News
JUST IN: Presidency Rejects Claims of Tinubu’s Upcoming US Trip
The Presidency on Monday dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is set to visit the United States on Tuesday to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance, describing the report as false and misleading.
Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said in a post on his official X handle that the report had sparked unnecessary speculation and “uninformed commentaries.” He clarified that if President Tinubu were to visit the White House, he would meet with President Donald Trump, not the Vice President.
“There’s a Sahara Reporters story that President Tinubu is going to the U.S. on Tuesday to see U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. That story is not true. If President Tinubu is going to the White House, he won’t be going to see a Vice President,” Ajayi stated.
The clarification comes amid heightened international attention following allegations of persecution of Christians in Nigeria and a controversial statement by former US President Donald Trump. In a post on his Truth account over the weekend, Trump warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” if Nigeria fails to halt attacks on Christians, threatening to stop aid and even engage militarily against perpetrators of violence.
Reacting to growing international concern, President Tinubu denied claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. In a statement via his X handle, he reaffirmed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and security across the country.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said. He emphasized that since taking office in 2023, his government has maintained active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike, addressing security challenges that affect citizens across all regions and faiths.
Tinubu also rejected narratives portraying Nigeria as religiously intolerant, describing them as inaccurate and unreflective of the nation’s diverse population. He stressed that religious tolerance has always been central to Nigeria’s national identity and remains a core principle of his administration.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” the President said.
In addition, Tinubu assured the international community of Nigeria’s commitment to collaborate with the United States and other partners in protecting citizens of all faiths. “Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on the protection of communities of all faiths,” he stated.
The Presidency’s clarification underscores Nigeria’s stance on upholding religious freedom while also emphasizing that diplomacy—not confrontation—remains the cornerstone of its foreign policy. Officials stress that external reports should be carefully verified to avoid inflaming tensions or misrepresenting the country’s internal affairs.
This development comes amid heightened global scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly regarding attacks in the country’s northern and central regions, and the political significance of Tinubu’s engagements with international partners.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
News
Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
News
Kaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in Mando area of Kaduna State today wasn’t a bomb explosion, but a CNG-powered luxury bus that ruptured after its gas tank was overfilled.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday with the loud blast drawing attention from commuters, traders, and nearby residents, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene after a loud sound was reported, and that the vehicle has been safely evacuated, while normal business activities have since resumed at the motor park.
He noted that no casualties or loss of property were recorded, and normal activities had since resumed in the area.
-
Crime2 days agoThree Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
-
Politics3 days agoOnyejeocha resigns as Minister of State for Labour
-
News1 day agoKaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
-
Politics3 days agoLabour Party to hold presidential primary April 28
-
Politics3 days agoNo force can defeat Tinubu in 2027 –Umahi
-
News2 days agoNigerian Army Debunks Claims of Attack on Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Residence and Sokoto Catholic Cathedral
-
News1 day agoAtiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Lagos Fire Service Successfully Contains Two Overnight Fire Incidents iin Lagos
