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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu remains the only credible leadership option for Nigeria, insisting that no other potential presidential contender has demonstrated the courage or capacity to confront the country’s long-standing economic challenges.

Speaking at his monthly media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, describing the decision as the boldest taken by any Nigerian president in decades.

According to him, while the reforms have imposed temporary hardship on Nigerians, they have strengthened the finances of state governments, improved infrastructure funding and ended the era when states depended on bank loans to pay workers’ salaries.

“Asiwaju is the only person we have now. He has not done everything, and nobody says he has, but he has shown the courage to take decisions others refused to take. Give him credit for that,” Wike said.

The minister argued that Nigerians should not expect an economy weakened over many years to recover within a short period.

“When problems have accumulated for over 15 years, people expect them to be solved in one year. It doesn’t work that way. Healing takes time, but it will happen,” he said.

Wike described the fuel subsidy regime as “a cancer,” recalling that as governor, he had to rely on bank borrowing to meet salary obligations because of declining allocations to states.

“The fuel subsidy consumed over ₦3 trillion at a time. Today, states receive more money. Pensioners are being paid, governors no longer queue before bank managers to borrow money just to pay salaries, and there are more resources for infrastructure,” he said.

He maintained that leadership is defined by the willingness to make difficult decisions rather than by popular sentiment.

“Everybody agreed that subsidy was a scam, but no president had the political will to remove it. President Tinubu took that decision. No decision is 100 per cent perfect, but leadership is about taking responsibility,” he added.

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Major general Auwalu Mahmuda has assumed duty as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State, taking over from Chinedu Nnebeife, whose tenure was marked by one of the military’s most significant internal security operations this year, the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state.

The handover ceremony held on Monday at the 2 Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, followed Mr Nnebeife’s redeployment to command the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Gen.Mahmuda’s appointment comes at a period when the 2 Division continues to play a frontline role in counter-insurgency anti-kidnapping operations and internal security efforts across the South-west.

Speaking after taking over command, Gen Mahmuda thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him. He described the appointment as a privilege and pledged to consolidate on the operational gains recorded by his predecessor.

“I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment,” he said, assuring officers and soldiers under the division of his commitment to strengthening operational effectiveness and improving security across the division’s area of responsibility.

The new GOC also commended Mr Nnebeife for what he described as remarkable achievements during his tenure, promising to sustain the momentum.

Gen. Nnebeife leaves the Ibadan-based division after supervising one of the most remarkable rescue operations in recent years; the rescue of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped on 15 May when armed men invaded the schools, triggering weeks of intensive military operations involving multiple security agencies.

Although two teachers were killed while in captivity, the remaining victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ den.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Nnebeife personally coordinated the intelligence-driven operation, working with other security agencies to track the kidnappers without paying ransom.

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Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, has congratulated former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday. The felicitation was contained in a statement issued in Ughelli on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Dr. Akpodiete described Chief Ibori as an exceptional statesman and visionary leader whose tenure laid the foundation for Delta State’s political and socio-economic advancement.

He noted that Chief Ibori’s landmark contributions in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development continue to shape the lives of Deltans today.

According to Dr. Akpodiete, Chief Ibori’s brand of purposeful leadership, courage, and dedication to the growth of Delta State has earned him national respect and admiration. He praised the former governor for his consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and sustainable development.

The Executive Director also acknowledged Chief Ibori’s role in grooming a generation of political leaders and public servants, describing him as a mentor whose experience, wisdom, and guidance remain a source of inspiration for Delta State and Nigeria.

Dr. Akpodiete prayed that God Almighty grants Chief James Ibori sound health, long life, divine wisdom, and renewed strength to continue his service to humanity, and wished him a joyous and memorable 68th birthday celebration.

Signed
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP
Executive Director
_Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation_