President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress

President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.

Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.

During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.

Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.

The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:

“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”

President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai

On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.

Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.

During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.

The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.

President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”

Eighteen months after the 2023 presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has addressed concerns regarding the timing of the result announcement made in the early hours of March 1, 2023.

In that election, President Bola Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner with 8,794,726 votes, defeating his rivals: Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The announcement, made by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu at approximately 2 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1, led to questions from some Nigerians who wondered why the results were declared during the early hours instead of the daytime.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the INEC Chairman, responded by explaining that during presidential elections, Nigeria is treated as a single constituency. This means the collation of results from across the entire country is a lengthy process.

He emphasized that the process involves waiting for results from polling units, wards, local governments, and states, all of which must be presented at the national level in Abuja.

“The Chairman had to wait for 36 returning officers, including those from remote areas such as Sokoto and Maiduguri, to present their results as required by law,” Oyekanmi explained.

He also clarified that neither the Constitution nor the Electoral Act specifies a particular time for announcing election results.

“In a presidential election, the entire country is treated as one constituency. Results are declared at polling units, then collated at the ward, local government, and state levels before being presented in Abuja to the Chief Electoral Commissioner. Many people misunderstood this process and criticized the 2 a.m. announcement,” Oyekanmi said.

Oyekanmi further noted that the INEC Chairman must personally interview the returning officers, questioning them and possibly sending them back if their reports are unsatisfactory.

“Only after all figures from the returning officers, including those from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are accepted, can the results be collated and announced. The delay led to claims that we declared the results in the middle of the night,” he added.

He also referenced a similar situation in 2015, stating: “Prof. Attahiru Jega declared the 2015 results around 4 a.m. The constitution does not prescribe a specific time for declaring election results.”