News
2023: El-Rufai regrets throwing his weight behind Tinubu despite all the odds against him
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex- Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly expressed regret over supporting President Bola Tinubu despite being aware of his past drug trafficking allegations and certificate forgery scandal.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai revealed that he and others overlooked these issues because they believed Tinubu could replicate his Lagos State governance model on a national scale.
His remarks have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about Tinubu’s credibility and leadership. Tinubu’s 1993 Drug Trafficking Controversy One of the most controversial aspects of Tinubu’s past is his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking in the United States. In 1993, the United States government seized $460,000 from Tinubu after linking his bank accounts to drug-related financial transactions. During the 2022 presidential campaign, this issue resurfaced when the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois released new documents detailing Tinubu’s alleged money laundering and narcotics dealings. Despite these revelations, Tinubu’s political allies, including El-Rufai, stood by him, believing his economic reforms in Lagos State justified their support.
*Chicago State University Certificate Forgery Scandal*
In addition to the drug case, Tinubu’s academic credentials have been widely disputed. His Chicago State University (CSU) records became a focal point of controversy when Atiku Abubakar, his main opponent in the 2023 elections, legally challenged his academic qualifications. The case led to CSU releasing documents that cast doubt on the authenticity of Tinubu’s certificate, fueling accusations of forgery and misrepresentation. Opposition figures and critics argue that no sitting president should face such credibility issues.
*El-Rufai’s Growing Discontent with Tinubu’s Presidency*
El-Rufai’s statement highlights growing frustration among some of Tinubu’s early supporters. Many expected strong economic policies, governance improvements, and stability, but instead, they argue his government has been marked by: Economic hardship, with rising inflation and currency devaluation. Political instability, including factional crises within the ruling party. Public discontent, with widespread protests over fuel subsidy removal and economic reforms. El-Rufai admitted that despite knowing about Tinubu’s baggage, he expected him to lead effectively.
*Tinubu’s Multi-Million-Dollar Lobbying Efforts in the U.S.*
In response to these damaging allegations, reports indicate that Tinubu has paid U.S. lobbyists $2.7 million to improve his international image. According to exclusive findings, the funds were channeled through foreign lobbying firms to influence U.S. policymakers, media narratives, and public opinion.
*Why is Tinubu Paying Lobbyists?*
To counteract negative media coverage about his past scandals. 
To improve U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations under his leadership. To influence Western governments and investors for economic partnerships. Critics argue that instead of addressing domestic issues, Tinubu’s administration is focused on repairing his global reputation.
*What Does This Mean for Tinubu’s Presidency?*
El-Rufai’s public disappointment signals a potential political rift within Tinubu’s camp. With economic hardships mounting and opposition voices growing louder, there are concerns about: *Dissent within the ruling APC* – Will more political allies distance themselves?
*2027 elections impact* – Will opposition parties use this as campaign ammunition?
*Tinubu’s governance legacy*
– Will he regain public trust, or will these scandals define his tenure?
*Will Tinubu Address These Allegations?*
With mounting criticism from both supporters and opposition, Tinubu faces a critical moment in his presidency. As economic challenges persist and his past resurfaces, Nigerians are demanding transparency and accountability from their leader.
El-Rufai’s bold admission raises an important question: Did Nigeria ignore red flags in electing Tinubu, and will the consequences of that decision impact the nation’s future?
What’s your take on El-Rufai’s statement? Do you think Tinubu should publicly address these issues? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Taraba was agog last Saturday as Senator Haruna Manu hosts 21 serving Senators during his neice’s wedding fatiha in Jalingo.
Sumayyah Adamu Manu is his elder brother’s daughter who married Muhammad Lamba Sha’ibu
The ceremony took place at Senator Manu’s residence in Jalingo, marking a significant milestone for the family.
During the event, H.E Sen. Aminu Tambuwal served as the representative (Wakili) for the bride, while former Senate President Sen. Ahmed Lawal acted as the representative (Wakili) for the groom Muhammad Lamba Sha’ibu
The ceremony was filled with heartfelt prayers as Senator Manu invoked blessings from the Almighty Allah for the couple, wishing them a prosperous and harmonious union.
The wedding was graced by the presence of various dignitaries, including twenty one (21) senators Senators across the country, Honourable Member House of Representatives, Traditional rulers among others, who joined in celebrating this momentous occasion.
Senator Manu expresses gratitude to all who attended and contributed to making the day memorable.
May the union of Sumayyah Adamu Manu and her groom Muhammad Lamba be blessed with love, joy, and success.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
About 400,000 corps members are set to benefit from a new federal government scheme called YouthCred.
The initiative, a partnership between CreditCorp Nigeria and the NYSC, aims to provide affordable consumer credit to serving corps members.
According to Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, the scheme is designed to promote a culture of good credit among young Nigerians.
He noted that the beneficiaries can access loans ranging from N100,000 to N150,000 to sort out urgent needs like clothing, mattresses, phones, and basic furniture.
Dada added that the loan will be repayable during the service year at a single-digit interest rate, making it accessible and manageable for corps members.
According to him, Before loan approval, applicants will be educated on credit scores and responsible borrowing to build financial literacy.
He states that President Tinubu’s administration hopes the program will reshape attitudes towards credit before corps members enter the workforce.
The SA also confirmed that the federal government has already set aside N6 billion for the rollout of the YouthCred scheme.
He said the implementation will start with financial institutions already working with NYSC, and full rollout is expected within the next 12 months.
The statement reads, “As part of efforts to promote good credit culture among young Nigerians starting with corp members, @CrediCorpNG in collaboration with NYSC will be launching a new scheme called “YouthCred”.
“YouthCred is an initiative that will offer affordable consumer credit to corps members.
“Corp members in need of quick cash to sort urgent bills like clothing, mattresses, mobile phones, basic furniture etc that will help them settle down in the new PPAs, will be able to access up to credit facilities of N100,000-150,000 and repay same over the course of their youth service at a single digit interest rate.
“The essence of a good credit score and how it works will be taught to interested corp members before final approvals are granted.
“This is part of President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to instill values among the young populace and change the narrative about credit even before entering the workforce.
“An initial N6bn has been reserved for this purpose with the launch expected anytime soon.
“Rollout of YouthCred will begin with partner financial institutions that already work with NYSC and related agencies.
“The initiative will target 400,000 corp members over the next 12 months.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kano State Police Command agents have detained 18-year-old Saudat Jibril on suspicion of killing her husband, 30-year-old Salisu Idris, in the state’s Farawa community just nine days after their wedding.
According to a statement from SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the State Police Command spokesperson, the suspect “allegedly cut off her husband’s throat, with a sharp knife.”
He said, “The victim was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel. The suspect has been apprehended and is currently in custody at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Homicide Section, and will be charged to court for the offence of culpable homicide.”
March 28, 2025
Community members claimed that Saudat may have poisoned her husband before stabbing him during an altercation, while the exact circumstances of the death are still unknown.
According to reports, Saudat and Idris’ marriage, which was consummated on Sunday, April 27, 2025, ended on Tuesday, May 6.
The marriage was planned by relatives of the couple and lacked mutual affection between both parties. It was said that the dead had voiced concerns regarding the union. Family members, however, convinced him to go ahead with the marriage.
The public was reassured by the Command that it will carry out exhaustive investigations to guarantee that justice is done.
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