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Tinubu Salutes Abiola, Democracy Heroes, Warns Against Anti-Democratic Forces

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday saluted the heroes of democracy on the 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

The President, in his second Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, hailed some pro-democracy arrowheads –those alive and those that have departed.

Tinubu recognised the labours of the heroes and heroine many of whom died in the struggle. He said “the sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten”.

He said, “In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.

“They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one.

“Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

“The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

“While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.“

The President also recognised the sacrifices of the press and Nigerian journalists “who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists”.

‘Nigeria Must Continue With Democracy’

He said despite the challenges 25 years after the nation’s return from military regime to civil rule, Nigeria must continue with the choice of democracy.

“My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to veer toward a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship. We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now,” the President said.

Warns Against Anti-Democratic Forces

He warned against anti-democratic forces “who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given”.

“These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.”

‘I’m A Beneficiary Of Democracy’

Tinubu, a former NADECO chief, described himself as a direct beneficiary of democracy and pledged to protect fundamental human rights and the principles of democratic governance.

“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.”

With its return to democracy from the dark years of military rule on May 29, 1999, Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day every year on May 29. The day is to celebrate the ideals of democracy since the beginning of the Fourth Republic 25 years ago.

In 2018, the President Muhammadu Buhari moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honour of one of the national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola and “to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner (Abiola) along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice”.

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Soludo Visit President Tinubu, Says ” I’ve been his friend for 22 years”

During the visit today, Soludo for the umpteenth time, declared his support for President Bola Tinubu second term, noting that they have maintained a friendship for over 22 years.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Receives Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Chukuma Soludo,at Presidential Villa Abuja

During the visit today, Soludo for the umpteenth time, declared his support for President Bola Tinubu second term, noting that they have maintained a friendship for over 22 years.

Governor Soludo who wore a white cap emblazoned with Tinubu’s insignia and the inscription “Progressives are working together,” stressed the importance of remaining focused in their shared objectives.

He described President Tinubu as being in high spirits, healthy, and hale, adding, “It was such a pleasure to meet with him; it was a very pleasant meeting.”

Governor Soludo also emphasized that all political parties committed to progressivism are collaborating, and praised President Tinubu’s bold initiatives, particularly his reforms in the economy and structural sectors.

When asked why he boldly endorsed Tinubu despite not belonging to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the President’s party, and being the leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, he replied:

“The caps were produced when President Tinubu visited Anambra State, and you saw the billboards proclaiming that progressives are working together. This is a fundamental belief I hold—that all political parties that profess progressivism should unite in a massive coalition to strengthen our democracy and advance the country’s economic and social development,” Soludo.

For me, saying ‘progressives working together’ is a call to those who share these ideals. Regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I have no apologies for my support.

He has been my friend for 22 years and counting—you don’t deny your friend. I fully support him and am impressed by the bold economic and structural reforms he has implemented. We are on the right path, and we need to stay the course.”

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Akinfeleye Now on Obafemi Awolowo University’s Governing Council

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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, a renowned communications specialist, to the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Akinfeleye is the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography/Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television.

Formerly a member of the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, Akinfeleye replaces Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, who was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu also appointed Prof. Hon. Chisom D. Obih to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State. Obih’s appointment follows the death of a member of the council.

Tinubu also named Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.

The President appointed Mr. Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as the university’s registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as the Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as the Librarian.

A retired Colonel from the Nigerian Army, Prof. Yakasai, is the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University in Kano.

He is also the chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria and a governing council member at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. He obtained an MBBS at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He later won a scholarship from the European Economic Commission to do his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a fellowship at the same prestigious college.

Prof. Yakasai obtained a Master’s in Medical Education at the University of Winchester and subsequently went to the USA to pursue the Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons, FICS (USA), and the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons.

He also served as the Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, Kano State.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy)August 12, 2025

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Crime

16 Inmates Escape in Keffi Prison Break

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Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after breaching the facility’s security and overpowering prison staff.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the inmates launched a coordinated attack on duty personnel, leading to the breakout. Five officers were injured in the process, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Abubakar confirmed that seven of the escaped inmates have already been recaptured, while a manhunt is underway to track down the remaining nine.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident… where some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody,” the statement read in part.

Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the Keffi facility and ordered a thorough investigation. He warned that any staff found complicit in the escape would face disciplinary action.

Nwakuche also directed immediate efforts to recapture the fleeing inmates, in collaboration with other security agencies.

The public has been urged to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security post.

The NCoS reassured citizens of its continued commitment to public safety and the integrity of custodial facilities across the country.

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