STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu has implored a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.

The President received a comprehensive briefing on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, from the Ulamas, who were led into the meeting by Sheikh Bala Lau. The briefing followed the Ulamas’ two most recent visits to Niger Republic.

The Islamic leaders had informed the President that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials.

Responding to the delegation of Ulamas, against the backdrop of ethnic rumors peddled by domestic political figures inside and outside of the country, President Tinubu emphasized that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals urging swifter intervention.

“I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS,” he disclosed.

Addressing the urgency of the situation, the president added:

”Even as at this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you.”

President Tinubu told the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy.

”They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country,” he said.

President Tinubu pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger Republic.

“I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic,” he stated.

On the request by the Islamic scholars for the Federal Government to monitor the distribution of palliatives to States, the President promised that more palliatives are coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

He also appealed to State governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution and management of these palliatives.

“The people reside in the States. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable,” he continued.

“It’s unheard of that in a constitutional democracy, a president will sit here and give orders to States. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the Governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out,” he concluded.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 24, 2023

PRESS RELEASE 

SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES CHIEF OF STAFF, TAYO AYINDE AT 59

The Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined other well-wishers to celebrate his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

Tayo Ayinde clocks 59 years today, Thursday, August 24.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Mr. Tayo Ayinde as a worthy and trusted partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

The Governor also described his Chief of Staff as a loyal, dependable, selfless, hardworking and God-fearing man, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Ayinde has displayed high capacity in service, noting that the decision to return him in the same capacity, is a testament to his high level of performance, competence, hard work and loyalty.

“Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde. You are indeed a ‘Buffalo’ as you are usually called by your friends and associates because you depict the true strength and survival instincts of a buffalo.

“On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the government and the good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, political associates, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, to congratulate Mr. Tayo Ayinde on his 59th birthday.

“As you clock 59 years today, I pray that the blessings of God will be with you. You will continue to enjoy God’s favour and grace. God will strengthen you to offer more services to humanity, our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 AUGUST 2023