NEWS
I Don’t Blame Past Govts, Says Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges, maintaining that he avoids placing blame on past administrations.
Speaking during the launch of the Agric Mechanisation Revolution for Food Security in Minna on Monday, the President mmade clear his dedication to re-engineering the Nigeria’s finances and pursuing the right actions for progress.
This declaration unfolded amidst divergent perspectives within his cabinet, with figures like Finance Minister Wale Edun attributing current challenges to the eight-year administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Assuming office last May, Tinubu, who succeeded his party colleague, Buhari, explicitly stated that his focus was not on blaming past governments.
Instead, he was determined to undertake the necessary reforms to steer the nation towards prosperity.
He said, “When you read the papers, some of us are confused whether to abuse the present or the past (governments) or make excuses for the future,” the President told the gathering which was graced by governors including the host, Mohammed Umar Bago, as well as agriculture enthusiasts.
“(It’s) not in my dictionary,” the President stated matter-of-factly, adding that his focus is to “take action now, do your best, re-engineer the finances of the country and stay ahead of the right path. Those who may be complaining now have to understand that perseverance and consistency will make a nation great.”
Nigeria grapples with a multitude of challenges, including mass kidnappings, surging inflation, escalating food prices, a forex crisis, economic hardship, and increased living costs triggered by the removal of the petrol subsidy, prompting protests in various regions.
Over the past nine months, the Nigerian naira has witnessed a significant decline following the collapse of the foreign exchange window under the Tinubu administration.
The naira hit an unprecedented low, plummeting from approximately N700/$1 in May to over N1500/$1 currently.
In response to the economic turmoil, authorities have shifted their attention to cryptocurrency platforms, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented various reforms, including the revocation of licenses for over 4,000 Bureau de Change operators.
The President urged Nigerians to transform the multifaceted challenges facing the nation into opportunities for economic prosperity.
Emphasizing the need to confront and convert challenges into economic avenues, he highlighted the importance of caring for the people and leveraging the nation’s farming population, including livestock farming.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with governors to eliminate hunger.
Additionally, he encouraged governors to ensure the payment of the current minimum wage, pending the forthcoming review of wage awards.
Furthermore, Tinubu expressed his resolve to combat economic sabotage arising from herders, particularly addressing the destructive impact of their cows on farmlands.
He said, “I know what it means as an act of economic sabotage when for roaming cows to eat up the crops and vegetations of our lands. I know it could be painful but when we reorient the herders and make provision for cattle rearing, (this will end).
“You are the governors who must provide the land. Provide us the land. I, as the President, I am committed to giving you in two, three weeks’ time, a comprehensive programme that will this problem.”
Tinubu mentioned that the Student Loan program and other initiatives under his administration, slated to commence, are currently undergoing refinements.
He added, “The Student Loan Programme will commence. There will be employment benefits for our graduates. The social security programme for the elderly and vulnerable will commence. We are fine-tuning all of that,”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
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Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
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