President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has dismissed claims that the President’s planned trip to Saudi Arabia is for medical treatment, insisting that he is travelling to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Olusegun made this clarification on Thursday in a post on his X account while responding to comments by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who had raised concerns about Tinubu’s health ahead of the trip.

The presidential aide rejected suggestions that the President was travelling abroad to seek medical attention, explaining that the visit was intended for religious purposes.

According to Olusegun, Tinubu plans to visit the holy land to pray for Nigeria and seek divine guidance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In his post, he wrote that the President was travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a religious exercise undertaken by Muslims around the world.

“President Tinubu is not heading to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. He is heading to the Holy Land for Lesser Hajj (Umrah), like other Muslims across the world, to offer supplications for the country and commit his re-election journey into the hands of God,” Olusegun stated.

He described the trip as a familiar practice, noting that Muslims often undertake religious journeys when preparing for important events or major milestones.

Olusegun also recalled that Tinubu travelled to Makkah twice in 2022 to perform Umrah, first in April ahead of the APC presidential primary and again in late December before the presidential election.

According to the aide, the President’s previous visits were followed by electoral success, adding that Tinubu had decided to undertake the pilgrimage again.

“It is only sensible to stick to a potent strategy, hence the President is going again,” he added.

The presidential aide also cited Tinubu’s recent official engagements as evidence against concerns about his health.

He noted that the President attended the APC re-election campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday, received former African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, and separately hosted the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Ola Awakan.

Olusegun further stated that Tinubu chaired the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, during which several key decisions were taken.

He argued that the President’s busy schedule contradicted claims that he was unwell.

“Mr Sowore, a ‘sick person’ would not have this many itineraries to accomplish. Mr President is fit as a fiddle, and no evil, as you are wishing for, will befall the People’s President,” he said.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as “shallow” and “unreliable” over what he considers inconsistencies in the former minister’s political positions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Wednesday, according to reports.

The former Edo State governor accused Amaechi of criticising the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu despite previously supporting the party and serving in the administration.

He also questioned Amaechi’s credibility by recalling his past disagreements with Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate.

According to Oshiomhole, Amaechi had previously challenged Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate through the party’s primary election, alleging that the process was fraudulent.

He further claimed that Amaechi later changed his position after Atiku allegedly approached him to work together.

“Amaechi is contradicting his past positions. He has lost direction politically,” Oshiomhole said.

The senator also referred to previous media reports in which Amaechi allegedly questioned the legitimacy of Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate.

He said Amaechi had accused Atiku of taking a mandate he did not legitimately win and subsequently challenged his emergence in court.

“And that Atiku stole the mandate, he didn’t win the mandate. Amaechi didn’t stop there. He went to court to challenge Atiku that he stole the mandate.

“And Atiku went back to him and asked, let’s share the mandate together,” Oshiomhole claimed.

The former APC national chairman also recalled Amaechi’s alleged description of Atiku as an ethnic champion who would struggle to lead a country as diverse as Nigeria.

Oshiomhole argued that the former Rivers State governor’s previous comments about Atiku contradicted his current political alignment with the ADC presidential candidate.

“So, you don’t want to take Amaechi serious. So, if someone who dismissed his own Oga as an ethnic champion and incapable of running a diverse country such as Nigeria, then I won’t waste my precious time discussing Amaechi,” he said.

Oshiomhole subsequently described Amaechi as a politician whose statements should be treated with caution.

“Amaechi is flat. Amaechi is shallow. Amaechi is not reliable. Amaechi is a guy the Supreme Court manufactured because of the fact that they were Supreme and there is nothing we could do about it,” he added.

The senator also dismissed Amaechi’s recent criticism of Nigeria’s condition, describing his position as hypocritical and questioning whether his comments were genuinely motivated by concern for citizens.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the ADC vice-presidential candidate’s criticism of the current administration, arguing that Amaechi’s record as a former governor and minister should also be considered when assessing his remarks.

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to name an educational institution after the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in recognition of his contributions to education, democracy and national development.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The resolution was reached on Wednesday after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Adeniyi Adegbonmire, the senator representing Ondo Central.

During the session, senators paid tribute to the late elder statesman, describing him as a committed advocate of education, democratic governance and national unity.

Leading the debate, Adegbonmire explained that Fasoranti’s background in education shaped his approach to public service and his commitment to the welfare of the people.

He recalled that the late Afenifere leader was a devoted follower of the late nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and was associated with the Action Group during the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic.

The lawmaker also noted that Fasoranti was among those who opposed military rule and consistently advocated for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

“Pa Fasoranti remained steadfast in the struggle for democracy. He was a man who spoke truth to power, honest and upright,” Adegbonmire said.

He further highlighted Fasoranti’s efforts to promote national unity, noting that he worked with other regional socio-political groups, including Arewa and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, towards building a better Nigeria.

According to the senator, the late elder statesman remained committed to the vision of a united and prosperous country throughout his life.

“He believed in one united and prosperous Nigeria and promoted this all through his life,” he added.

Adegbonmire also urged the Senate to send a delegation to Ondo State to offer condolences to the people and the family of the deceased.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North, described Fasoranti as a passionate advocate of education whose contributions to the sector were significant.

Ipinsagba also commended his efforts towards promoting peace and harmony in Yorubaland and other parts of the country.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, subsequently put the motion’s prayers to a vote, and the lawmakers adopted them.

Following the adoption, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Afenifere leader.