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I Pleaded With Bode George Not To Go Into Exile After My Election Victory’ – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he personally pleaded with Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not to carry out his widely publicised threat to go into exile if he (Tinubu) emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election.

Naija News reports that Tinubu made the remark on Friday while celebrating the elder statesman’s 80th birthday and the public presentation of his memoir.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the humorous recollection underscored the enduring bond of nationhood that transcends partisan politics.

I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu emphasised that political disagreements should never overshadow the unity that holds the country together.

He further stated, “The event of today has again demonstrated that, as politicians, we can shout and disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of the same household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than what divides us.”

He praised George for inviting him to the ceremony despite their long-standing political rivalry.

He said, “Chief George’s invitation reflects the Nigerian and Lagos spirit, our shared humanity, history, kindred spirit and good neighbourliness.”

The President described the celebrant as a “distinguished Nigerian” and “accomplished public servant” whose journey to 80 exemplifies resilience and divine favour.

He further noted that although they had often been on different sides of political debates since 1999, George had consistently offered constructive advice on national issues.

Tinubu said, “Since assuming office, Chief George has offered valuable counsel through his public interventions on national issues.”

Tinubu commended George’s newly launched memoir, saying it captures key phases of his life, from his childhood in Lagos to his naval career, his time as military governor of the old Ondo State, his leadership at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and his role in party politics.

He said the book would provide “invaluable lessons on leadership, public service, party politics, and military doctrine.”

The President pledged full support for the publication and urged attendees to purchase copies for personal reading and public libraries.

He prayed for George’s continued good health and many more years in service to the nation.

In the build-up to the 2023 elections, Bode George famously vowed to relocate abroad if Tinubu became President.

“If they allow the result to be streamed electronically, there is no way he would win.

“But if the people keep saying he is the man they want, I have no qualms. I will go and live anywhere I want to live,” he said at the time.

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Nigerian Gov Announces Fresh Public Holiday for Workers Across State

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The Ekiti State Government has declared Friday, June 19, 2026, a work-free day for public servants in the state.

Naija News reports that the government said the holiday was to enable workers to travel to their respective voting centres ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary to the Head of Service, Janet Ajibola.

“His Excellency, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has graciously declared Friday, 19th June, 2026, as a work-free day for all public servants across the state,” the statement read.

Ajibola said the directive was addressed to commissioners, special advisers, the Secretary to the State Government, permanent secretaries, the Clerk of the House, heads of tertiary institutions, the Registrar of the High Court of Justice, general managers, executive secretaries and heads of departments.

“For the purpose of public safety and continuity of essential services, hospitals and health centres, fire service departments and other essential service providers are exempted and shall continue to provide appropriate services,” the statement added.

The Permanent Secretary urged heads of exempted essential institutions to ensure uninterrupted service delivery during the election period.

She also directed chief executive officers and accounting officers across state parastatals to ensure compliance and wide circulation of the directive.

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BREAKING: Mixed Reactions as Tinubu Announces Fresh Appointment

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The news of Kunle Elebute by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the chair of the Governing Board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). has started generating reactions from Nigerians.

Kunle Elebute, a renowned chartered accountant and financial management consultant, as the chair of the Governing Board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

This was disclosed in a statement by the presidency on Thursday, June 18, adding that his appointment, adding that his appointment was meant to strengthen corporate governance, deepen accountability and transparency, as well as enhance the confidence of investors within the financial reporting ecosystem of Nigeria.

According to The Punch, Elebute is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) with over 40 years of professional experience in Nigeria, West Africa and the world at large. Elebute had earlier served as the senior partner and chief executive officer of KPMG Nigeria, the KPMG West Africa chairman and the chairman of KPMG Africa.

Also, he had served on the regional and global boards of KPMG, such as its Global Board Audit Committee.

In the statement, he was described as a highly respected professional with wide experience in financial advisory services, auditing, strategic transformation, risk consulting and corporate governance.

Below are some of their comments: 

Segun Benson said the appointment should have gone to another qualified person in another region of the country:  “I would have expected Mr President to appoint a qualified person from another region.. no shades.”

Dimeji Lawal said that Nigerians are on the lookout for the effect of the appointment: “The appointment is one thing. The impact of the appointment is what Nigerians will be watching.”

Danjuma claimed that Tinubu’s appointments are following a particular pattern of the late former president Muhammadu Buhari: “I like Tinubu for this, he is following the footsteps of Buhari, who fulanised Nigeria with his appointments.”

Shamsuddeen commended the appointment of Elebute by President Tinubu, describing it as wonderful: “That’s another wonderful selection by President Tinubu GCFR by appointing Mr Elebute. Congratulations sir.”

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Tinubu Makes Fresh Top Appointment

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Nigeria, Benin Sign Integration Pact

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Kunle Elebute as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the appointment was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

Mr. Kunle Elebute

Mr. Kunle Elebute

Elebute is a former Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Nigeria and previously served as Chairman of KPMG Africa.

During his illustrious career, he also served on KPMG’s regional and global boards, including its Global Board Audit Committee.

He is an accountant and economist with several decades of experience in auditing, financial advisory, corporate governance, and business consulting.

“Mr Elebute’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the FRCN advances key institutional priorities, including ongoing engagements under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and broader efforts to align Nigeria’s corporate reporting framework with international best practices.

“The Federal Government is confident that his wealth of experience, leadership, and governance expertise will further strengthen the Council’s mandate and support the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objective of building a more transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly economy,” the statement added.

The Financial Reporting Council is the agency responsible for setting and enforcing accounting, auditing, actuarial, valuation, and corporate governance standards in Nigeria.

 

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