Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has asserted that Nigerians are beginning to experience the positive impacts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. He pointed to increased funding for states, improvements in infrastructure, and strengthening macroeconomic indicators as evidence that the administration’s policies are steering the country toward growth.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During an interview on Arise TV, Onanuga countered criticisms from political opposition figures, maintaining that public support is increasing because citizens are seeing tangible changes in their local communities. He highlighted that state governments are now better equipped financially to undertake significant projects, including the construction of schools, roads, and health institutions.

Regarding the management of the naira, Onanuga defended the move to let market forces determine its value, stating this helped remove economic distortions and that the currency shows potential for further appreciation. While he acknowledged that many Nigerians are facing increased costs of living, he characterized these challenges as the “inevitable consequences” of necessary major reforms, comparing the current situation to a temporary period of pain before long-term prosperity.

On other key policy areas, Onanuga noted:

• Electricity Reform: He identified the Electricity Act as a landmark achievement that empowers states to independently generate, transmit, and distribute power, fostering a more competitive sector.

• Insecurity: He disputed claims that insecurity has worsened, arguing that some media reporting and opposition rhetoric exaggerate the reality of the situation.

• National Unity: He explained that the restoration of the old national anthem was a deliberate action by President Tinubu to emphasize the importance of unity and brotherhood among Nigerians despite their differences.

Onanuga concluded by affirming that the administration is laying the foundation for a stronger economy and that official communication remains consistent, even if the President’s personal style differs from his predecessors.

Paul Ibe, the media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign. Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ibe argued that stepping down is a patriotic decision rather than a sign of weakness when a leader fails to meet the fundamental duties of government—specifically the security and welfare of the citizenry.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ibe criticized the current administration as “incompetent” and “clueless,” asserting that the government’s approach to insecurity has been an ineffective cycle of “trial and error”. He pointed to the ongoing captivity of various victims and recent violence in Plateau, Benue, Oyo, and Kogi states as clear evidence that the government has failed to protect vulnerable communities or restore public confidence.

Regarding the proposed introduction of state police, Ibe clarified that while the Atiku camp supports the concept in principle, they view the government’s current push to legislate it ahead of the 2027 elections as a political maneuver rather than a genuine security initiative.

Furthermore, Ibe addressed public sentiment regarding the political establishment, noting that it remains the prerogative of Nigerian voters to evaluate whether Atiku Abubakar possesses the necessary competence and skill set to lead the country. He also dismissed recent media reports concerning alleged conditions set by former Minister Rotimi Amaechi for a potential running mate role, labeling such claims as mere speculation and stating that the party will handle its ticket announcements in due course.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is preparing to submit a no-case plea in his ongoing wiretapping trial following the Department of State Services (DSS) decision to rest its case at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The DSS had charged the former governor with five counts, including unlawful communication interception and threats to national security, stemming from his February interview on Arise Television where he claimed to have intercepted a call involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu regarding his own potential arrest.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During Tuesday’s proceedings, DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye announced that the prosecution would not present further witnesses. In response, El-Rufai’s defense counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), declared the intent to file a no-case submission, asserting that the prosecution failed to produce enough evidence to warrant a formal defense. Both parties have been granted two weeks to submit their respective filings.

Additionally, the defense requested a relaxation of El-Rufai’s bail terms, labeling the current requirements—which include sureties who are Level 17 civil servants with property in Maitama or Asokoro and verification from the Kaduna State Traditional Council—as overly burdensome. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik denied the request, maintaining that qualified civil servants exist who can meet these conditions. The case has been adjourned until September 22 to address the no-case submission and move forward with the trial.