NEWS
BREAKING: Tinubu Mourns Akeredolu, Describes Him As Soulmate
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow at the passing of the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu, who was elected governor of Ondo State in 2016 and was sworn in in February 2017, passed on in Lagos in the early hours of December 27, 2023.
Taking to his verified X handle, President Tinubu has now penned a touchy tribute to the late senior advocate of Nigeria, describing him as “my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate”.
In the tribute, President Tinubu recalled how he was in the trenched of political warfare with the late Akeredolu and how he invited him to contest for the office of Governor of Ondo State in 2012.
Describing Akeredolu as irreplaceable, he could only hope that his successor would keep faith with the vision of the departed leader.
“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader,” he wrote.
He wrote under the subject, “I mourn my fearless brother, Rotimi Akeredolu”.
President Tinubu wrote, “It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person. Here am I having the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“It is an impossible task to fully capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney-general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.
“In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.
“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the Governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools he built, and healthcare facilities that he provided. During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world. He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.
“My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State, and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as a member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he did not make it in his first attempt, his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election. Since he was sworn in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion.
“Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.
“In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.
“Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend and associate, the departed leader was a brother and a soulmate.
“His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.
“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.”
In a controversial move, Republican Representative Andy Ogles has introduced a resolution aimed at amending the U.S. Constitution to permit former and current President Donald Trump to run for a third term in office.
The proposal, announced on Thursday, seeks to revise the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms.
Ogles argued that Trump is uniquely equipped to address the nation’s challenges and lead a turnaround for the United States.
READ MORE: EDO: SUBEB Chair, 6 Commissioners, Board Chairs Take Oath Of office
“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times,” Ogles said in his statement. “He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness. He must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal.”
The congressman also underscored the importance of giving Trump the tools needed to address what he described as damage caused by the Biden administration.
“We must provide Trump with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration,” he added.
“He is dedicated to restoring the republic and saving our country, and we, as legislators and as states, must do everything in our power to support him.”
The resolution calls for a constitutional amendment to modify the 22nd Amendment, which was ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency from 1933 to 1945.
Roosevelt’s extended time in office spurred fears of presidential overreach, leading to the adoption of term limits.
Trump, who won the 2024 presidential election and returned to office, has previously downplayed the idea of seeking a third term.
However, during a conversation with Republican lawmakers, he humorously alluded to the possibility.
“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you do something,” Trump said. “Unless you say, ‘he’s so good, we have to just figure it out.’”
Ogles lauded Trump’s actions during his second term, citing executive orders aimed at securing the southern border, restricting gender identities to male and female, boosting energy production, and withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization.
These measures, according to Ogles, demonstrate Trump’s ability to restore America’s standing and address critical issues.
The 22nd Amendment, proposed in 1947 and ratified four years later, was designed to uphold the principle of limited presidential terms first established by George Washington, the nation’s first president.
Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, warning against any president serving so long as to resemble a monarch or dictator.
Republicans currently hold a slim three-seat majority in the House of Representatives, but amending the Constitution is a daunting task.
The proposed amendment would require approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, as well as ratification by three-fourths of the states—a high bar in today’s deeply divided political climate.
While Ogles’ proposal is unlikely to succeed, it reflects the enduring loyalty Trump commands among his supporters and within the Republican Party.
The resolution has already drawn criticism from opponents who argue it undermines democratic principles, while supporters insist it is necessary to allow Trump to complete what they view as his mission to “restore America’s greatness.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of board chairpersons for 42 federal organizations, alongside other key leadership positions, as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen governance structures across the country.
Among the notable appointees is Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has been named Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Similarly, APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola, has been appointed Chairman of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
READ MORE: Tragic School Bus Fire In Thailand Kills 23, Investigation Launched
The appointments, announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, include key figures from diverse sectors of the country.
In the statement, Onanuga revealed that President Tinubu had also appointed a new Managing Director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a Director-General for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organizations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services,” the statement read.
“The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).”
Here is the full list of the appointments announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu:
1. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) – Abdullahi Ganduje (Chairman)
2. National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) – Senator Bashiru Ajibola (Chairman)
3. Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company – Sulaiman Argungu (Chairman)
4. National Agency for Great Green Wall – Senator Magnus Abe (Chairman)
5. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) – Hillard Eta (Chairman)
6. Nigerian Institute of International Affairs – Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi (Chairman)
7. National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) – Kazeem Kolawole Raji (Director-General)
8. Nigerian Railway Corporation – Dr. Kayode Isiak Opeifa (Managing Director)
9. Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria – Nasiru Gawuna (Chairman)
10. National Teachers Institute – Festus Fuanter (Chairman)
11. Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria – Mustapha Salihu (Chairman)
12. Industrial Training Fund – Hamma Adama Ali Kumo (Chairman)
13. Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration – Victor Tombari Giadom (Chairman)
14. Nigerian Postal Service – D.J. Kekemeke (Chairman)
15. National Inland Waterways Authority – Musa Sarkin Adar (Chairman)
16. National Steel Council – Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar (Chairman)
17. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) – Garba Datti Muhammad (Chairman)
18. National Bio-Safety Management Agency – Mu’azu Bawa Rijau (Chairman)
19. Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute – Durosimi Meseko (Chairman)
20. Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology – Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa (Chairman)
21. Sheda Science and Technology Complex – Senator Abubakar Maikafi (Chairman)
22. Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe – Zainab A. Ibrahim (Chairman)
23. Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti – Durotolu Oyebode Bankole (Chairman)
24. Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta – Abdullahi Dayo Israel (Chairman)
25. Federal Medical Centre, Asaba – Dr. Mary Alile Idele (Chairman)
26. Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja – Nze Chidi Duru (Chairman)
27. Federal Medical Centre, Owerri – Emma Eneukwu (Chairman)
28. Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia – Uguru Mathew Ofoke (Chairman)
29. Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa – Felix Chukwumenoye Morka (Chairman)
30. Federal Medical Centre, Yola – Bashir Usman Gumel (Chairman)
31. David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ubuhu, Ebonyi State – Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu (Chairman)
32. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) – Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar (Chairman)
33. Federal Scholarship Board – Babatunde Fakoyede (Chairman)
34. National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency – Edward Omo-Erewa (Chairman)
35. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) – Isa Sadiq Achida (Chairman)
36. Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu – Mohammed Gusau Hassan (Chairman)
37. National Building and Road Research Institute – Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Chairman)
38. Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority – Abubakar Shehu Wurno (Chairman)
39. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital – Augustine Chukwu Umahi (Chairman)
40. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi – Ali Bukar Dalori (Chairman)
41. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria – Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)
42. Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services Board – Jubril Abdulmalik (Secretary)
43. Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund – Shola Olofin (Chairman)
All appointments take immediate effect and the President has directed all board chairpersons to refrain from interfering in the day-to-day management of the agencies, emphasizing that their roles are strictly non-executive.
“President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organizations, emphasizing that their positions are non-executive,” Onanuga added.
Bangkok authorities closed more than 350 schools on Friday due to hazardous air pollution, marking the largest mass closure since 2020.
This comes as the Thai capital was ranked the world’s seventh-most polluted major city, according to air quality monitor IQAir.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that 352 schools across 31 districts were shut down to protect students from the worsening air quality.
By Friday morning, PM2.5 pollutant levels — fine particles small enough to enter the bloodstream — reached 108 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 15 micrograms for daily exposure.
READ MORE: Nigeria Can Achieve 5.5% GDP Growth – NESG
Air pollution in Southeast Asia typically spikes during the colder months, as stagnant air combines with smoke from crop burning and vehicle emissions.
Authorities reported that this week’s pollution levels were among the highest in years, prompting measures not seen since the pandemic.
On Thursday, more than 250 schools in Bangkok were already closed, and city officials urged residents to work from home while restricting heavy vehicles from entering the capital.
The Interior Ministry has also banned the agricultural practice of stubble burning, threatening legal action against offenders.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking from the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, called for urgent measures to combat the crisis, including limiting construction projects and cooperating with neighboring countries.
Both Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh also ranked among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on Friday, with their governments facing mounting pressure to address air quality concerns.
Despite international attention, Cambodian authorities downplayed the issue, stating that their air quality remained within acceptable levels.
“Other countries have their own standards. Cambodia has our own standard to determine the air quality,” said Environment Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya.
Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Allow Trump A Third Presidential Run
Belgium Appoints Rudi Garcia As National Team Coach
Tinubu Appoints Ganduje, Ajibola, Others As Heads Of Federal Agencies
Bangkok Shuts Over 350 Schools As Air Pollution Reaches Dangerous Levels
Abia Courts Set To Resume As JUSUN Calls Off Strike
Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights To Damascus After 13-Year Hiatus
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
