Appointment
Ministerial nominee, Bosun Tijjani appologises to senators for calling them ‘morons’
***Akpabio accepts Appology on behalf of the Senate
The senate on Saturday continued the screening of the remaining 7 ministerial nominees when they encountered Dr. Bosun Tijjani, who in a Tweet in 2021, referred to them as “morons”.
Earlier in July 2019 Tijjani had tweeted describing Nigeria as a “bloody expensive tag- allegedly portraying the country in bad light.
The Senators who were appalled by the Tweet demanded explanation from Tijjani who incidentally is also a British nationality.
At that point, the nominee from Ogun State who was downcast was at the mercy of the lawmakers.
When the floor was finally yielded for Tijjani to defend himself, he explained that the Tweet in question was taken out of context adding that it did not reflect what he stands for and his love for his country Nigeria.
He said it was a tweet in the heat of anger over how he was shabbily treated as a Nigerian citizen at the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom
But Tijjani’s respite was momentary as the Senate Minority Leader, had dug up the Tweet where he called the lawmakers “morons”. By this time, most of the sympathy for Tijjani had evaporated – with more senators raising their hands in the background to ask more questions
However, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele’s intervention, asking the Senate to allow Tijjani apologize for his misguided youthful exuberance saved the day
With a Sober mood Tijjani tendered an unreserved apology.
“As a Yoruba boy that grew up in Lagos and Abeokuta, so I do understand that we are not meant to disrespect our elders. That was not the training we were given.
My father won’t be proud of me for all these allegations but what he will be proud of as well is the passion that led me those mistakes.
“I apologise to everyone in this hall, including everyone anywhere in Nigeria that may have been offended by everything I’ve said.
“I ask that you please, in the process of accepting my apologies that you look at the undertone of everything I’ve said. I didn’t say it to spite, I said it out of frustration. So, please accept my sincere apologies.
“Distinguished Senators, please accept my apologies for going too far in my explanation, I’m absolutely sorry for everything I’ve said”.
The Senate President Godswill Akpabio while absolving the nominee said,
“Senators, we are all fathers, our children do err and we can not throw away the baby with the bath water, we recognise his intellect, contributions, we thank the President for being a forgiving father despite all these tweets.
“On behalf of the Senate, I want to accept your apology. Keep up the good work of creating opportunities for young people to grow so that they will not be having the kind of anger that made you to make all those tweets”.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on Wednesday, President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening Nigeria-U.S. relations amidst the complex global challenges and opportunities.
Trump, who claimed victory on Wednesday, pledged to “heal” the country as he was on the brink of defeating Kamala Harris in a remarkable White House comeback.
President Tinubu praised Trump’s victory, emphasizing that it reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He also commended the American people’s commitment to democracy.
Looking ahead, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Trump’s experience as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021 would foster beneficial and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between the U.S. and Africa. He expressed hope that this new era under President Trump would promote peace, economic cooperation, and address global challenges.
Acknowledging the significant influence of the United States in shaping global events, President Tinubu believes that Trump’s leadership will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
**Calls for a New Era of Leadership in Nigeria
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Peter Obi has congratulated Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch on her recent election as leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party.
Obi described Badenoch’s rise as an inspiring example of the immense potential within Nigeria’s youth, which he says should serve as a model for leadership transformation in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi noted that Badenoch’s success underscores the impact of diverse leadership that values competence, inclusivity, and integrity.
“Her achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when these values are prioritized,” Obi wrote, adding that it contrasts with Nigeria’s current landscape, where younger, qualified leaders are often sidelined for older figures.
Obi urged Nigerians to see Badenoch’s ascent as a call for change in Nigeria’s leadership structure.
“It’s time to set aside outdated practices like tribalism, religious bias, and the ‘my turn’ mindset,” he emphasized, advocating instead for a shift toward leaders who bring fresh perspectives and forward-thinking ideas.
Ending his message on an optimistic note, Obi expressed hope that Nigeria can embrace a new generation of leaders dedicated to positive change.
“Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch. A new Nigeria is indeed possible!” he concluded.
Ministerial nominee and former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has emphasized that Nigeria’s potential is boundless if its citizens come together with a commitment to peace.
She stated, “I am here because I believe that if we are able to come together sincerely to commit to serving this nation, focusing on ensuring that we have peace, then the sky is the limit for this country.”
She spoke during her screening at the hallowed chamber of the Senate on Wednesday.
Drawing from her rich experience, Ojukwu highlighted the importance of diplomatic and cultural engagement as key to national growth.
According to her, During her tenure as ambassador, she represented Nigeria on various international platforms, notably building a bridge between Nigeria and Spain.
Explaining further she said her work earned her the prestigious title of Africa’s Most Outstanding Ambassador—a testament to her dedication and exemplary service abroad.
Ojukwu indicated that she also played a vital role on the home front, serving as Secretary of the Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission in Anambra State.
This commission was tasked with addressing the underlying issues of insecurity in southeastern Nigeria, demonstrating her deep commitment to fostering peace and justice at all levels.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s path forward, she noted that the combined efforts of cultural, governmental, and diplomatic organizations could drive transformative change. “There is hope for this country,” she added. “If we sincerely commit to unity and focus on peace, Nigeria’s potential is limitless.”
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu