• Solomon Dalung

” If the council was fake, explain how it entered the budget.”

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has criticised the Presidency’s defence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the alleged activities of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, saying the official response leaves several critical questions unanswered.

Dalung was reacting to a statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, which sought to clear Gbajabiamila of any involvement in the matter.

According to Dalung, while the Presidency attempted to exonerate the Chief of Staff, its explanation highlighted what he described as significant gaps in government oversight.

He argued that regardless of the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings involving Adeyemi, the Presidency still owes Nigerians an explanation of how a purportedly fictitious presidential agency allegedly operated within government circles without being detected.

Dalung questioned how an individual could allegedly establish a fake government agency, forge an appointment letter, operate from the Federal Secretariat, recruit personnel, engage with government institutions, meet diplomats and reportedly obtain a Central Bank of Nigeria account without attracting official scrutiny.

He also expressed concern over reports that the alleged agency appeared in the national budget, noting that budget proposals undergo several stages of executive and legislative review before approval.

“If the council was fake, explain how it entered the budget,” Dalung said.

( Daily Trust)

President Bola Tinubu is set to unveil a complimentary memorial publication titled “Tributes and Condolences in Honour of Former President Muhammadu Buhari” on July 13, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

The event forms part of activities marking the first anniversary of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on preparations for the memorial programme. He said President Tinubu will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

According to Mustapha, the anniversary gathering will bring together members of Buhari’s family, close associates, friends, public officials and admirers for prayers and reflections on the life, leadership and legacy of the late president.

Selected individuals who worked closely with Buhari are also expected to share personal experiences and highlight his contributions to national development.

The tribute book, to be presented by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contains messages and condolences from heads of state, diplomats, political leaders and other notable figures from around the world,as contributors described the late Muhammadu Buhari as a leader known for simplicity, resilience, humility and integrity.

Mustapha emphasized that the publication is not intended for sale or fundraising but will be distributed free of charge, adding that religious leaders from different faiths and denominations will offer prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul and for the nation he served.

The former SGF noted that Buhari, who died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 while receiving medical treatment, was buried in his hometown with full state and military honours.

He further stated that the first memorial anniversary is intended to celebrate Buhari’s service to Nigeria, while stakeholders will later decide whether future commemorations should be held annually or periodically.

“The Institute, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, said the attackers engaged security personnel in a fierce exchange of gunfire but were forced to retreat following what it described as a swift and coordinated response by security forces.”

Gunmen on Wednesday night attempted another attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.

The NIPSS security operatives repelled the attack and killed one of the attackers during a gun battle.

The gunmen attempted to gain access to the institution at around 11pm but were repelled by security operatives.

The Institute, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, said the attackers engaged security personnel in a fierce exchange of gunfire but were forced to retreat following what it described as a swift and coordinated response by security forces.

According to the statement, one of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while several others reportedly escaped with varying degrees of injuries.

NIPSS, however, said the attackers failed to penetrate the Institute’s security perimeter, stressing that all participants of the Senior Executive Course, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.

The Institute added that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures had been reinforced within and around the institution.