a significant breakthrough record for Davido and helped launch his career into the mainstream.

Sexy Steel’s claim has drawn renewed attention to the song’s production history, particularly the question of who the instrumental was originally intended for.

Davido’s account acknowledges that Sexy Steel was the initial intended recipient of the beat, while explaining how the instrumental ultimately became part of his own project.

“Dami Duro” went on to achieve major popularity and became one of the songs closely associated with Davido’s early rise in the Nigerian music industry.

‘We Cannot Build Nigeria and Tolerate Corruption’ — Olukoyede

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The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerians to reject corruption and uphold accountability as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

It was reported that Olukoyede made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Abuja.

The EFCC chairman said Nigeria had made progress since gaining independence and described the various efforts aimed at improving the country as steps towards building a better nation.

According to him, the progress recorded over the years should be protected by ensuring that corruption does not weaken efforts to improve the country.

Read Also: Atiku Challenges Tinubu on Kanu’s Case, El-Rufai’s Detention, Rising Living Costs

He said the country had reached its 66th year as an independent nation after a long journey that had given Nigerians the opportunity to determine their own affairs and participate in the development of the country.

Olukoyede called on Nigerians to support reform efforts by refusing to take part in corrupt activities or compromise established standards.

He said: “At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building. All these efforts are significant. They are the building blocks of the greater nation we desire. Let’s therefore couple all our reform-focused initiatives with zero tolerance for corruption.

“We cannot be building and allow corrupt practices to vitiate our efforts. Progress only comes with purposeful rejection of compromises. Nigeria will surely get better!”

Atiku Challenges Tinubu on Kanu’s Case, El-Rufai’s Detention, Rising Living Costs

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the grievances surrounding the case of convicted Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, and explain the continued detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also challenged the Federal Government to account for cash transfers reportedly made to millions of Nigerians, explain the country’s rising debt and address the hardship facing citizens. NigerianPolitics Podcast

‎It was reported that the former vice president made the demands on Thursday in Abuja during his address to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

‎He also criticised the Tinubu administration over the cost of living, insecurity, unpaid workers’ entitlements and the handling of public funds, arguing that many Nigerians had yet to experience the prosperity promised by the government.

‎Atiku called on the Tinubu administration to ensure that the rule of law was applied fairly, raising concerns about the continued detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

‎He said the authorities needed to provide explanations concerning their detention and address questions about due process.

‎According to him, “On this day, I call for the rule of law to be applied fairly in every case. The continued detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai raises questions about due process that the authorities must answer.”

‎On Kanu, the leader of the ADC said his conviction should not prevent him from exercising his legal right to appeal.

‎He added that the grievances and divisions surrounding the case should be addressed seriously.

‎Atiku also renewed his call for the release of five young Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan, ‘Tinubu Must Go.’

‎He said political expression should not be treated as a crime.

‎“A political slogan on a shirt must never become a reason to imprison a Nigerian,” he stated.

‎Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Atiku said the country had moved away from the vision of its founding fathers. NigerianPolitics Podcast

‎He accused the Tinubu administration of worsening the economic difficulties facing Nigerians over the past three years, saying many households were struggling to afford food, healthcare and other basic needs.

‎According to him, families were being forced to skip meals, delay medical treatment and borrow money to survive until their next payday.

‎Atiku also questioned the President’s declaration that the period of emergency treatment for the economy was over and that an age of prosperity had begun.

‎He argued that speeches and promises could not replace improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.

‎“A president may announce a new chapter in a speech. He cannot put food onto a family’s table or money into a worker’s pocket,” he said.

‎Atiku also criticised the decision to extend the implementation of the 2025 budget until the end of 2026, arguing that Nigerians deserved clear information about government spending and the progress of projects.

‎He questioned how the government intended to account for the implementation of different budgets running across successive years.

‎He said, “You have just signed an extension keeping the 2025 budget in operation until the last day of 2026. The 2026 budget exists alongside it. Soon, your government will ask Nigerians to examine a 2027 budget.

‎“How many budgets must be open at once before you can tell the country what was funded, what was completed and what remains unpaid?”

‎The former vice president maintained that budgets should serve as clear plans for delivering projects and services rather than being repeatedly carried over from one year to another.

‎The ADC presidential candidate also challenged the Federal Government to provide details of the cash transfers reportedly made to more than 10 million Nigerians.

‎Atiku referred to a claim by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, that more than 10 million beneficiaries received ₦75,000 each, amounting to at least ₦750 billion.

‎He questioned how the beneficiaries were identified and paid, particularly in parts of Borno and Yobe states where insecurity could make access to some communities difficult.

‎Atiku said the government should publish records showing how the money was distributed and provide evidence of the payments.

‎He stated, “Professor Yilwatda says many beneficiaries have no phones. So how did your government identify, contact and pay them, particularly in parts of Yobe and Borno where insecurity makes access difficult?

‎“Did officials deliver the money by hand? If so, who delivered it, and where are the receipts? If it went into bank accounts, show the transaction records. If you could find ten million people to pay, you can account for the payments.”

‎Atiku also used the prices of petrol and basic food items to explain the pressure facing Nigerian households. NigerianPolitics Podcast

‎He compared the purchasing power of the minimum wage in April 2023 with its value under the current administration.

‎According to him, the ₦30,000 minimum wage in April 2023 could buy about 118 litres of petrol, while the ₦70,000 minimum wage could buy only about 50 litres at the prices he cited.

‎He argued that although the minimum wage had increased in naira terms, the quantity of petrol workers could afford had dropped sharply.

‎Atiku also claimed that the average price of an egg rose from about ₦88 in April 2023 to ₦261 in May 2026.

‎He added that a loaf of bread that cost about ₦500 in April 2023 had risen to around ₦2,000 for a smaller loaf by May 2026.

‎Questioning the government’s economic policies, he asked, “If 2023 was the illness, why does your ‘cure’ buy less fuel, fewer eggs and a smaller loaf of bread?”

‎On the removal of the petrol subsidy, Atiku accused Tinubu of ending the policy without putting sufficient measures in place to protect households from the resulting increase in living costs.

‎He said that if elected president, he would introduce a limited and budgeted subsidy for petrol refined in Nigeria, including fuel produced by modular refineries.

‎Atiku explained that imported petrol would not qualify for the proposed programme, adding that the benefits should reach consumers through lower pump prices.

‎He also promised to publish the programme’s costs, subject payments to independent audits and reduce government waste to help fund the initiative.

‎The ADC candidate further questioned the President’s promise to Nigerians that transport fares would be reduced from October 1.

‎Marking the date, Atiku asked, “Before I forget, you promised Nigerians lower transport fares from October 1. Today is October 1. Did your promise miss the bus?”

‎Atiku Questions Nigeria’s Debt, World Bank Loans
‎The former vice president also raised concerns about Nigeria’s public debt, citing a figure of ₦166.79 trillion as of the end of June. NigerianPolitics Podcast

‎He questioned the government’s reported discussions over another $1.5 billion in World Bank loans, insisting that Nigerians deserved to know what previous borrowings had achieved before the country took on additional debt.

‎Atiku said, “Before you borrow another dollar in the people’s name, tell them what the money already borrowed has delivered.”

‎He also raised concerns about the award of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract to Hitech, a company associated with the Chagoury Group.

‎Atiku alleged that the contract was awarded without an open public tender and called on the government to publish documents relating to the procurement process.

‎He asked the administration to release the invitations to bid, submitted bids, evaluation reports, final contract and any subsequent changes to the agreement.

‎According to him, making the documents public would allow Nigerians to understand how the major infrastructure contract was awarded.

Read Also: Minister Calls on Media to Champion Fact-Based Reporting

‎Atiku also accused the government of failing to settle outstanding payments owed to local contractors who had completed public projects.

‎He said military pensioners and federal workers had also raised concerns about unpaid entitlements and delayed salaries.

‎The ADC candidate called on the government to settle the outstanding obligations and publish details of what remained unpaid.

‎“Pay the outstanding entitlements, publish what remains unpaid, and stop claiming that everyone has been paid in full,” he said.

‎Turning to insecurity, Atiku argued that protecting lives and making basic necessities affordable were among the most important responsibilities of any government.

‎He said, “A government that cannot make life affordable and cannot protect life has failed the two tests that matter most to its people.”

‎He also referred to the deaths of three people in a stampede at the Niger State Government House, where a crowd had gathered amid reports that ₦10,000 would be distributed.

‎Atiku called for a full explanation of how the gathering was organised and the circumstances that led to the deaths.

‎Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Atiku pledged that an administration under his leadership would respect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‎He said he would support the prompt publication of results from every polling unit and ensure that anyone caught buying votes or manipulating election results faced the law, regardless of party affiliation.

‎The former vice president maintained that Nigerians should be able to exercise their voting rights without depending on influential individuals to have their votes counted. NigerianPolitics Podcast

‎He said, “Your vote must count as you cast it. You should not need powerful friends to make it count.”

‎Atiku concluded by calling on Nigerians to work together through peaceful political participation, declaring, “We have chosen a different course, peacefully and together, through the power of our votes; the message is clear: Tinubu must go.”

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