French President Emmanuel Macron has just appointed 34-year-old Education Minister Gabriel Attal as France’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday.

This move is aimed at Macron’s second term ahead of the European Parliament elections.

Although the appointment does not imply a major political shift, it signifies Macron’s intent to move beyond last year’s unpopular pension and immigration reforms, aiming to enhance his centrist party’s prospects in the upcoming EU ballot in June.

Opinion polls indicate Macron’s camp is trailing the far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s party by approximately eight to 10 percentage points.

Attal, a close ally of Macron, gained prominence as the government spokesman during the COVID pandemic. He is set to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

Attal, among the country’s most popular politicians in recent polls, has earned a reputation as a skilled minister comfortable in various media formats.

Macron, concluding 2023, had previously announced his intention to unveil new political initiatives.

What Macron said

In his message to Attal, Macron said,

• “I know I can count on your energy and your commitment to implement the project of revitalization and regeneration that I announced”.

Attal will be France’s youngest Prime Minister and the first to be openly gay. Also, he and Macron have a combined age just below that of Joe Biden, who is running for a second mandate in this year’s U.S. presidential election.

Macron has struggled to deal with a more turbulent parliament since losing his absolute majority shortly after being re-elected in 2022.

About Gabriel Attal

Gabriel Attal, born on March 16, 1989, is a French politician affiliated with the Renaissance Party, currently serving as Prime Minister since January 9, 2024. He has a diverse background, studied law, and engaged in political activism from a young age.

Attal’s career includes roles such as advisor to the Minister of Health and Member of the French National Assembly. Notably, he became the spokesperson for La République En Marche! in 2018 and later held ministerial positions.

On October 16, 2018, at 29, Attal became the youngest member of a government in the Fifth Republic as Secrétaire d’État.

He later served as Minister of Public Action and Accounts and Minister of National Education and Youth.

Following Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne’s resignation, Attal, at 34, assumed the role of France’s youngest and first openly gay leader on January 9, 2024.

Despite his political success, Attal has faced online hate speech due to his identity, including antisemitic and homophobic attacks.

[Nairametrics]

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo following the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. NANS alleges that Tunji-Ojo should be probed over his alleged involvement in a N438.1 million consultancy contract with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This was stated in a release signed by NANS President, Pedro Obi, on Tuesday.

Betta Edu was suspended for reportedly transferring N585 million of Federal Government funds into a personal account. There are also claims that a company allegedly owned by Tunji-Ojo, New Planet Project Limited, received N438.1 million for consultancy services from Edu’s ministry.

Tunji-Ojo, speaking on a TV program, admitted his association with the company but stated that he resigned in 2019 when he ran for the House of Representatives. He emphasized that, while he remains a shareholder, he is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.

NANS President insists that Tunji Ojo’s involvement in the N438.1 million consultancy fee should also be investigated. The NANS president’s statement expressed concern about the financial misdoings at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, calling for extensive investigation into the spending under the supervision of the suspended Minister, Betta Edu. Furthermore, they emphasized the need for the prosecution of anyone found wanting in accordance with the law.

President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step in reducing the travel expenses of government officials, both domestically and internationally, by 60%. This directive, conveyed by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, is a cost-cutting measure aimed at official travels.

The impact of this directive will be felt across the offices of the President, Vice President, First Lady, and ministers. Ngelale emphasized that it is not a mere request but a firm directive from Tinubu himself.

According to the presidential aide, this cost-cutting measure will significantly reduce state entourages and affect the office of the president and its staff, as well as the Vice President and other appointees. The directive is set to slash official travel expenditure by 60%.

As an organization deeply committed to the progress and well-being of our nation, we are ready to provide our support in the battle against corruption.

We strongly believe that eradicating corruption is essential for creating an environment that promotes sustainable development, equal opportunities, and social justice for all Nigerians.

Therefore, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reaffirm his dedication, along with his government, to the growth and advancement of Nigeria.

As the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, President Tinubu must show the determination and resolve to address the critical issue of corruption, which has plagued our beloved country for far too long.

Corruption remains a significant barrier to our nation's development and hampers our collective aspirations.

It is imperative that we confront this issue directly and foster a society where corruption has no room to thrive. We firmly believe that adopting a zero-tolerance approach to corruption is vital in achieving this goal.

Given recent revelations regarding alleged corruption within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we urge the President to initiate a thorough investigation into these allegations.

It is crucial to meticulously examine every aspect of the ministry's financial transactions to ensure transparency and accountability.

Additionally, we call for a comprehensive investigation into the financial transactions associated with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as a forensic audit of the ministry and the companies involved in the excessively inflated consultancy's verification fees.

Afenifere raises concerns about the expenditure of almost 4 billion naira solely for verifying beneficiaries and questions how much money will be left to be disbursed to the verified beneficiaries from the limited resources of the country.

We firmly believe that no one should be exempt from this investigation, as the government under President Tinubu's leadership must set an example and demonstrate unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of conducting this investigation without any interference or bias, ensuring a fair and just process.

The Nigerian people have entrusted President Tinubu with their confidence, and it is his responsibility to uphold that trust by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Otunba Kole Omololu

National Organising Secretary

Dangote Refinery appears set to commence production of refined petroleum products with the receipt of the sixth batch of barrels of crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The fresh one million Agbami barrels of crude via MT ALMI SUN is the last cargo to complete the initial scheduled 6 million barrels consignment to be delivered to the Dangote facility for commencement of operations by the world's largest single-train refinery. 

Exactly a month ago, Dangote Refinery received the first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria as well as globally, trading in over 8 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Since then, Dangote Refinery has been receiving the crude oil in batches, and the 6th batch of one million barrels of Agbami crude, got discharged today at the Single Point Mooring (SPM-C2) at the Dangote Offshore Oil Terminal (DOOT).

It would be recalled that the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr. Akin Omole had told newsmen at the Dangote Quay, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos that the Refinery will be in good stead to commence operation, once the 6 million barrels of crude had been delivered.

Omole said, “Once the 6 million barrels are fully delivered, it will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)."

This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.

Designed for 100% Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100% of Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and has a surplus of each of these products for export. 

The Ondo State Government has reportedly set February 23 and 24 as the dates for the burial of the state’s late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

This decision was finalized on Monday by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa following a state cabinet meeting, which was not without its share of disagreements.

The meeting witnessed some discord over the composition of the burial planning committee, particularly concerning the exclusion of certain key figures.

Among those reportedly omitted from the committee was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, who expressed displeasure over her non-inclusion.

The late Governor Akeredolu, a significant political figure in Ondo State, left a notable legacy, and his burial is expected to be a major event.

The coming days are expected to be crucial for the planning committee as they work towards a ceremony that honors the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu.

A source at the meeting who spoke with SaharaReporters said, “the burial has been fixed between February 23 and 24. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who also doubled as the Chairman of the Committee made the announcement on Monday.

“SSG (Odu) got wind that her name was not on the list of the committee and during a meeting with the governor, Aiyedatiwa, at the governor’s office, she raised her concerns about it.

“It became a whole lot of argument and charged at the governor for not including her on the list of the committee. But it took the intervention of other cabinet members at the meeting to calm the nerves of the woman. In fact, I’m aware that the meeting did not end peacefully due to the manner Odu behaved.

“Don’t forget that Odu also has eyes on the seat of the governor and she is ready to contest in the governorship race.”

Naija News recalls that the body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, arrived in Nigeria from Germany on the 5th of January, 2024.

The body was received by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

Senegal forward Sadio Mane has entered marital bliss with his longtime girlfriend, Aisha Tamba, in an intimate ceremony held in Dakar, Senegal.

The nuptial event unfolded on Sunday in Keur Massar, Dakar, the capital city of Senegal.

Captured in a post by Senegalese photographer Magvision, Tamba radiated elegance in her white gown.

In a separate video shared by Dakar Live, a Senegalese TV station, the bride was escorted into a vehicle, surrounded by members of the community showing their support and joy.

The footage also featured Tamba capturing moments with some of her family members.

Mane, adorned in a traditional white Arabian outfit, showcased cultural flair.

The Al Nassr player is presently in training camp with his Senegalese teammates, gearing up for the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Mané initiated his professional journey with Metz, the Ligue 2 club, at the youthful age of 19.

In 2012, he made a transition to Red Bull Salzburg, the Austrian club, securing triumphs in both the league and domestic cups.

Subsequently, Mané joined the Premier League club Southampton later that summer and then moved to Liverpool in 2016.

Departing from the Merseyside club in 2022, he ventured to Bayern Munich and is presently active in the Saudi League.

Mané’s exceptional prowess on the field earned him the title of African Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2022.

The Synagogue Church of all Nations on Tuesday countered the BBC documentary on the late Temitope Babatunde Joshua, known as TB Joshua, Founder of SCOAN.

SCOAN described the documentary as unfounded, noting that the characters interviewed in the report were unknown to the church.

The church in a statement signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr Dare Adejumo, said the statement was aimed at disabusing public minds from the report.

The BBC on Monday released a highly controversial and damning documentary on the late TB Joshua, accusing him of various crimes, including rape against some members.

SCOAN said, “BBC World Services investigative unit, code-named Africa Eye came out this week with weird and strange episodes of atrocities against the late founder of SCOAN.”

It said that to investigate and publish or broadcast reports was a central kernel in journalism but to do so outside the ethics and fundamental principles of the profession was an aberration.

According to the church, journalism as a societal watchdog requires fairness, balancing and objectivity to command dignity honour, and respect as the fourth estate of the realm.

“BBC has compromised these lofty principles by descending into fictional narratives and propaganda, thus turning itself into a weapon for a hatchet job as gangsters in the gab of journalism with a destructive ulterior motive for personal gains against a perceived enemy.

“Only BBC can best explain why it woefully deviated from true journalism and chose to be dishing junks and feeding the public with stones called bread by its offensive and disenchanted reports of disgruntled elements.

“This, to say the least, is insulting to our professional and public intelligence. One thing is very obvious, hundreds of BBC charades cannot rubbish the indelible footprints of TB Joshua’s legacies on earth again.”

According to the Church, thousands of human beings have received dumbfounding miracles and tremendously benefited from the anointing and grace the Lord endued with His servant.

“Those beneficiaries are all over the place and cannot be disputed that are lining up and responding angrily to this imperialist broadcasting station.

”Many of them are in the UK the home base of BBC but which its jaundiced investigative eyes cannot see but only the obviously suborned narrators!

“Myriads of broken homes reconciled by TB Joshua are also crying foul of BBC’s broadcast of iniquity. Uncountable hopeless children drawn from different parts of the world; some brought by their parents while some were picked from drug joints or brothels who have gotten their destinies restored are also pissed off by the offensive reports.

”BBC has obviously shot itself in the foot by its compromise and roadside journalism.”

It said the BBC would not have lost anything if it had gone to the church even to disguise as visitors to have direct experience of what was happening in the church instead of relying on disgruntled and manipulated individuals some of whom were never known before in SCOAN.

”Some of those identified there are relics of homosexual and lesbian associates. My findings further show that everything the BBC put together is strange to SCOAN.

“One other clearly illogical thing in the charade is the BBC’s categorical statement that the man of God was involved in all the abuse for over two decades!

”How can that be in a nation governed by law? It shows the station’s crude disrespect and bizarre perception of Nigeria.

“Where were all those shameless interviewees in all the decades? Was it when the man passed on that they suddenly became awake or came back to their senses? Only a fool will have respect for such charlatans.”

According to SCOAN, this is not only shameful to hear but also insulting to see from the work of supposedly well-trained reporters.

It pointed out that it was all to call the dog a bad name so that they could hang it.

It added that It was obvious that the sponsors of the BBC hatchet job must have been envious of the continued growth of the church like the tree planted by the riverside.

“Thank God your report exonerated his only wife of any wrongdoings throughout the decades of your so-called investigated lopsided work.

“But did you think any wife at all can see and watch all those nonsensical and annoying scenarios you painted for decades and still kept silent? I am yet to read or see such a woman in the universe!

“This is illogical, irritating, incomprehensible, unfathomable, and satanically dubious and malicious.”

(NAN)

A professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has lamented the lack of a functioning democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Arise TV, Utomi said Nigeria does not have any political party at the moment in the real sense of how democracy should work.

The political economist said what the country has been having since its return to democracy in 1999 is simply a platform for machine politics with the aim of grabbing power by all means and sharing the spoils of governance.

He added that it is of utmost importance to ensure democracy works in Nigeria with real political parties in place before the 2027 general elections.

In his words, “Nigeria is not a working democracy, and part of our efforts is to make our democracy work before people think about the next election. Countries don’t grow by waiting for the next electoral process; countries grow through the founding of political parties.

“I can say without any feeling of wrongness that we don’t have a political party in Nigeria today. What we have been able to couple together since 199 has been a platform for machine politics, where the game is to grab power rightly or wrongly and share spoils.”

As a solution, Utomi said he is working on a merger of all the front-runners from the 2023 general elections to present a common platform and put forward one person who can get the job done in 2027.

“My view is clear on this matter, let’s build a great party that can make Nigeria better. When we then build it, the people from different social movements, in addition to the political parties that come into this one party, subscribe to certain values and ideologies of how you make a nation happen, can then present those who seem interested can go forward.

“This is what Nigeria needs, and must have but shouldn’t be about some individuals advertising that they are the ones who should go forward, Nigerians will determine that,” he said.

The Federal Government has moved to tackle the issue of fake academic degrees in the country’s education system with the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee.

The Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, will this afternoon, inaugurate an inter-ministerial committee on degree mills,” Goong said.

DAILY POST reports that the issue of fake degrees has been trending in the country, following an investigation by a reporter, Umar Audu, with the Daily Nigerian newspaper on the activities of degree mills in Benin Republic and Togo.

The reporter disclosed how he obtained a degree within six weeks and even proceeded to embark on mandatory youth service under the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme.

Audu, who reached out to the syndicate that specialises in selling degree certificates in December 2022, graduated in February 2023 and was issued a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication certificate from the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The report which uncovered the illegalities perpetrated by some tertiary institutions in the West African states led to the Nigerian government imposing a ban on the accreditation and evaluation of degrees from Benin Republic and Togo.

The Education minister later said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would further extend its searchlight to institutions in other African countries such as Ghana.

So far, no fewer than 10,900 Nigerian students studying in Beninois and Togolese universities are expected to be affected by the Nigerian government ban, according to statistics provided by the National Association of Nigerian Students in Benin Republic and Togo.

Also, the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body of universities in Nigeria, revealed that no fewer than 18 out of the 58 universities whose operations have been suspended in Nigeria are foreign-owned.

[DailyPost]