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Nigeria’s Leaders Celebrate ‘Uncle Sam’ At 90
President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari have extended felicitations to veteran journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as ‘Uncle Sam,’ as he marks his 90th birthday on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Both leaders lauded his immense contributions to Nigerian journalism and nation-building.
In a statement issued on Friday, Tinubu hailed Amuka-Pemu as an “iconic journalist” and acknowledged his illustrious career trajectory.
“Today, I celebrate Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, iconic journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, on his 90th birthday,” Tinubu stated.
He recounted Amuka-Pemu’s journey, which began at the Daily Times, followed by his co-founding of The Punch with the late Chief Olu Aboderin, before establishing Vanguard newspaper in 1984.
Tinubu commended Amuka-Pemu’s enduring legacy, noting that Vanguard remains influential 41 years after its founding, a testament to his “credit and managerial acumen” amidst challenges in the media industry.
He further described ‘Uncle Sam’ as “a shining example of dedication, resilience and integrity within the media industry,” asserting that he is not merely a leader but a “doyen” whose influence extends beyond journalism to his role as a respected elder statesman in Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone.
The President also highlighted a recent recognition of the nonagenarian’s service.
“On the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, I conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in profound recognition of his significant contributions to the country and his exemplary leadership in the field of journalism,” Tinubu said.
He urged younger journalists to emulate the revered publisher, wishing ‘Uncle Sam’ “continued God’s grace and more years of impact,” and expressing the nation’s profound gratitude for his “invaluable contributions to journalism and his enduring legacy.”
Buhari also joined in celebrating Amuka-Pemu, with a message issued on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari lauded the “guru journalist, columnist and publisher,” emphasising that his years in the media would be “written in gold in the annals of the nation’s history.”
Recalling his relationship with the celebrant, the former president remarked, “I owe a deep debt to him.”
Buhari fondly remembered ‘Uncle Sam’s’ column: “They call him ‘Sad Sam,’ from the name of his column, but the distinctive style of his communication was spreading light. Not only did one get information from reading him but also vision, which is very valuable.”
Buhari further commended Amuka-Pemu’s impactful journalism, stating, “Uncle Sam used his pen as a broom for cleaning up the rot in society. Few would match his crusading journalism.”
He noted that Vanguard continues to be at the forefront of national service by “continuing to awaken the government and society.”
The former president concluded his message by wishing ‘Uncle Sam’ “many more years in good health and happiness, and continued service to his profession and the nation.”
Amuka-Pemu’s 90th birthday marks a significant milestone for a man widely celebrated for his pioneering spirit, unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics, and profound influence on Nigeria’s media landscape.
Punchng.com
News
Stop Politicising EFCC Investigation To Blackmail President, APC Chieftain Tells Opposition Parties
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has cautioned members of opposition parties under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation to stop blackmailing President Bola Tinubu and focus on proving their innocence.
Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.
He said that the investigations being carried out by the anti-graft agency on some members of the opposition parties, based on petitions against them, were purely a constitutional matter and in line with international best practices.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker said that being a member of the opposition parties should not be seen as immunity against investigation into any alleged financial infractions whenever there were genuine reasons for it.
According to him, members of the ruling party are also being investigated by the EFCC whenever petitions alleging financial infractions are raised against them.
Oyintiloye said that the EFCC has a statutory mandate to investigate financial infractions involving public office holders across party lines without bias or favouritism.
The APC chieftain said that neither Tinubu nor the anti-graft agency would be swayed by unfounded allegations of witch-hunting but would rather continue to do what is right and just for the country.
“The EFCC has a mandate to investigate financial infractions against anyone, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Linking the President to the investigation of alleged financial infractions by opposition members in the name of politics is totally wrong.
“Whether you are a member of the ruling party or opposition, you are not immune to financial investigation.
“I want to caution members of the opposition parties to stop politicising what the EFCC is doing and prove their innocence, if any.
“President Tinubu is a man of honour and integrity, and he will not compromise his ideals in the name of politics. So, it is no longer business as usual,” he said.
According to him, there is no room for graft under the Tinubu administration
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged winner of the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election in Kano state
The returning officer, Professor Muhammad Waziri of Bayero University, declared Garba Ya’u Gwarmai of the APC winner with 31,472 votes
Waziri defeated the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Yusuf Ali Maigado, who polled 27,931 votes
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured victory in the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election held in Kano state.
Announcing the results on Sunday morning, August 17, the returning officer (RO), Professor Muhammad Waziri from Bayero University, declared APC candidate Garba Gwarmai the winner with a total of 31,472 votes.
He defeated the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Yusuf Maigado, who polled 27,931 votes, according to The Punch.
The supplementary poll was conducted after the initial election in the constituency was declared inconclusive. With a margin of 3,541 votes, Gwarmai’s victory marks a key win for the APC as the party continues to reinforce its influence across the state.
Meanwhile, the NNPP won the Bagwai/Shanono state assembly by-election in Kano state.
Daily Trust and Vanguard noted this update.
Announcing the result at 12:36 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, the RO for the election, Prof. Hassan Adamu Shitu, declared the NNPP candidate, Ali Hassan Kiyawa, winner with 16,198 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Ahmad Muhammad Kadamu, who polled 5,347 votes.
Former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is performing well but lacks an effective communication strategy to relay its achievements to Nigerians.
Aliyu made the statement on the Thursday edition of Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’, while reacting to the outcome of a recent public accountability session held in Kaduna.
Aliyu, reflecting on the discussions at the Kaduna Forum, said the government is facing public dissatisfaction not because it hasn’t delivered, but because it is failing to tell its own story effectively.
The ex-governor said it is proper for political leaders in the North to make demands from Tinubu’s administration since the bulk of the votes that took power came from the region.
“Let the people understand what is happening on the ground. If by what we say that 63/64 percent of the vote came from the north, it is only logical that the north will be expecting so much from the government.
“But from what we have seen so far is that the government is doing well but they do not know how to communicate very well,” he said.
I’m A Married Man, I Can Never Get Myself Involved With Such A Thing, Delta Gov Aide Reveals Why He Offered Comfort ₦500,000 Job
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