Politics

Tinubu promises improved trade, border policies with Benin Republic

Published

2 years ago

June 24, 2023

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Paris, said Nigeria is ready to work with the Republic of Benin towards economic prosperity as both states need each other, especially on trade issues, security and border controls.

“We must recognise the fact that we need each other. We are in a loop and no one should separate us,” Tinubu said when he received the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, after the Summit on New Global Financing Pact.

The President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement he signed late Friday titled ‘Africa remains centrepiece of Nigeria’s economic, foreign policy, says President Tinubu in Paris.’

Describing Nigeria’s relations with Benin as that of Siamese twins, joined at the hips, and supported by other friendly countries, Tinubu assured Talon that his administration will always be open and accessible to all neighbouring countries.

The meeting comes barely 48 hours after the Director of Road Transport in the Ministry of Transportation, Ibrahim Musa, disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the re-opening of the Seme border for the importation of vehicles.

Seme Border is a settlement in Nigeria on the border with Benin.

He said beyond being a major player in the subregion, Nigeria will sustain its spotlight on African countries as the fulcrum of its policies on the economy and foreign policy, noting that trade issues, security, and border controls will be mutually implemented.

Tinubu apprised Talon of his most recent move to improve border controls with the West African state saying “I just appointed someone who will work with you as Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, and he will be available for our common interest.”

The President noted that bilateral relations with African countries, particularly at the sub-regional level will be enhanced for shared benefits in areas of security, health, energy, education and diplomacy.

“We are ready to improve relations. Africa has been the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

“I believe in Africa. We have the necessity to grow the continent. The world’s economy is wobbling, and Africa has been left behind,” said Tinubu.

He lamented that Africa’s high-risk rating has made it suffer “higher interest rates on borrowing.”

“We are always classified as high risk. We must work together for systematic recovery and growth,” he added.

Responding, Talon said he was inspired with renewed hope for the sub-region and Africa at the inauguration of President Tinubu in Abuja, pledging to provide support on trade and security policy, especially at the borders.

“We are prepared to work with you, Your Excellency, in implementing policies that will protect our economies at land and sea entries. Whatever is forbidden in Nigeria will also be forbidden in Benin,” he added.

President Tinubu also had bilateral meetings with Swiss President, Alain Berset, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina.

News

Jandor Dumps PDP Ship, Rejoins APC

Published

16 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Sunday Osanyintuyi

Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, Jandor said his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a “reflection of his unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos”.
Jandor was the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos in the 2023 general election.

Jandor was a member of the APC before defecting to the PDP to run for governorship. It would be recalled that Jandor met with President Tinubu last week in a close door meeting.

The 47-year-old politician accused PDP national leadership of letting him down on the eve of the election, maintaining that he would have won but for a false claim of alliance that made PDP supporters in Lagos vote for another candidate.

Politics

Damagun denies resignation rumors, calls it fake news

Published

2 days ago

March 16, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagun, has dismissed reports of his resignation, labeling them as false and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

In a statement on Saturday, his Personal Assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, clarified that Damagun remains in office, and the party’s constitution guarantees the National Chairman a four-year term.

The PDP also denied claims that Arise News was the source of the false resignation report, urging the public to ignore the misinformation.

The party warned those spreading the rumors to desist or face legal action, calling on members and stakeholders to remain united as the PDP strengthens its position ahead of the 2027 elections.

Politics

Probing IBB over my father’s death unnecessary— Abiola’s son

Published

2 days ago

March 16, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Jamiu Abiola, the son of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, has stated that probing former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, over the death of his father is unnecessary.

In an interview with Punch, Jamiu explained that the time for such investigations had passed away, stating that many key figures involved in the June 12 tragedy are no longer alive.

“There is no need for prosecution or probe. So many years have passed and most of the good and bad actors in the June 12 tragedy have passed away,” Jamiu said.

He added that the ideal time for a probe would have been during the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Nigeria’s democracy was more stable and many individuals involved were still alive and could provide accurate accounts of events.

Jamiu further stated that for those interested in knowing more, his book, ‘The President Who Never Ruled,’ offers insights into the annulment and the surrounding events.

“It (the book) will let you know exactly what happened during the annulment and why it happened,” he said.

However, he cautioned readers to approach it with the goal of understanding the truth, not seeking revenge.

Jamiu said the best way to compensate the Abiola family would be for Nigerians to embrace the values of unity and national cohesion that were exemplified on June 12, 1993.

“The best way to compensate our family is for the Abiola family to see all Nigerians adopting the attitude they adopted on the day of June 12, 1993, which in a nutshell is to reject tribalism and religious differences when electing leaders and to see themselves as members of the same family regardless of their states of origin,” he explained.

He further noted that Nigerians should focus on transforming the country from a divided nation to a unified one.

“By so doing they will be heeding the call of President Bola Tinubu to shun ethnicity and transforming Nigeria from a country to a nation.

“I will not ask for more than that because to do so would bring down the high standing of Moshood and Kudirat Abiola following their unique sacrifice. They gave up their lives and will be rewarded with more than 500 million years in a place better than any castle in this world,” he added.

While acknowledging that any worldly honours bestowed upon his late parents would be appreciated, Jamiu firmly believes that such recognition pales in comparison to the eternal reward his parents are enjoying.

“Any worldly honour given to them is definitely welcome, but believe it or not, it will be only a drop in the ocean compared to what they are enjoying right now and will continue enjoying while every single one of those who cheated and killed them burn in hell forever and ever by the special grace of God,” he stated.