PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI

Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.

Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.

His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.

In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.

I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025

Ex-President Shehu Shagari’s Wife is Dead.

The family of former President Shehu Shagari has announced the passing of his last surviving wife, Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, at the age of 89.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the eldest son of the late President and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari.

According to the statement, Hajiya Saratu passed away at about 3 p.m. on Monday after a prolonged illness.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Saratu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto,” the statement read.

Capt. Bala Shagari described her as “an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength, who lived a life of dignity.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest.

The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release.

But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT.

The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized.

While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads.

Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested.

In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

Sowore: No Court Order Stopping #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has denied reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest set to hold on Monday, October 20, 2025.

In a post on his X handle, Sowore said there is no court order stopping Nigerians from protesting peacefully. He accused the police and some media outlets of spreading false information to discourage people from joining the rally.

According to him, the court did not grant any order to ban the protest. Instead, Justice Umar refused a police request to stop it, saying the case should first be heard properly before any decision is made.

Sowore wrote: “The Federal High Court in Abuja has not stopped the proposed #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. The so-called ‘court order’ being circulated was secretly obtained by police lawyers and has not even been served on anyone. It only mentioned that protesters should avoid places like Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.”

He added that the protest will still go ahead, saying the movement is “unstoppable.”

“The protest date is sacrosanct; the movement is unstoppable,” he declared.

The Federal High Court in Abuja recently rejected a police bid to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Justice Umar ruled that the police must first serve the defendants before any hearing, thereby allowing the planned rally to proceed.

Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing trial has also recorded fresh developments. A court-appointed medical panel recently confirmed that the detained IPOB leader is fit to stand trial, with the matter adjourned to October 23 for the commencement of his defense and October 30 set as the deadline to close it.

First Lady, Remi Tinubu, Raises Over ₦20bn from Her 65th Birthday Celebration for the National Library Project.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has successfully mobilized over ₦20 billion towards the completion of the National Library project in Abuja.

Earlier in September, the First Lady, who turned 65 on the 21st, appealed to friends, associates, and well-wishers to convert birthday gifts and greetings into donations for the project instead of organizing a lavish celebration. She described the initiative as a cause close to her heart and dedicated her milestone birthday to God and education.

The donations are being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.”

Addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the completion of the National Library would be the greatest birthday gift she could receive.

She recalled her time as a senator on the Committee on Education, noting that despite repeated efforts, the ministry was unable to deliver the project, which was first initiated under President Shehu Shagari.

She emphasized the role libraries played in shaping her as a young person and expressed disappointment that the project has remained abandoned for decades.

On the criticisms trailing her initiative, the First Lady urged Nigerians to adopt a spirit of service to the nation, echoing the words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

So far, she said, over ₦20 billion has been raised, with more donations still coming in.

Be Change Agents in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes, Olukoyede Charges Students

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged students across the country to be change agents in the fight against economic and financial crimes, especially cybercrime. He made the charge on Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 during the establishment of Integrity Club and Zero Tolerance Club at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

The Chairman who was represented by Head, Public Affairs, Sokoto Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Kamilu Ibrahim Gebi, appealed to the about 500 students who were administered Oath of Office to abhor all forms of economic and financial crimes in order to secure a brighter future.

Provost of the Institution, Dr. Umar Tambari, commended the Commission for finding Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto worthy of establishment of the Clubs and assured of the support of the institution in combatting cybercrimes within the four walls of the institution.

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How Evan Enwerem Was Removed as Senate President

Evans Enwerem began his rise in public service as chairman of the Nigerian Airports Authority (NAA) from 1980 to 1983. He later emerged on the political scene in the 1990s when General Ibrahim Babangida lifted the ban on political activity, allowing Enwerem to become governor of Imo State.

With the return to democratic rule in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Enwerem was elected senator representing Imo East. However, he had ambitions beyond the Senate floor—he set his sights on becoming Senate President.

His main rival for the position was Chuba Okadigbo, a well-respected politician from Anambra State and former political adviser to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic. Okadigbo was the popular favorite among senators, especially within the dominant People's Democratic Party (PDP), and had quietly campaigned by meeting with many of them before the Senate’s inauguration.

Despite Okadigbo's popularity and strong backing, President Obasanjo reportedly opposed his candidacy. In the days leading up to the Senate leadership election, Obasanjo allegedly coordinated with opposition parties and some PDP senators to thwart Okadigbo’s bid.

On election day in June 1999, Enwerem pulled off an upset, defeating Okadigbo by 66 votes to 43. He assumed the Senate presidency, but his victory—backed by presidential influence—caused friction within the PDP and foreshadowed the turbulence ahead for the Nigerian Senate.

Enwerem’s tenure was marked by unwavering loyalty to Obasanjo, which only fueled skepticism about his leadership. In August 1999, TELL magazine published an exposé questioning his credentials and legitimacy. The controversy spiraled when questions arose over whether his actual name was “Evan” or “Evans,” with some of Okadigbo’s allies accusing him of falsifying personal information for political gain.

Although Enwerem claimed the discrepancies were merely typographical errors, the scandal intensified. On November 18, 1999, while accompanying President Obasanjo to the airport for a foreign trip, the Senate moved against him. In his absence, a vote was taken, and Enwerem was removed from office.

Chuba Okadigbo was subsequently elected as his replacement. Although initially celebrated, Okadigbo too fell from grace—impeached in 2000 over allegations of corruption, though he continued to serve as the senator representing Anambra North.