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‎According to reports from Vanguard on Saturday, April 19, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it describes as his refusal to temporarily delegate presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima during a recent trip abroad.
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‎In a statement issued by the Council’s National President, Isah Abubakar, the youth group condemned the alleged action as a violation of constitutional guidelines and a disregard for democratic practice.

Abubakar noted that the 1999 Constitution clearly outlines the process for the transfer of power when the president is absent or unable to perform his duties, emphasizing that ignoring this provision sets a dangerous precedent.
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‎“This action not only breaches established constitutional procedures but also challenges the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic foundation,” Abubakar stated.

“Failure to follow due process during periods of absence signals a disregard for both the Constitution and the office of the Vice President.”
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Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Nigerians to promote unity and peace that bring about progress of the country.

He urged Nigerians to eschew political, religious and ethnic biases and unite for the progress and general well-being of the nation.

Akpabio stated this in his Easter message as contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh on Saturday in Abuja.

He also appealed to those perpetrating mass killings across the country to respect the sacredness of human life by showing love instead of hatred and abandoning their evil ways for peace to reign in Nigeria.

“While I congratulate the Christian faithful for completing the 40-day Lenten fast and now celebrating another Easter, I wish to appeal that we all show love to one another irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliation. I also urge our Christian brothers and sisters to emulate Jesus Christ’s spirit of humility, love, and sacrifice. We are all created in the image of God Almighty and nothing should make us discriminate against another human being.

“For those who have taken to killing fellow human beings, maiming others and destroying property, I appeal that they respect the sacredness of human life. Easter is a period of love and I hope the atmosphere that permeates this season will cause them to jettison their evil ways, turn a new leaf and embrace peace.

“I encourage all Nigerians to use the occasion of this celebration of Easter to reach out to those who are in need, especially victims of the senseless Killings across the nation. May we never be tired of sharing and making sacrifices for one another”.

The Senate President also urged Christians not to relent in their prayers after Easter but to continue seeking God’s intervention in the affairs of the nation. “Continue to offer prayers for leaders at every level in the country and God helping us, our nation will be better off”.

“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and entire National Assembly, I wish you all a peaceful, loving and blissful Easter celebration”.

There was mild drama at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday, when the state’s Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, allegedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a heated altercation.

The incident occurred during the turbaning of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate, which coincided with the wedding of his daughter, Khadija Mohammed.

The high-profile event was attended by top political figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, among others.

According to eyewitnesses, the clash ensued after the Foreign Minister reportedly made disparaging comments about the Bala Mohammed-led administration, comments the deputy governor allegedly found offensive.

“The Deputy Governor was visibly furious. It was a shocking moment. If not for Vice President Shettima’s swift intervention, it could have escalated badly,” a source told our correspondent.

The altercation is believed to be a continuation of the long-standing political rift between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Tuggar, a staunch critic of the PDP-led government in the state.

Tuggar had earlier accused the governor of using President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms to kickstart his 2027 presidential ambition.

In a January appearance on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Tuggar had said: “Governor Bala Mohammed showed clearly that he did not have any sincerity of purpose. He used the tax bill debate to jumpstart his presidential campaign.”

Reacting, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Aminu Gamawa, described the minister’s comments as “opportunistic and undiplomatic,” accusing him of seeking to curry favours from the Tinubu administration.

“Tuggar’s ambition to run for governor in 2027 is the real reason behind these constant attacks. But maligning a performing governor won’t help him,” Gamawa said.

He added that the minister’s alleged “absentee politics” and poor performance in foreign affairs had diminished Nigeria’s diplomatic strength, especially in Africa.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued an official statement on the matter.