PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Paris, today, to honour an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron.

  Meanwhile, the President had formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.

  Also, Tinubu extended best wishes to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who marked his 78th birthday on Monday, recalling many special moments he shared with the Wazirin Adamawa. 
  The National Assembly has refuted reports that Tinubu would present the 2025 Appropriation Bill today.

  According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s three-day visit will focus on strengthening political, economic and cultural relations with France and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture and security.  

  A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained other areas of focus as education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation and energy transition, which held significant benefits for Nigeria.

  The Guardian gathered that Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, would be received tomorrow at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that would dovetail into bilateral meetings.

  During the visit, the two Presidents are expected to harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.  

  Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.   

 Brigitte and Oluremi will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

  President Tinubu and his wife, who would be accompanied to the trip, will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.
 
OLUYEDE has been serving as the acting COAS following the death of Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
  In his letter entitled ‘Confirmation of Appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff’, Tinubu emphasised Oluyede’s qualifications and his dedication to the country’s security.

  He stated: “By the provisions of Section 218 (2) of the Constitution and Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lt-Gen Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
 
Tinubu highlighted Oluyede’s exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the stability of the country and progress of the Armed Forces. He expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to excel in the role, adding that his qualifications and experience make him well-suited for the position.

  The President asked the Senate to expedite the confirmation process, assuring lawmakers of his highest consideration.

  In response, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Army for further legislative work. The committee is expected to report back to plenary promptly.

  If confirmed, Oluyede will officially assume the position of COAS, a critical role in ensuring the stability and security of Nigeria.

ATIKU has been an active player in Nigeria’s democratic process since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He was Vice President to President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 general elections. 

  The President recalled many special moments shared with the Wazirin Adamawa as founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, united in the mission to build a better future for Nigerians, as well as their engagement as political opponents in the last presidential election.
 
  In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, the President noted Atiku’s commitment to public service and philanthropy, and prayed God to continue granting him good health and happiness in the years ahead.

THE Director of Information, Secretary, Research and Information (SR&I), National Assembly, Bullah Bi-Allah, clarified this in a statement, yesterday.

  The reports alleged that Tinubu would today, November 27, present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.

  Bi-Allah said the reports, credited to him, are fake and unfounded, urging the public to disregard it. “The attention of the Secretary, Research and Information (SR&I), National Assembly, Dr Ali Umoru, has been drawn to the purported fake news credited to him. The secretary advised that any official inquiry and clarification should follow the official communication channels of the National Assembly.”

  Bi-Allah said that the National Assembly had yet to approve the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly by the President. He clarified that the MTEF approval would come before the official presentation of the 2025 Budget.