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No cold war between Tinubu, Buhari – Presidency
The Presidency has refuted media speculations over an ongoing cold war between President Muhammadu Buhari and the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on issues arising from the leadership crisis in the National Assembly.
It said big wigs of the APC were working closely with the President to deliver his electoral mandate to Nigerians.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mallam Garba Shehu, noted that challenge before the key leaders of the APC transcended the leadership tussle in the National Assembly as they meet regularly to discuss how best to deliver on its electoral promises.
He said Buhari had been busy working out an action plan that would include “taming the monster of corruption, assets recovery and making the power sector functional”.
On the ‘perceived’ rift between Buhari and Tinubu, Shehu said: “There is absolutely nothing like that. The President maintains excellent relationship with his friends and who are these people? They include Baba Bisi Akande, one of the most respected individuals that you see around the President; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who, a week or so ago, was in Aso Rock and had a hilarious discussion with the President. Just two days ago, they were inquiring about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to attend the Ramadan breakfast. The President keeps his friends.
“Sometimes, the things we read in the press amuse us because, as far as the personal relationships are concerned, nothing has dented the political family that the President keeps. All these persons I have mentioned realise they have a political party to build and they have work to do. They have obtained the mandate and they know they need to fulfill certain obligations to Nigerians. The expectations are high. So, they are not mistaken about the assignment.
“When people say the President is slow in effecting change, I will say it depends on what the people think is more important for the country. Now, those who feel the most important thing that Buhari ought to do is appointment would naturally feel disappointed. There are those who think he has problems of security to solve. You know that in the last one month, he has broken the Boko Haram rank and it is in disarray now. The central command has scattered. What you have now are splinters on a vengeance mission, creating havoc wherever they can.
“Those people who feel the war against corruption is key know that Buhari has started already. When last did you see this kind of high profile prosecutions? This thug stopped half-way through President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure. So, this war against corruption is being renewed all over again and people can see it. Whether it’s assets recovery or any other matter, it is ongoing.
“Then there is the issue of the economy with power being a major focus. Without power, you cannot get anywhere. So, the President is putting together an action plan that excludes corruption, that cleanses the rot that he met on the ground, particularly the oil sector. You just cannot believe the kind of mess that the previous government left behind. Oil theft would end because the President is going to plug the loopholes. Do you know that, for the first time, somebody said at the governors’ meeting with the President that that was the first time they were being told how much had come into the treasury? Before now, they would probably be told what was on the table and they’d just share it. Now, transparency, which has never been with us, has come. There is so much openness now”.
On the crisis in the National Assembly following the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Yakubu Dogara as Speaker of the House of Representatives, contrary to the wishes of the APC leadership, Shehu said Buhari would not meddle in the matter but reiterated his desire to work with whosoever emerged.
Shehu said: “Where is the regional agenda in all of the things that has played out in the National Assembly. The biggest beneficiary of what has happened in the National Assembly is Senator Ike Ekweremadu who comes from the Southeast and represents the Peoples Democratic Party. The PDP was clearly rejected at the polls and people now talk about a reincarnation of sorts for the party. So this is not regional, ethnic or religious.
“The President needs good partners in the National Assembly to realise his agenda and a parliament that is in a storm, that is boiling over, is not good for his party. Yes it is in the interest of the President and the country that the parliament sit down and resolve their problems – free of interference of outsiders because President Buhari would not meddle.
“Once they settle it amicably, this country would benefit. No matter what shape it takes, the President would work with whosoever is there. He has said that much himself.”
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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