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Call Me Names, I’ll Still Defend Your Right,’ Tinubu Tells Nigerians

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  President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged Nigeria’s security agencies not to harass citizens for criticising his government, reaffirming his commitment to protecting democratic rights, particularly the right to free speech. Speaking at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja during his Democracy Day address, the President said criticism—even of perceived unpleasant policies—must be tolerated in a democratic society. He said, “Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. “Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents, if they think well, though. We do not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term. “While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names.” Tinubu pledged to continue upholding Nigerians’ right to free speech, saying, “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. “Call me any names. I’m not here to make you happy politically and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.” Tinubu urged lawmakers and political loyalists to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might. He said, “We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties. “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.” PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu also dismissed insinuations that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains a political platform open to all Nigerians, including members of opposition parties. However, he admitted that he takes pleasure in seeing opposition parties in disarray and has no plans to help them organise themselves. “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he said. Punch  

Trump Unveils Website For $5m US Residency Visa

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  President Donald Trump touted a new website for his planned $5 million US residency permit on Wednesday, saying the waiting list for the golden visa has opened on TrumpCard.gov. “Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote in a social media post. Trump unveiled the first such visa aboard Air Force One in April, holding a golden prototype that bore his face and promising the special permit would probably be available “in less than two weeks.” The visas are not available yet, but the website announced Wednesday allows interested parties to submit their name, desired visa and email address under a header that says “The Trump Card is Coming.” Trump previously said the new visa, a high-price version of the traditional green card, would bring in job creators and could be used to reduce the US national deficit. The announcement comes as deportation raids are being ramped up across the country, prompting protests, and as Trump’s administration faces ongoing lawsuits and accusations of rights violations over its anti-immigration blitz. Trump has said the new card would be a route to highly prized US citizenship. He said in February that his administration hoped to sell “maybe a million” of the cards and did not rule out that Russian oligarchs may be eligible. AFP

Five Stars Missing At FIFA Club World Cup

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  FIFA’s inaugural expanded Club World Cup in the United States has one billion dollars of prize money on the line but will be missing some of the game’s star names. AFP Sport highlights five players who will not be lighting up stadiums across the United States once it gets underway this weekend: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) Liverpool finished as English champions, but like Spain’s Barcelona and Italy’s Napoli, will not be at the Club World Cup, because of the convoluted qualification process. That means Egyptian winger Salah, who broke the Premier League record for goal involvements, with 29 strikes and 18 assists, misses out. After a tiring season in which he faded in the latter months Salah might not be too upset about having a summer off. The winger posted a photo of himself sunbathing by the beach on Instagram. However it will be a shame that African football icon Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk and others miss out on the chance of a potential rematch against their Champions League conquerors Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz will also be absent, as his side Bayer Leverkusen did not qualify. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) No player in world football this season has offered more excitement than Barcelona’s 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal. The Spain winger has been in sensational form for his club this season and is one of the candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. Yamal’s thrilling dribbling and penchant for the spectacular make him one of the biggest draws in world football at the moment. He is often compared to former Barcelona great Lionel Messi, but because of the Spanish champions’ absence, may have missed out on his only chance to face the Argentina star, who will be there with Inter Miami. Barcelona’s Raphinha, midfield maestro Pedri and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski are others who will be missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) Messi will also not go up against his long-time rival Ronaldo in the US. The Portuguese striker, 40, was reported to be looking for a way to play in the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had suggested Ronaldo might move from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to a team who had reached the event, saying that “discussions” were being held over it. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who won the Nations League with Portugal last weekend, indicated after the game however he was set to stay at Al Nassr. “Some teams reached out to me,” the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star revealed last Saturday on the eve of the Nations League final. “Some made sense and others did not, but you can’t try and do everything. You can’t catch every ball.” Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal are another team to miss out and after finishing the season trophyless, the Club World Cup would have been a chance to win some silverware. England international Saka’s only club trophy, excluding the FA Community Shield, was an FA Cup win with Arsenal in 2020. Mikel Arteta’s side showed this season they have improved to the point where they are in contention for major honours, including knocking out Real Madrid in the Champions League, but came up just short. For a player of his quality, who has spent six seasons playing regularly at the top level, Saka could do with expanding his medal collection. Arsenal will be disappointed to miss out on the prize money too, as they try to overhaul Liverpool and Manchester City, who have dominated the English game in recent seasons. Neymar (Santos) Brazilian icon Neymar struggled with injury at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and returned to Santos in January 2025, hoping to get fit and firing ahead of next summer’s World Cup. The 33-year-old forward, despite fading with age, is still one of the biggest names in the game and his absence is also a blow in a commercial sense. “Neymar, what can I say about him? He’s an outstanding player, who, for me, in my football cycle, is in the top three, with Cristiano and Messi,” said Brazil midfielder Casemiro. With organisers struggling to sell tickets, Neymar’s presence would have been a boon. AFP

(Pictures) June 12 Protest: Security Operatives Barricade N’Assembly Gate

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(Pictures) June 12 Protest: Security Operatives Barricade N’Assembly Gate

  Security operatives on Thursday morning barricaded the main gate of the National Assembly complex in Abuja to prevent protesters from accessing the venue. The protest, organised by the Take It Back Movement and several civil society groups, is part of nationwide demonstrations marking June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Organisers had said the protest is aimed at spotlighting what they describe as “two years of misrule, hardship, and insecurity” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The organisers had moved the protest to the national assembly, where President Bola Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the National Assembly as part of the Democracy Day celebrations. Speaking on the eve of the protest, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the decision to converge at the National Assembly did not change the focus of the protest. “That we earlier said the protest would hold at Eagle Square doesn’t foreclose the fact that Nigerians cannot organise themselves at the National Assembly to protest the two years of misrule under Tinubu. “The unprecedented hardship and insecurity we have experienced under his government are alarming. So Nigerians will be turning out nationwide to protest against this, and the National Assembly is one of those spaces Nigerians can exercise their constitutional rights. We are encouraging Nigerians to move there in their numbers tomorrow,”he said. Getting to the venue, our correspondent observed a heavy presence of security personnel, including operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and armed police officers, stationed at the National Assembly gate. The entrance was also reinforced with iron barricades as well as a long truck, preventing access to the premises. As at the time of filing this report, the atmosphere remained tense. Punch  

2027: Oyo Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat’s Posters Flood Ibadan

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2027: Oyo Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat’s Posters Flood Ibadan

  The posters of popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hamzat Oriyomi, have flooded the streets of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in the build-up to the forthcoming 2027 general election. The posters with the tag, “2027 Oyo n pe o”, had a portrait of the veteran Yoruba broadcaster in black colour, raising awareness for his preparation in the anticipated election without an indication of the office he is contesting for. In a video posted by a support group of the broadcaster cited by our correspondent on Wednesday, the founder of Agidigbo FM was seen jeering to the cheers of the masses at the event he attended, where he was constantly being told that the people of the state are calling him and that he has to answer the call. “Okiki (Hamzat), Oyo is calling you. answer their call.” Also, a statement on the official page of the ‘Oyo n pe o’ social media pages addressed criticisms directed at the broadcaster’s transition from media to politics. It read in parts, “The claim that ‘governance is more than speaking into a microphone’ reflects a misunderstanding of leadership. Broadcasting is rooted in communication, empathy, and connection—traits that are fundamental to good governance.” “Those who reduce Oriyomi Hamzat’s potential to his profession are either misinformed or biased. Leadership is not defined by profession but by vision, courage, and commitment to service. “We call on Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat to respond to this clarion call to serve.” https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSUAUUKa/ In another trending video, a popular Ibadan-based influencer, Funny Thinker, was seen telling Hamzat that the people of Oyo are calling him to answer their call in 2027. “He said he won’t rest if we don’t, Okiki, the son of Hamzat, we are calling you, please answer us in 2027,” Funny Thinker said. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSUA9Vk6/ The veteran broadcaster responded, “You will all be alright.” While Hamzat is yet to speak on whether he wants to contest in the much-anticipated election, he has also not debunked the popular mantra pushed for him in preparation for the 2027 poll. However, efforts by our correspondent to speak with him on the posters making rounds proved abortive as he was not reachable for a comment as of the time of filing this report. Punch

Oyo Postpones Adire Carnival, Exhibition

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  Oyo State Government has announced the postponement of Adire Carnival and Exhibition in the state. The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, announced this in a statement released by his counterpart from the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday. It will be recalled that the event was originally scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025. Olatunbosun said the decision was made to ensure that the carnival and exhibition meet global best practices, run seamlessly, and deliver the rich, immersive experience that the people of the state and the esteemed guests expect. He hinted that a new date would be announced in due course, and all stakeholders and members of the public will be duly informed. The commissioner explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration remains steadfast in its commitment to promote, preserve and develop Culture and Tourism across the state. He said, “As outlined in the Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development, the State Government recognises tourism as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and internally generated revenue. “The state has successfully hosted a variety of vibrant cultural and tourism-based events, including the World Twins Festival, World Egungun Festival, World Tourism Day, Iyake International Festival, Oyo State International Tourism Summit, and the Aso-Ofi Festival.” Olatubosun added that these initiatives have boosted the local economy, empowered residents, and attracted both national and international attention to the State. “The Aso-Ofi Festival, in particular, has achieved remarkable success, prompting a government-backed policy encouraging civil and public servants to incorporate Aso-Ofi into their dress code. This policy has revitalised indigenous textile production and further cemented the state’s reputation as the Manchester of Indigenous Textile Production. “In continuation of these efforts, the State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with BIZRAIT and Adire Odua, planned the Adire Carnival and Exhibition to showcase and celebrate indigenous textile craftsmanship. “However, in our collective quest to deliver an event of the highest standard—reflective of the state’s esteemed cultural status—it has become necessary to postpone the event, originally scheduled for Friday, 20th June 2025.” He appreciated the immense support and understanding of all partners, participants, and the general public as the team works toward hosting an even more impactful event.  

Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Accounts For Newborn Americans

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  US President Donald Trump has unveiled a policy proposal under his new legislative push—a $1,000 investment account for every American child born between 2025 and 2028. According to Daily Mail, the initiative, dubbed “Trump Accounts,” will be given to every US citizen born after December 31, 2024, and before January 1, 2029. Republicans reportedly changed the name of the programme from ‘MAGA accounts’ to ‘Trump accounts’ before the bill passed the House last month. The government’s $1,000 contribution would reportedly be placed in an index fund tied to the stock market and managed by the child’s legal guardians. Speaking at the White House on Monday, the president said the accounts “will make it possible for countless American children to have a strong start in life at no cost to the American taxpayer, absolutely no cost. It’s going to have a huge impact.” Trump called the accounts a “pro-family” initiative as he works to rally senators to support his proposed legislation. “It is a pro family initiative that will help millions of Americans harness the strength of our economy to lift up the next generation, and they’ll really be getting a big jump on life, especially if we get a little bit lucky with some of the numbers and the economies,” he noted. The accounts will reportedly be accessible for additional financial contributions throughout the child’s life from family, friends, parents, employers, or other entities, while the recipient of the account could access some of the money when they turn 18 for things like education, training or a first-time home purchase, with full access granted at age 30. The Trump accounts will reportedly be funded by contributions from private businesses and the heads of Dell, Uber, Altimeter Capital, ARM Corp, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Robinhood and Goldman Sachs were said to have joined the president for the announcement. Michael Dell, the CEO of Dell Technologies said his company would “match the government’s contributions, dollar for dollar for every child born to a Dell team member.” “This is investment in our people, their families, our communities and America’s future, and it embodies our core belief that opportunity should begin at birth,” Dell was quoted as saying. Democrats are reportedly critical of the legislation, which they say will remove millions from Medicaid and add billions to the federal deficit. Some Republican senators, especially those who represent states with large rural areas, also have expressed concern about the cuts to Medicaid. The Senate can still amend the bill, which, if that happens, it would need to be re-approved by the House before it could go to Trump for his signature, the report noted. The president has also stated his hopes to have the bill on his desk by July 4. Punch

JUST IN: Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Eid Holidays In Lagos

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  President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday headed back to Abuja, concluding his Eid holidays spent in Lagos. He had arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, May 27, for the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States. A video shared by the Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Mr. Dada Olusegun, showed the President with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu en route to the airport. The accompanying caption stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu heads back to Abuja from Lagos after the Eid Holidays in Lagos. “He was accompanied to the airport by H.E @jidesanwoolu, the Executive Governor of Lagos.” Punch

Aare Olayinka Segelu Extends Heartfelt Birthday Wishes to Oyo First Lady, Chief Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde at 53

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  As the First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, marks her 53rd birthday, Aare Olayinka Segelu, a leading Oyo governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections and a respected businessman based in Germany, has publicly expressed his profound admiration and warm birthday wishes to the First Lady, praising her exemplary role in the state’s growth and her steadfast support of her husband, Governor Seyi Makinde. In his glowing tribute, Segelu described Chief Mrs. Makinde as a “woman of substance, grace, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Oyo State.” He emphasized her significant, though often quietly executed, contributions to the social and humanitarian development of the state, which he noted have had a lasting impact on countless lives. “Chief Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde is much more than the wife of the Executive Governor; she is a symbol of strength, humility, and compassion. Her tireless efforts behind the scenes have been instrumental in the advancement of Oyo State over the past six years. She embodies the qualities of a true mother of the state, offering unwavering support, wise counsel, and boundless love to her family, her community, and the people of Oyo at large,” Segelu remarked. Segelu further praised her visible commitment to women’s empowerment, youth development, and charitable activities, which he described as a silent revolution that has continued to inspire and uplift many in the state. “Your Excellency, your passion for nurturing the future generation, your quiet but impactful interventions in community development, and your constant advocacy for family values make you an outstanding role model. As you celebrate this milestone, I join the people of Oyo State and well-wishers around the world in praying for your continued good health, divine protection, and greater accomplishments,” he stated. Aare Olayinka Segelu also seized the moment to wish the First Lady an even greater destiny, expressing his belief in her potential to someday ascend to a national role. “My sincere prayer is that you continue to rise and that one day you will become the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — a position you so richly deserve. May your journey ahead be filled with even more grace, purpose, and fulfillment,” Segelu concluded.

JUST IN: Osimhen Rejects €75m Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Move

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  Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has rejected a €75m offer to join Saudi Arabia side, Al Hilal. According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on his X account on Sunday, “Despite agreement between club to club with Napoli for €75m fee, Osimhen says no to the Saudi Pro League club. Galatasaray will insist on signing him with the race now open again.” Recall that, throughout his loan spell at Galatasaray, Osimhen has been instrumental in the team’s success, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances. His impressive performance has made him a fan favorite, and the club is optimistic about retaining him. Al-Hilal were inching towards signing Osimhen after increasing their offer to €75m to meet Napoli’s demands, and are looking to have the player’s medical soon, but with the latest development, Osimhen is yet to decide on his future. More details later….  

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