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Buhari seeks EU Support to fight Corruption, Oil theft

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sought greater support from the European Union for Nigeria’s efforts to curb the theft of its crude oil and corruption in its oil and gas sector.

Buhari made the call while addressing a special session of the parliament in Strasbourg, France.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President asked the union to also assist his government in its efforts aimed at recovering looted funds.

“Nigeria is facing the challenges of oil-theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta as well as recovery of illicit funds.   In this regard, Nigeria solicits the cooperation of the European Parliament to support the efforts aimed at stemming these vices.

“Our attempt to restore security, curb corruption and fight crime will result not only in improving social stability in Nigeria but will re-open the doors for full economic relations with Europe and the rest of the world.

“Those who wish to invest in our country have immense opportunities and we intend to guarantee the security of people and investments brought to Nigeria,”  Buhari was reported to have said.

The President also assured the union that his administration was doing its best to protect the fundamental human rights of persons in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram.

He said his government shared the union’s commitment to peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy and good governance, equality and tolerance, as ways of developing prosperous and strong societies.

Buhari said, “For our part, we have updated our rules of engagement in fighting terrorism and pay very close attention during operations to the treatment of captured terrorists, civilians caught up in the conflict and in general, safeguarding property.

“Our aim is to use minimum force necessary in our fight against terrorists,” President Buhari assured members of the parliament and the European Union Commission.

The President also spoke of Nigeria’s concerns about the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, collectively endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States.

He said Nigeria was yet to sign the agreement because pertinent technical issues raised by the Federal Government have not been satisfactorily addressed.

“Giving due consideration to the mismatch of the two regions (Europe-ECOWAS) in terms of technology and manufacturing experience, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Associated Trade Unions raised concerns over the negative impact of the agreement on Nigeria’s industrialisation programme.

“Nigeria is working towards addressing her own side of the issues and I therefore urge our European Union partners to also address our own concerns to allow for an Economic Partnership Agreement that is mutually beneficial and can contribute to the prosperity of our people, in the context of our shared values and interest at promoting cordial bilateral trade relations,” Buhari said.

He also assured the parliament that Nigeria will collaborate with the EU to address illegal migration to Europe.

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Tinubu Engages Power Sector Leaders, Pushes for Lasting Energy Reforms

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday held a strategic meeting with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the nation’s long-standing electricity issues.

The high-level session was chaired by the President, with his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in attendance.

Also present were some of the industry’s most prominent figures, including Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Chairman of the Association of Power Generation Companies, retired Colonel Sani Bello; Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; and Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musiliu Oseni.

The meeting focused on exploring sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, regulatory reform, and long-term investment.

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Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda Elected as New APC National Chairman at Party’s 14th NEC Meeting

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In a significant development within Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has been officially elected as the new National Chairman. His election was ratified at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The decision comes following weeks of internal consultations, with Yilwatda emerging as the consensus candidate after the resignation of former Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Party insiders say the move is part of broader efforts to reposition the APC ahead of upcoming state and national elections, as well as to stabilize internal party structures.

Prof. Yilwatda, a former university lecturer and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, is well-regarded in both academic and political circles. He previously served as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections and is known for his technocratic approach to leadership. His emergence as chairman is seen by some analysts as a strategic attempt by the APC to blend intellectual credibility with grassroots political experience.

Addressing the NEC and other stakeholders shortly after his election, Prof. Yilwatda expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to promote unity, discipline, and inclusivity within the party, stating that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” He also emphasized the importance of returning the party to its founding ideals and promised to foster open dialogue and reconciliation among aggrieved party members.

The NEC meeting, which brought together top-ranking members including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, national assembly members, and other party leaders, also featured deliberations on policy direction, party reforms, and electoral strategies.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, congratulated the new chairman and called for loyalty to the party’s mission of delivering good governance to Nigerians. He stressed the need for organizational discipline, urging members to support the new leadership in building a stronger and more cohesive APC.

As Prof. Yilwatda assumes leadership, expectations are high that he will help steer the APC through the evolving political landscape, mend internal rifts, and strengthen the party’s hold ahead of future elections.

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ADC Constitution Blocks Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Ambition — Clears Path for Atiku, Amaechi, Amaechi

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) may have ruled out former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from contesting under its platform in the 2027 general election, based on a key provision in its constitution.

According to Article 8 of the party’s Third Schedule on Primary Election Guidelines, all presidential aspirants must not be affiliated with any other political party at the time of their declaration.

This clause could serve as a major roadblock for Obi, who is still officially a member of the Labour Party. His media aide, Mr. Tanko Yunusa, confirmed the development, stating:
“That will be made public if he decides to do that. At the moment, he is still a member of the Labour Party.”

With Obi’s eligibility in question, political observers say the stage may now be set for figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to emerge as strong contenders should they seek the ADC presidential ticket.

This development adds a new twist to the build-up toward the 2027 elections, as opposition alliances and party crossovers continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.

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