Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has made history at Windsor Castle by addressing a state banquet, pledging to strengthen the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Speaking before British royalty, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, Tinubu highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, spanning centuries of shared history, culture, and governance traditions.

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“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide,” Tinubu said, noting the influence of the Magna Carta and British thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke on democracy globally.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s institutions, including courts, parliament, and civil service structures, have drawn upon British models adapted to the Nigerian context.

Tinubu also praised Nigerians living in the UK, especially doctors and nurses who form a vital part of the National Health Service, and highlighted Nigerian contributions in sports through figures such as Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua.

Addressing security concerns in West Africa, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the UK to tackle terrorism challenges in the Sahel.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the UK for providing refuge during Nigeria’s military dictatorship, saying the support he and other pro-democracy activists received remains “etched in our collective memory.”

Concluding his speech, Tinubu toasted to the “special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

The Yobe State Government has commenced the early payment of March 2026 salaries to civil servants, providing much-needed financial relief ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Governor Mai Mala Buni approved the initiative, and the Ministry of Finance confirmed that payments have been processed and sent to banks.

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A statement from the government’s Digital and Strategic Communications unit said the move is aimed at helping workers and their families prepare for the festive period with ease and dignity.

“Since inception, the Buni-led administration has maintained a track record of paying salaries promptly and without fail,” the statement added.

The government also highlighted that while ensuring timely salary payments, it has continued executing key development projects across sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.

This early salary disbursement underscores the administration’s commitment to financial discipline, transparent governance, and improving the quality of life for the people of Yobe State.

Tension is mounting in Kano as concerns grow over a possible crisis following plans by Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero to hold separate Sallah durbar celebrations.

The development has sparked widespread anxiety among residents and stakeholders, with fears that the parallel events could trigger unrest in the state if not properly managed.

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Maimota, has cautioned both traditional rulers against proceeding with the celebrations under the current tense atmosphere. Speaking during a Ramadan Tafseer in Kano, the cleric urged the emirs to prioritise peace and public safety over cultural displays.

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He warned that any form of confrontation during the festivities could destabilise the relative calm being enjoyed in the state, stressing that no society thrives amid chaos and conflict.

Maimota further noted that the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Kano emirate throne makes the situation more delicate, advising that all parties should allow the court to determine the matter before taking actions that could inflame tensions.

While acknowledging the cultural importance of the Sallah durbar, he maintained that such events should be suspended if there is any likelihood of violence.

The cleric also called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, warning that the division among supporters of the two emirs could escalate despite security presence.

Reports indicate that Aminu Ado Bayero has already notified security authorities of his intention to hold the durbar from his palace in Nassarawa.

Although Muhammadu Sanusi II has yet to make an official announcement, his supporters are reportedly mobilising for a parallel celebration.

As of press time, the Kano State Government has not issued any formal statement on the matter, leaving residents uncertain as the Sallah period approaches.