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Hunger Protest: Middle Belt Group Passes Vote of Confidence on Tinubu
…lauds Water Resources Minister’s constructive engagement with youths
The Middle Belt Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his nationwide broadcast. They also praised the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, for his constructive engagement with youths from the region during the protests.
The group noted that the protests in the region were not as intense due to Prof. Utsev’s diplomatic efforts during that time.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its Convener, Dr Grace Oralu, the group commended Prof. Utsev for his dedication to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for boosting the confidence of the region in the current administration.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and his reforms to lead the nation and address its numerous challenges.
“We are relieved by President Bola Tinubu’s landmark nationwide broadcast. His speech not only vividly addressed the concerns of genuine protesters but also demonstrated Renewed Hope in action. It’s indeed a step in the right direction,” the statement noted.
“We also want to use this medium to commend the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, for taking the initiative to travel across the Middle Belt region and engage with the youths before and during the protests.
“His diplomatic efforts helped to reduce the tension in the region. His positive interactions with the youths discouraged their participation in the violent protests, especially in Benue State. We commend him for promoting peace and stability in our region and encourage him to continue his good work.
“Similar to other Nigerians, we are impressed by the President’s announcement regarding the suspension of import duties on food for an initial period of six months. This initial suspension, with the indication of a willingness to extend it, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the food crisis.
“We are also impressed by his call for the youth to avoid being used as tools to propagate hate or violence against any ethnic groups. The youth must recognize their important roles as tomorrow’s leaders and refuse to be reduced to willing tools of destabilization in the hands of desperate and disgruntled politicians.
“By acknowledging the pressing issues facing our country, agreeing to dialogue, and condemning violence, President Tinubu has demonstrated that he’s a reasonable leader.
“Now, it’s time for calm. The protesters have passed their messages, and the President heard them loud and clear and responded as a responsible leader would. Therefore, continuing the nationwide demonstration is encouraging the looting by hoodlums that have marred the protests in some parts of the country.
“The government should be praised for not using force against the protesters, despite the violent nature of the protests. This is especially in contrast to what happened in Kenya, where protesters were reportedly mistreated and even killed. President Tinubu has been actively involved in protests throughout his life as part of his fight for our nation’s democracy, and he allows citizens to freely express themselves. This is commendable.
“The President’s speech has brought relief to Nigerians. The opposition and sponsors of the politically motivated protests, including those from Russia, should appreciate his timely and proactive response, rather than condemn it.
“Those criticizing the speech should understand that Nigeria’s problems cannot be addressed in just 30 minutes. The President’s nationwide broadcast was less than 30 minutes, and yet he covered a wide range of issues. The speech highlighted notable achievements, such as more than doubling the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 per month, committing over N45 billion to the student loan scheme, increasing national oil production to over 1.6 million barrels per day, and providing significant funding for MSMEs and youth development programs.
“The current administration is making progress in key sectors and the reforms implemented by some of Tinubu’s ministers, such as the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, have had a positive impact on the general populace. His pragmatic approach to solving the many problems confronting the country’s surface and groundwater resources has catalysed socio-economic growth and prosperity.
“The Middle Belt Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria firmly support the President. We unequivocally pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his efforts to lead the nation and address its numerous challenges.
“We urge fellow Nigerians to continue to trust the process. President Tinubu is working to fix Nigeria. Hope is in action!”
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest the 2027 presidential election despite the decision of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The party said Wike’s decision was personal and did not alter its position to participate in the presidential election with its candidate, Senator Sandy Onor. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, made the clarification on Wednesday.
According to the party, a recent conversation between Wike and Onor should not be interpreted as a political negotiation between the minister and the PDP.
“He told Nigerians that Sandy is his friend. And they only had a friendly discussion within the umbrella of friendship. So, that is just a personal discussion between him and his friend,” Mohammed said.
He added that Wike’s support for Tinubu did not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates for the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
Wike had earlier clarified that his support in 2027 was specifically for Tinubu’s presidential re-election and did not amount to an agreement that the PDP would withdraw from other electoral contests. He also said he never promised that the PDP would abandon its candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr President I will join APC,” Wike said.
The minister also maintained that his proposed Rainbow Coalition was not an arrangement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather a platform through which politicians from different parties could mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
The issue has generated disagreement with some APC governors, who have expressed concern about a political arrangement that could affect the party’s candidates at other levels.
APC Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said the governors would not support any alliance or arrangement that could weaken the APC or adversely affect its candidates.
Meanwhile, APC presidential campaign council spokesperson Ima Niboro has urged Wike and APC governors to end their public exchanges and concentrate on political mobilisation.
“When I said tone down the rhetoric, I do not mean stop working. Stop talking, go and work,” Niboro said.
He urged political leaders to strengthen their grassroots structures and engage directly with voters rather than continue exchanging statements in the media.
“All this shouting is not taking anybody anywhere. Go and work. Go and establish your authority on your political base,” he said.
HONOURABLE JAFAARU YAKUBU COMMISERATES WITH QATAR OVER THE DEATH OF RULER
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