Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised President Bola Tinubu for his bold leadership, stating that history will remember him as the leader who confronted Nigeria’s most complex challenges head-on.

Speaking at a special Iftar to celebrate the president’s birthday at the presidential villa in Abuja on Saturday night, Shettima commended Tinubu for making difficult decisions that previous administrations had avoided.

He said: “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised President Tinubu, highlighting his ability to forgive and his unwavering commitment to national development.

Akpabio described Tinubu as a leader who thinks outside the box and called him the ‘most audacious president’ in Nigeria’s history.

He further noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, state governors are receiving increased allocations.

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” Akpabio remarked.

Several other politicians have also paid tribute to President Tinubu in celebration of his birthday.

A team of 20 constitutional lawyers and activists, led by Barrister Okere Kingdom, has announced plans to file multiple legal actions against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what they describe as unfounded allegations against businesswoman Aisha Achimugu.

The legal team aims to challenge the accusations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, the EFCC’s declaration of Achimugu as a wanted person, and the raids conducted on her properties.

On Friday, the EFCC declared Achimugu wanted, with the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, making the announcement through a circular posted on the commission’s official X handle.

The agency alleges that she is involved in a case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

However, in a statement, the group of constitutional lawyers dismissed the EFCC’s actions as unjust and politically motivated, insisting that Achimugu is a victim of targeted harassment.

“We are commencing multiple legal actions to quash the baseless allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering against a foremost successful businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu,” the statement read.

“The coordinated attempt to undermine the rights and integrity of a woman who has invested so much in Nigeria and built an international business cannot be tolerated. This is a clear case of organized intimidation and the misuse of state power for political reasons to frame a hardworking woman who is not a politician.”

The lawyers also criticized the EFCC for its swift action in raiding Achimugu’s Asokoro residence in Abuja shortly after declaring her wanted, alleging that her elderly mother was harassed during the operation.

They further claimed that similar intimidation tactics were used at her Maitama residence.

“It is curious that EFCC, just hours after this declaration, invaded Aisha’s house in Asokoro, Abuja, where they harassed her aged mother and continued with similar despicable acts at her house in Maitama,” the group stated.

“This violation of a citizen’s fundamental human rights and the intimidation of her family members and staff is dragging Nigeria back to the dark days. We will not fold our arms and let it happen.”

The legal team has vowed to initiate court proceedings this week to put an end to what they describe as an unjust persecution and a deliberate attempt to tarnish Achimugu’s reputation and business interests.

“The legal battle which will commence this week will put an end to these unjust persecutions and the deliberate plot to destroy the integrity and business expansion of a successful industrialist and businesswoman,” the lawyers stated.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to withdraw a proposed bill that seeks to make voting compulsory for Nigerians.

The bill, titled “Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters,” stipulates a six-month jail term, a fine of ₦100,000, or both, for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections.

In a letter dated 29 March 2025 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the proposed legislation as repressive and a violation of fundamental rights.

“Jailing eligible Nigerians for deciding not to vote would be entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the letter read.

SERAP urged lawmakers to focus on electoral reforms that enhance voter participation rather than punishing those who choose not to vote.

“Rather than proposing bills that would severely punish Nigerians who may decide not to exercise their right to vote, the National Assembly ought to propose bills to remove constitutional immunity for governors and their deputies who commit electoral offences and undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” SERAP stated.

The organisation argued that forcing people to vote contradicts democratic principles.

“The right to vote includes the right not to vote. If the right to participation is a right of the citizen, he/she must be free to decide whether or not to exercise it,” the letter added.

SERAP also emphasised that Nigeria’s voter apathy is best addressed by improving electoral integrity and security rather than criminalising non-voters.

“The most effective way to solve the perennial voter apathy is to create a safe and conducive environment, combat the impunity of high-ranking politicians who commit electoral offences, and generally improve the electoral process to encourage citizens to come out to vote, not to send them to jail,” it said.

The group warned of legal action should the bill be passed.

“Should the National Assembly fail to drop the bill prescribing a six-month jail term for eligible Nigerians who decide not to vote in national and state elections, and should any such bill be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to challenge the legality of any such law and ensure it is never implemented,” the letter stated.

SERAP further called for additional electoral reforms, including banning the appointment of partisan individuals as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and adopting modern technology in voter registration and election processes.

“The National Assembly ought to propose bills to reduce the influence of money in politics and encourage—not compel—the exercise of the right to participation,” the organisation added.

Amid speculation about his health, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, made a public appearance at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja on Sunday, joining President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries for an Eid-El-Fitr homage.

Rumours had spread on Friday night alleging that Wike collapsed during a meeting and was rushed to the State House Clinic, where doctors reportedly found a high level of alcohol in his system.

Some unverified claims suggested that the incident led to a partial stroke, with doctors allegedly warning that his condition could be irreversible.

It was also speculated that Wike was later flown to a hospital in France for further medical treatment.

However, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communications and Social Media, dismissed the reports as “fake news.”

Contrary to the rumours, Wike was seen leading the FCT delegation at the State House event, where he delivered the opening remarks before guests presented greeting cards to the President.

The gathering was attended by lawmakers representing the FCT at the National Assembly, area council chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, and senior judicial officers.

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, shared videos on his X account confirming Wike’s presence at the event.

“FCT community led by the Honourable Minister of FCT, HM Nyesom Wike pay Eid-El-Fitr Homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House Banquet Hall,” he captioned one of the videos.

In another post, he wrote, “Honourable Minister of the FCT, HM Nyesom Wike presents Sallah Felicitations card to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.”

President Bola Tinubu has shared how he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition and the role his ally, Aminu Masari, played in convincing him to stay in the race.

Speaking at a special birthday iftar with close associates on Saturday as part of his 73rd birthday celebration, Tinubu reflected on a critical moment of uncertainty during the campaign.

The statement was released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

He recalled a conversation with a relative that made him question his decision to run for office.

“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.

Tinubu described the difficulties he faced, including economic challenges that affected ordinary Nigerians during the campaign.

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”

He later discovered that his uncle had received only N10,000, with the rest kept by the messenger.

Upon assuming office, Tinubu said he faced tough economic conditions that required immediate decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

Acknowledging the backlash that followed, he explained why he stood firm.

“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as someone who confronted Nigeria’s long-standing problems head-on.

“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” Shettima said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting his generosity and determination to develop the country.

Akpabio called him the “most audacious president” Nigeria has ever had and noted that state governments have benefited financially under his administration.

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described Tinubu as a leader who has nurtured others.

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also praised Tinubu’s decision-making during a period of national uncertainty.

“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and are now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, shared his experience of being appointed by Tinubu despite his past activism.

“Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.

Tijjani also recalled a recent conversation at the World Bank, where a senior official described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”