NEWS
Tinubu asks Senators to support his “life time ambition “
***Says his ambition not blind to step on Buhari’s toes
Former Lagos State Governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the party’s senators to support his presidential ambition.
At a crowded meeting with the 70 member APC caucus in the Senate, Tinubu who took time to narrate his ordeals in the fight for democracy made it clear that his visit was to seek support and partnership of the lawmakers for the realisation of his presidential ambition in 2023.
He asked them to back his ambition based on his capacity and experience.
He said, “Why am I here? I came for your counsel, partnership and support. Nigeria has come to that stage where we need a change of baton. Mr President is rounding up his second term.
“Election is coming up in February. We have various programmes that I don’t have to restate here; nomination process, primary process and all of that.
“I can’t do it by myself and I can’t do it by sitting at home, expecting that many personal friends that I have here will do it for me. I believe jointly, we can do it. You can back me successfully for the nomination of my lifetime ambition.
“If the council of wise men is anything to go by, ‘if you want to go fast, do it alone, but if you want to get there successfully, definitely, go with a team. I’m asking for that teamsmanhip here today.
Get me over the hump of the nomination process and from that, get me to the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I want to beg you to look at my capacity and experience. I’m just an unusual candidate in the period. I’m perhaps the only one who had been in the Senate, had been governor and is aspiring to become president.
“By pushing me over hump when you support me vigorously, you have created a greater power that will pave the way for Nigeria’s progress.
He told the Senators that despite of cases of being stabbed at the back, his belief in God will see him through in his presidential ambition.
Without mincing words, the former Lagos governor said his ambition is not blind to push to step on the toes of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He, however, made it clear that he intends to step into the shoes of the President in 2023.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Ahmed Lawan led Senate in promoting unity and peace through its legislation.
Reminding the Senate of the lessons in the first stanza of Nigeria’s first National Anthem, Tinubu charged the Senate to continue to legislate in support of the country’s stability and unity.
He told lawmakers that personal sacrifice, selflessness was part of his principles which aided the formation and survival of the APC.
He cited the example of when he was asked to list what he wanted politically and he declined and insisted that he was satisfied with the success recorded in the merger.
According to him, courage is very necessary for leadership as he made reference to the recent electoral act amendment where President Muhammadu Buhari had wanted section 84(10) deleted which the Senate rejected overwhelmingly saying that the President of the Senate demonstrated courage in leadership
“You did it recently there was a bill before you that wants alteration. I watched you sitting as President, I saw the gavel in the hands of the Senate president, he puts the question, the Nay was quiet yes was loudest and he explained.
“That is courage, that is the courage that the nation needs. The Senate president I will continue to respect you the rest of my life.”
“The Senate President, you have shown unusual leadership since you assumed the leadership of this senate
You have navigated the minefield in the effort of putting our country together unity in diversity. How I wish you use that unity and diversity for our prosperity
“I have seen the harmonious relationship with the executive, I have seen the cordiality between the national assembly and the executive as something Germaine to national development and progress.
“It is crucially important that you do your job in the atmosphere of no intimidation or bullying. You have been doing that. You are careful as a team leader to build a very successful team that is navigating this country very well in the right direction
“Democracy does not thrive when both arms of the Government are not in tandem with the spirit of nationalism development and fairness to all.
“You represent various constituencies. I know how fast you want Nigeria to grow economically but I know the hurdles on our way.
“I know with adequate communication, effective strategy the assembly will work and the only way we can progress and make a better Nigeria. “We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to the next generation, we owe it to our children to be able to fashion a new order, think out of the box, be sincerely committed to our unity, unity in diversity, prosperity, for growth and emancipation of many Nigerians.”
“In democratic governance, our party APC was united in 2015, I was a very active part of the merger
“When the constitution of APC was being written they called me to ask what do I wanted, I said I have given it all, I will be satisfied with anything you call me or any name you assign to me as long as this merger is successful I have a prospect, I have a future and I have an opportunity to excel “Somebody ran to me telling me they say you are the party leader but that party leadership is not defined yet, that I should intervene. I said I have not seen anything to intervene. Leave them to do their job.
“I was with President Muhammadu Buhari and he is somebody who gives you a job without interfering so I did not go to intervene.
“They call me party leader, they did not define the role, I looked for leadership meaning as I know it and I will continue to play that role. They didn’t define it in our constitution I will continue to accept it.”
He said he called the audience adding that he was grateful to lawn and the senators for the honour.
“My background is in accountancy and finance, that is what I went to the university for, Chicago State University I was a distinguished scholar, I won many awards and I graduated with honours. I was recruited by five of the big eight accounting firms, they offered me a job.
“I was exposed to many of big companies and corporate organization’s I was exposed, I was well trained and when I said it was time for me to go back o my country Mobile transferred me, I came home,
“Don’t be surprised about the opposition and the lessons of life that you will learn as in this our journey of democracy together.
“Don’t worry about people stabbing you in the back, people running you into stumbling blocks, believing God, determination, consistency and perseverance will pull you through I will pull off through.”
On the women’s interest that was thrown out during the debate on the constitutional review for which the women blocked the national assembly gate, he said,
“I ran into a little ambush of women protesters but of course, I went to the other gate interestingly affirmative action is good but you are being very careful not to jeopardize the constitution.
“Yes the interest of women is very necessary but for the APC we are doing our best and we will continue to do our best for the interest of women, maybe they will get this message of the national assembly in the spirit of democracy.”
Responding, President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan said that the APC Senate Caucus was a central and fundamental pillar of the party.
“This caucus has remained committed to the party, shown resolve to our manifesto to work within us and the Executive.
We have achieved so much because of the APC caucus.
“From 2019 that this caucus showed loyalty, commitment and purposeful orientation to ensure that our victory from 2015 and 2019 as a political party are fully utilised for the benefits of Nigerians.
“This party needs the kind of commitment that APC members have shown in the country.
“APC must continue to be progressive in our actions. 2023 is going to be a year for APC again. By Feb. 25 when the Presidential Election will take place, by the grace of God, APC will have the victory that is required.”
On the leadership crisis in the party, Lawan said that “Recently we have had difficulty because of misunderstanding between some of our members and the party had been thrown into temporary confusion.
“I thank God it is over now. It is very clear that our party is back on track that in the next two weeks, our national convention will hold and a new set of leaders will emerge.”
Lawan thereafter wished Tinubu well and success in “this enterprise” and the recognition you have given to the APC Senate Caucus is well appreciated.
“All of us wish you well, wish you success in this and in the affairs of fighting for APC to continue to be the ruling party, Nigeria justifiably so, your excellency, we are with you.
Former senators on his entourage included Adadayo Adeyeye (Ekiti), Abu Ibrahim (Katsina) and Iyola Omisore(Sound)
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a fresh physical verification of disputed and newly drilled crude oil and gas well coordinates across nine states, in a move aimed at ensuring fairness and accuracy in the allocation of the 13 per cent derivation fund.
The exercise, covering the period from 2017 to date, was formally flagged off in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the Commission’s Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu.
The affected states are Delta, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
SEE ALSO: How RMAFC Recovered Over N500bn For FG
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Shehu described the exercise as critical to ensuring transparency, accuracy and fairness in the administration of derivation revenue.
He explained that the Commission has a constitutional responsibility to monitor revenue accruals and disbursements from the Federation Account and ensure equitable distribution of derivation funds among oil and gas-producing states.
The RMAFC chairman stressed that determining the exact coordinates and geographical positions of oil and gas wellheads directly affects the legal and financial entitlements of the respective states.
He consequently charged members of the Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) and deployed technical officers to carry out the assignment with diligence, precision and professionalism.
Shehu insisted that every verified coordinate, technical assessment and physical observation must be sufficiently accurate to withstand statutory scrutiny.
According to him, the exercise will involve examining disputed and newly drilled oil and gas well coordinates, physically verifying affected wellheads, plotting their locations using approved maps and considering relevant court decisions in resolving outstanding disputes.
He also directed that the committee’s harmonised technical report and findings be submitted exclusively to RMAFC for ratification and formal adoption.
The Inter-Agency Technical Committee comprises representatives of relevant technical institutions, including the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF), the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The Imo State Governor was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Petroleum, Hon. Emeka Mgbudem.
Other government officials and RMAFC commissioners in attendance included Hon. Adamu Abdu Fanda, Chairman of the Crude Oil Committee; Hon. Oladele Semiu Gboyega, Chairman of the Gas Committee; Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, Chairman of the Public Affairs and Communication Committee; Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako; Hon. Akpan Imo Effiong; and Hon. Helen Bob Inafa.
Also present were the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Surveyor Clement Nwabichie; Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr Chucks Chukwuemeka; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Dr Angelina Ohiri.
The Commission disclosed that the verification exercise had been conducted previously but was being repeated to ensure that all issues raised were adequately addressed.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Benin City, Edo State.
Shettima arrived at the historic royal palace on Thursday to pay homage to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR.
The visit highlights the significance of the Benin traditional institution, which has preserved its rich cultural heritage, kingship, artistry and diplomatic traditions for more than seven centuries.
SEE MORE: Shettima Arrives Jigawa for APC Presidential Campaign Rally, Tinubu to Inaugurate Four Projects
The Benin Palace remains one of Africa’s most historic royal institutions, representing the enduring legacy and cultural identity of the ancient Benin Kingdom.
The Vice President is in Edo State to participate in the APC presidential campaign rally scheduled to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
As part of efforts to expand access to cheaper alternative fuel and reduce transportation costs, the federal government has commissioned five Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) daughter and last-mile retail stations in Lagos State.
The facilities, developed by the Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC) with support from the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), were commissioned on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Speaking at the commissioning, Ekpo said Lagos occupied a special place in the public-service journey of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his administration was extending the development philosophy pursued during his tenure as governor to the national level.
READ ALSO: NLNG, NCDMB Endow Research Chairs in Six Nigerian Varsities with $9m
He said Lagos had demonstrated the importance of long-term planning, institution building, infrastructure development and the mobilisation of private capital for economic growth.
According to him, the federal government is applying similar determination through the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that Nigeria’s abundant gas resources support industrial growth, businesses, transportation and job creation while reducing the cost pressures faced by citizens.
“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President has made it clear that Nigeria’s abundant gas resources must work for Nigerians. They must power our industries, support businesses, improve transportation, create employment and, ultimately, reduce the cost pressures faced by ordinary citizens,” he said.
The five stations are located in Idimu and Abule Egba in Alimosho Local Government Area; Ogolonto in Ikorodu West Local Government Area; Ajah in Eti-Osa Local Government Area; and Oko-Oba in Agege Local Government Area.
Each facility has a CNG compression capacity of 24,000 standard cubic metres per day and a storage capacity of 9,800 standard cubic metres.
The stations are designed as last-mile retail outlets to bring CNG closer to consumers in their residential and business locations.
Ekpo said the facilities would improve access to alternative fuel for motorists and commercial transport operators, while supporting the government’s objective of expanding cleaner energy infrastructure nationwide.
“These stations represent access. They represent affordability. And they represent the determination of government to take the benefits of Nigeria’s gas resources directly to the people,” he said.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the expansion of CNG infrastructure across the country, including the development of an additional 500 refuelling stations towards a planned national network of 1,000 stations.
He said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the country’s gas resources translated into lower transportation costs for Nigerians.
According to the minister, expanding CNG infrastructure in Lagos would provide motorists and commercial transport operators with viable alternative fuel options, while bringing cleaner energy closer to consumers.
“Our objective is therefore not simply to count the number of stations commissioned. Success must ultimately be measured by impact: whether the infrastructure helps reduce operating costs for transporters and businesses, whether those savings reach commuters, and whether Nigerian families begin to feel tangible relief,” he said.
Ekpo said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), in collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative, MDGIF, state governments, investors and other industry stakeholders, was working to expand refuelling and associated infrastructure to improve access to cleaner and cheaper fuel.
He commended IOGC and the Lagos State Government for embracing the initiative, describing the project as an example of the federal government, state governments and private sector working together to develop critical infrastructure.
The minister also praised MDGIF for its catalytic role in supporting gas infrastructure development, assuring investors of the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investments to translate into physical projects and economic benefits for Nigerians.
Tinubu’s SA Preaches Harnessing Oil Production for Industrial Growth
RMAFC Reopens Oil Wells Dispute, Begins Verification in Nine States
NNPC JV Deploys Football for Peace Amongst Rivers Host Comms
MDGIF Woos Foreign Investors for Nigeria’s $200bn Gas Infrastructure
Shettima Visits Oba of Benin Ahead of APC Presidential Campaign Rally in Edo
2027: Ika Artisans Pledge Five-Position Support for APC After Morka’s Engagement
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
