Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting peace, stability and economic development in Plateau State and across Nigeria.

Speaking on Saturday in Jos during his condolence visit to the National Chairman, Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the vice-president emphasised the administration’s determination to foster national unity and progress.

According to him, “President Bola Tinubu specifically directed me to convey his heartfelt condolences and to assure the people of Plateau that this administration places high premium on the peace and economic prosperity of this strategic state. We recognise the critical role Plateau plays in our national cohesion and development agenda.”

Shettima, who was in Jos to commiserate with Sheikh Jingir over the death of his close associate, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, commended Plateau State government’s peace-building efforts.

“We must acknowledge and applaud the tireless efforts of the state government in maintaining the peace we now enjoy in Plateau. This administration will continue to support these initiatives because without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.

While offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, who served as the Deputy National Chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, Shettima also prayed for peace, stability, cohesion and progress across the nation.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that better days lie ahead. The economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are designed with the long-term prosperity of our nation in mind. We are already seeing early positive indicators, and we ask for your continued patience and support,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Sheikh Jingir expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima for their show of compassion during this difficult period.

“This visit demonstrates the human side of governance that often goes unnoticed. We are deeply touched by this gesture,” Sheikh Jingir said.

“We are grateful to Allah for the good work President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are doing for Nigeria. True leadership requires commitment and patience with the people at all times, and this administration has shown both.”

The religious leader specifically praised the government’s responsiveness to infrastructure needs.

“When we requested that the Jos-Saminaka-Kaduna road be fixed, you not only listened but acted swiftly. The Federal Executive Council’s approval of N33 billion for the reconstruction of that critical road is evidence of a government that cares for its citizens,” he noted.

On the administration’s economic policies, Sheikh Jingir was unequivocal in his assessment, saying: “The economic and agricultural initiatives of this government have begun yielding tangible results. We are witnessing a gradual but steady reduction in the prices of essential commodities, particularly foodstuff. This offers hope to ordinary Nigerians and validates the direction of your policies.”

The cleric also spoke on the security situation in Plateau State, saying: “I am pleased to inform you that peace has come to stay in our beloved state. The followers of Islam, Christianity and other faiths have collectively resolved to embrace peaceful coexistence as the only path forward.

“This unity of purpose was clearly demonstrated during the funeral of our departed brother, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, when people from diverse religious backgrounds and all sections of the state gathered in unprecedented numbers to pay their respects. This is the Plateau we want to see and build upon.

“While we mourn our loss, we submit to the will of Allah. Death is inevitable for all mortals, and we find solace in the exemplary life our brother lived.”

The vice-president was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Josephine Piyo.

His delegation included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice-President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Wase; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice-President), Aliyu Modibbo Umar

LThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has again thrown his weight behind the Rivers Assembly in its tussle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Fubara and the House led by Martin-Amaewhule have made claims and counter-claims over the presentation of the state’s 2025 budget. Their impasse followed a Supreme Court verdict, recognising the lawmakers as legitimate members of the Rivers State Assembly.

That move led the House to ask Fubara to re-present the state’s 2025 budget which he had presented to the sect of lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. Amid the dispute between the legislature and the governor who accused the lawmakers of frustrating his attempts to re-present the budget, Wike has backed the Rivers State House of Assembly.


“Let me tell you, I’m not going to stop the Assembly from performing their constitutional duties. The Assembly should be allowed to perform their constitutional role,” Wike said on Saturday during a Thanksgiving Service held in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

“The Assembly people should do their work. Whatever they deem necessary and fit, that is constitutional, they should do. I’m not going to stop anybody from carrying out their functions. I will not do that,” the minister said.

The immediate past governor of the state accused Fubara of seizing allowances and other benefits accrued to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike claimed Fubara was deceived into recognising a group of lawmakers and was wrong assured that “Nothing would happen”.

“You went, and they told you to seize Assembly members’ salaries, and allowances for more than one year. These people have no income to pay their children’s school fees and feed their families, and you were jubilating. You were jubilating and people were encouraging you that nothing would happen. But something has happened,” the FCT minister who is also a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told the jubilant crowd.

“They will lead you to hellfire,” the minister warned Governor Fubara.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated an academic, pharmacist and public health icon, Prof. Gabriel Osuide, as he celebrates his 90th birthday.

Mr Osuide’s contributions to pharmaceutical education, drug regulation and public health in Nigeria are unparalleled, the President said in a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Mr Tinubu said that Mr Osuide’s work in establishing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and his role in developing the pharmacy education curriculum at the Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Benin were a few examples of his achievements.

The President commended Mr Osuide’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s drug regulatory framework, fostering excellence in pharmaceutical sciences, and mentoring generations of professionals.

He said, “Prof. Osuide has shaped the foundation of pharmacy education and drug administration in Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional reforms and public service inspires all. His leadership in safeguarding the health of Nigerians through rigorous drug regulation remains a cornerstone of our national development.’’

According to him, Mr Osuide has helped to position Nigeria as a leader in pharmaceutical sciences and public health innovation.

“President Tinubu joins Prof. Osuide’s family, colleagues and the Nigerian health and education community in celebrating him, and expresses profound gratitude for his invaluable contributions. He wishes Professor Osuide good health and continued wisdom as he inspires and guides the next generation of health professionals.”

Mr Osuide attained 90 years on Saturday.

(NAN)