news

Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80

Published

12 months ago

October 28, 2025

Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80, praising his loyalty, courage, and lifelong service to democracy and Nigeria’s unity

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, describing him as a “principled statesman and trusted ally whose wisdom, loyalty, and service to Nigeria have inspired many.”

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In a statement marking the former lawmaker’s 80th birthday on Tuesday, the President lauded Senator Ibrahim’s lifelong commitment to democracy, progressive politics, and national unity, noting that his contributions have left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Abu has been more than a friend. He is my brother,” Bola Ahmed Tinubu said, recalling their first encounter in the Senate chambers in 1992 during the aborted Third Republic.

Tinubu, then representing Lagos West under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Ibrahim, who represented Katsina South under the National Republican Convention (NRC), began a political relationship built on mutual respect and shared democratic ideals.

The President recounted their courageous stand against military rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“He stood in the line of fire when we reconvened the Senate in Lagos to condemn the criminal annulment. Our defiance earned us weeks in detention. When the authorities released him and left the rest of us, Abu refused to leave, insisting we all be freed together,” Tinubu wrote.

President Tinubu commended Senator Ibrahim’s re-elections to the Senate in 2003 and 2011, attributing his success to “his democratic credentials and selfless service to the people of Katsina South.”

He also acknowledged Ibrahim’s instrumental role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 and his unwavering advocacy for peace and unity within the ruling party.

“As a patriot, Abu has lived a life of dedication to public service and the pursuit of a greater Nigeria,” the President said, noting that Ibrahim’s steadfast support during the 2023 presidential campaign and continued counsel since the start of the Renewed Hope administration have been invaluable.

Tinubu prayed for the octogenarian’s continued good health and strength, describing his life as one marked by loyalty, courage, and uncommon patriotism.

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“His devotion to Nigeria’s progress and democracy is a legacy that will continue to inspire generations,” he added.

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Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

13 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

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The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

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Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.