Senator John Azuta Mbata, a former lawmaker who represented Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has emerged as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

His election took place during a stakeholders’ meeting of the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization held on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.

Details shortly………. 

The Presidency has responded sharply to recent remarks by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of not listening to the people.

Mohammed made the statements during a conversation with Sheikh Sani Jingir, the National Chairman of the Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, while discussing the state of the nation.

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“We are not on good terms with him (Tinubu) because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us,” Mohammed said, highlighting that the northern region has been particularly affected by the president’s policies.

He also expressed concern that the proposed tax reforms would further exacerbate poverty in the region.

In response, the presidency issued a statement on Friday through President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

The statement sharply criticized the governor’s remarks, labeling them as “irresponsible politics.”

“Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. Governor Bala is playing irresponsible politics.

“Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff,” the statement read.

The Presidency reiterated that President Tinubu is focused on reviving the economy and fulfilling the promises made during the 2023 election.

“President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy, and he is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises,” Dare stated, emphasizing that Nigerians will soon see the benefits of the administration’s reforms.

Further defending the president’s leadership, the statement stressed that President Tinubu is committed to collaborating with state leaders and other stakeholders to improve the country’s overall well-being.

“The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians,” it read.

The Presidency also countered Governor Mohammed’s claim that Tinubu is not a “listening leader,” asserting that the president values the institutions of state and is open to engagement.

“President Tinubu is a listening leader and also a leader who firmly believes in the institutions of state,” the statement stated.

Addressing the concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, the Presidency advised those with strong objections to utilize the legislative process, urging dialogue through the National Assembly.

In a pointed critique of Governor Mohammed’s leadership in Bauchi State, the statement questioned the governor’s effectiveness in addressing the pressing issues facing his people: “How well are the people of his state, who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians, faring under his leadership? How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?”

The Presidency concluded by reminding the governor of his duty to the people of Bauchi, asserting that “constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully recovered $52.88 million in assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America.

The announcement was made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during a formal asset agreement signing ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.

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According to Fagbemi, $50 million of the recovered funds will be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank, while the remaining $2 million will be used by the International Institute of Justice to strengthen the justice system and combat corruption.

“This asset return marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and the United States to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law,” Fagbemi stated.

He also highlighted the recovery as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing corruption and promoting transparency.

Richard Mills, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of proper monitoring and utilization of the recovered funds.

He urged the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the resources are effectively deployed for the benefit of the Nigerian people.