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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.
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated inside a mosque at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Wednesday evening, killing several worshippers and injuring others during Maghrib prayers.
The blast occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time, ripping through the crowded mosque and sparking widespread panic in the bustling market area.
Eyewitnesses described thick smoke billowing from the site as traders and residents fled, while others rushed to aid the victims.
Reports indicate at least seven people were killed, though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed as rescue operations continue. Security forces, including the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, quickly cordoned off the area for sweeping operations and investigations.
No group has claimed responsibility, but the attack bears the hallmarks of previous incidents linked to Boko Haram or its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have targeted mosques and crowded places in the region despite relative calm in Maiduguri in recent years.
The incident, occurring on Christmas Eve, has heightened fears among residents amid ongoing insurgency challenges in northeast Nigeria.
Emergency responders are battling an intense inferno that has engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve, with the blaze showing rapid upward momentum.
According to a situation report from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the fire originated in an apartment on the 4th floor and quickly spread across that level before escalating upwards to the 6th floor.
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that the Shark Response Team found the building fully engulfed upon arrival.
The number of casualties remains unascertained as firefighting and recovery operations are ongoing.
Multiple agencies are on the ground in a coordinated effort, including LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Police, Red Cross, and LRU Paramedics. The Lagos Rescue Unit (LRU) Fire has also been activated.
A total of six fire trucks and a skylift are deployed to combat the blaze and bring it under control.
This incident disrupts festive activities in the commercial hub, raising fresh concerns about fire safety in high-rise buildings across Lagos.
News
President Tinubu Inaugurates High-Powered APC Committee to Resolve Internal Conflicts Ahead of 2027 Elections
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a strategic Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), aimed at fostering unity and addressing internal disputes as the ruling party gears up for the 2027 general elections.
The committee, comprising prominent APC governors, federal ministers, and key stakeholders, is chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, with former APC National Legal Adviser Muiz Banire serving as Member/Secretary.
Members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Uba Sani (Kaduna); Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Speaking at the inauguration in Lagos, Governor Buni thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged the committee’s commitment to inclusive consultations and proactive conflict resolution.
He emphasised developing strategies that ensure aggrieved parties feel included while urging members to prioritise party interests over personal sentiments.
The move follows President Tinubu’s remarks at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting on December 19 in Abuja, where he stressed the importance of tolerance, accommodation, and cohesion to sustain the party’s progressive ideals.
This initiative signals the APC’s proactive efforts to strengthen internal harmony and mobilisation in preparation for future electoral challenges.
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