BIG STORY

Gbajabiamila’s Choice As Tinubu’s CoS Mere Speculation — Onanuga

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2023

Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity for the Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, has said rumours that the president-elect has selected the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his chief of staff remain mere speculation until Tinubu confirms it on his return from France.

“I don’t know about that. The president-elect will soon be back in the country. It is nothing new. We know it has been trending in the last couple of days. Of course, it is still in the realm of speculation until the president-elect says otherwise,” Onanuga told our correspondent when contacted on the rumours.

Speculations have intensified in the camp of the president-elect that Gbajabiamila will be announced as the next chief of staff after the May 29 inauguration of Tinubu.

The development is coming three weeks after Gbajabiamila denied lobbying for the position.

The absence of the Speaker during the presentation of certificates of return to elected members of the 10th House of Representatives at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, had lent credence to the report.

But the lawmaker, who represents the Surulere I Federal Constituency in Lagos, had told reporters that he knew nothing about the reports linking him to the job.

He had stated, “I don’t know anything about that chief of staff thing. All I heard was that I didn’t come here last week to pick up my certificate and for that reason, somebody conjectured that it must be about something about the chief of staff.

“I was in Lagos and I could not leave Lagos because I was campaigning for my party. That’s number one.

“Again, it’ll interest you to know that I was not here four years ago to pick up my certificate, because I couldn’t make it. I don’t think it is anything significant.”

A reliable source within the president-elect’s camp, however, reiterated that people close to Tinubu had read his body language and his recent trip to France in company with the Speaker as enough reason for the speculation.

He said, “It is no secret that Gbaja has remained one of Asiwaju’s trusted lieutenants and political protégés. We know he (Tinubu) is comfortable with exchanging ideas and sharing certain secrets with him more than other members of his camp.

“You saw him with Asiwaju at Chatham House, political rallies and some nocturnal meetings with him. He always seems relaxed in Gbaja’s presence. Therefore, it is no surprise to us that he has always been by the president-elect even as he is having his vacation in France.

“In fact, as far as we are concerned, the speaker has resumed his duty as chief of staff to Tinubu already.”

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Education Minister Reverses 18-Year Age Limit For Admission

Published

7 hours ago

November 5, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of the 18-year age limit for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He also indicated the possibility of a comprehensive review of the nation’s education policy.

However, Alausa made it clear that there would be no reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to invalidate over 22,700 degree certificates acquired by Nigerians from unrecognized universities in neighboring Togo and the Benin Republic.

Speaking at his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Alausa emphasized that practical education is key to tackling Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. He stated that tertiary institutions must stop producing graduates without ensuring job opportunities for them.

The minister also revealed plans for the federal government to partner with private sector players to provide training opportunities for students and help them realize their full potential.

Additionally, Alausa announced that universities focused on agriculture would be empowered to implement commercial farming practices as part of efforts to address the country’s food security challenges.

More to come…

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: 114 Released #EndBadGovernance Protesters Arrive Presidential Villa

Published

8 hours ago

November 5, 2024

PorscheClassy News

One hundred and fourteen #EndBadGovernance protesters, including minors and adults acquitted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, have arrived at the Presidential Villa.

The protesters, initially arraigned by the Police Force, were released following a court ruling by Justice Obiora Egwatu.

The case was dismissed at the request of the Attorney General of the Federation (“AGF”), Lateef Fagbemi.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to officially receive the released protesters.

They are then handed over to their respective Governors, specifically Uba Sani of Kaduna and Abba Yusuf of Kano.

Ministers present at the State House Auditorium in Abuja for the reception include: Tunji Alausa (“Minister of Education”); Nentawe Yilwatda (“Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction”); Balarabe Lawal (“Minister of Environment”) and Tanko Sununu (“Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction”).

Also, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai, is in attendance.

Other dignitaries present are Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi.

More to come…

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