My fellow citizens,
- I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced.
- I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country.
- For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals.
- This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it.
- The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign.
- The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year. Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable.
- Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair.
- It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.
- I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy. Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance.
- Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.
- Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.
- What I can offer in the immediate is to reduce the burden our current economic situation has imposed on all of us, most especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable among us.
- Already, the Federal Government is working closely with states and local governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of our people across socio-economic brackets.
- Earlier this month, I signed four (4) Executive Orders in keeping with my electoral promise to address unfriendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that are stifling the business environment. These Executive Orders on suspension and deferred commencement of some taxes will provide the necessary buffers and headroom to businesses in manufacturing sector to continue to thrive and expand.
- To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs, we are going to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start a sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity. Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1billion credit at 9% per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.
- Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.
- Out of the sum, we will spend N50 billion on Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024. Our target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.
- Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.
- To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.
- In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.
- Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:
-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.
-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.
- This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.
- In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.
- Fellow Nigerians, I made a solemn pledge to work for you. How to improve your welfare and living condition is of paramount importance to me and it’s the only thing that keeps me up day and night.
- It is in the light of this that I approved Infrastructure Support Fund for the States. This new Infrastructure Fund will enable States to intervene and invest in critical areas and bring relief to many of the pain points as well as revamp our decaying healthcare and educational Infrastructure.
- The fund will also bring improvements to rural access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce to markets. With the fund, our states will become more competitive and on a stronger financial footing to deliver economic prosperity to Nigerians.
- Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.
- These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.
- In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.
- Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.
- I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.
- Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.
- Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully on line. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.
- We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.
- In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.
- For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.
- Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On this principle, we shall never falter.
- We are also monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices. If and when necessary, we will intervene.
- I assure you my fellow country men and women that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn.
- Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.
- Thank you all for listening and may God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ECOWAS Faces Tensions Over Military Intervention in Niger Republic as Burkina Faso and Mali Rally Support
AdminIn a developing geopolitical situation, tensions are brewing within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the issue of military intervention in Niger Republic. Guinea has raised concerns that such an intervention could lead to the dislocation of ECOWAS as a regional body.
The call for military action in Niger Republic stems from ongoing security challenges and political instability in the region. However, Guinea’s President, Alpha Conde, has expressed reservations about the potential consequences of such a move, stating that it could cause disarray and discord among ECOWAS member states.
Instead, Guinea is urging ECOWAS to prioritize the welfare of African migrants in Tunisia, highlighting the humanitarian crisis that many of these migrants face. The country contends that ECOWAS should concentrate on collaborative efforts to address migration issues and provide support to those in need.
On the other hand, Burkina Faso and Mali have taken a different stance, voicing their unwavering support for Niger against any military intervention. According to a joint statement released by the leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali, they believe that a military intervention would be deemed a “declaration of war” and could escalate tensions in the already volatile region.
The situation is drawing widespread attention, with implications for regional stability and cooperation. As ECOWAS member states navigate through these complex issues, the region faces a crucial test of unity and collective decision-making.
The ongoing discussions among the ECOWAS member states have drawn international interest and concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation to understand the implications it may have on security, migration, and diplomatic relations within the West African region.
As events unfold, ECOWAS leaders are under pressure to find a balanced approach that addresses the security concerns in Niger Republic while safeguarding the unity and stability of the regional body. The outcome of these deliberations will shape the future direction of ECOWAS and its role in addressing regional challenges.
The Nigerian Army says combined troops of 82 Division, the Nigeria Police and security agencies have successfully raided hideouts and training camps belonging to IPOB/ESN in Orsomoghu forest, spanning Anambra and Imo States.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, in a statement on Tuesday, said the troops were alerted about the violent activities of IPOB/ESN in Onitsha, Nnewi and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as New Market in Enugu State.
According to the statement, during the operations, the troops cleared IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu and Mother Valley camps of the dissidents.
It said troops came in contact with the group’s armed fighters, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) also known as Ogbunigwe using locally fabricated mortar tubes.
“The valiant troops however overpowered the irredentist group in the firefight, compelling them to abandon their position as they fled with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes,” the statement said.
He said the troops arrested five fleeing members of the group and recovered one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera and two detonated IED bombs and a fabricated mortar tube.
The statement added that five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained varying degrees of injuries from the IED detonated by the criminals.
The statement encouraged all law-abiding citizens of the South-East to continue to support ongoing operations with actionable information and to disregard the unlawful two weeks sit-at-home order by going about their normal daily activities and businesses.
[DailyPost]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said salaries of members of the National Assembly were not enough to take care of demands from their constituents.
Akpabio stated this on Monday, while contributing to the debate on a motion sponsored by Abdulraman Kawu Suleiman, member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) representing Kano South, on the need to avert impending strike planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
He said with the volume of requests from various constituents represented in the National Assembly, lawmakers’ earnings were too inadequate to cater for those requests.
Akpabio conceded that though hardships associated with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products were enormous, there was need for the people to be more patient with government while steps were being taken to ameliorate sufferings of the people.
In defending his motion, Kawu said “the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down.”
Kawu added said the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, and the gains from the strike would be far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict.
He said,“The strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, frustration, more hardship that would lead to unquantified financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“NLC strike is also a bad reputation for the Nigerian economy and the educational system because it portrays the country in a bad light to the external world and discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria,” Kawu said.
The Senate after the debate mandated its leadership to interface between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Federal Government in order to avert strike.
[Vanguard]
The remains of the late former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Vincent Eze Ogbulafor was at the weekend laid to rest in his home town, Itaja-Obuohia, Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State.
Aged 73, the late Ogbulafor was also an ex-national secretary of the PDP and former minister of National Planning during the past administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The deceased politician left behind an aged mother, wife, children and siblings.
The burial ceremony attracted a cream of political bigwigs led by the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti.
Speaking earlier on the virtues of the late former PDP national chairman during a burial church service at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Olokoro, in Umuahia South LGA, Governor Otti said the late Ogbulafor lived a good life and left many legacies behind.
He noted that the history of his political journey cannot be complete without Ogbulafor being mentioned.
The Ogbulafor family in a tribute given by the first son, Uchenna, appreciated Governor Alex Otti for the relationship that existed between him and their father.
The family further thanked the Governor, the deceased’s business and political associates, friends, admirers and the leadership of the PDP for coming to identify with them in their moment of mourning.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has charged key stakeholders in his administration to shun every form of corrupt practice which can have negative impact on the people of the State.
Governor Adeleke also charged them to be innovative, diligent and prudent.
The Governor gave the charge at the beginning of a 3-day strategic retreat and onboarding programme for new political office holders and key stakeholders of Osun State in Ede.
The participants are commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, among others.
He noted that his administration was poised on a 5-point agenda, which encapsulates workers’ welfare, boosting businesses and reviving the State economy, through the introduction of policies that would boost the State’s GDP.
He revealed that his government recognised local suppliers and was looking for means to expand the local economy by avoiding exportation of contracts and services from outside the State.
The only exception, he noted, was if there were no capable hands in the state to carry out the job.
There must be a collaborative effort to reform education, health, agriculture and peoples’ welfare.
Osun is blessed with resources which can be used to create wealth for the people.
I want you to know that this is our State and we must do everything possible to develop it. This State is blessed with resources which, if well managed, can improve our economy and at the same time, create wealth for all and sundry.
I want to task and share with you principles of unity to achieve collective success.
He said, Please, avoid infighting and you must work together as a team to achieve the desired goals. Political appointees and Permanent Secretaries must work within the public service rules.
He also charged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to carry the various House Committees along in the activities of their Ministries.
Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast as uninspiring and deceptive.
Shaibu said the nationwide broadcast was a complete waste of time.
He noted that Tinubu’s speech was only done in order to convince the organised labour not to embark on a nationwide protest.
In a statement he signed, the Atiku’s aide maintained that Tinubu’s broadcast was an afterthought after removing petrol subsidy without a clear plan that would have ameliorated the sufferings of the people who have gotten poorer since the All Progressives Congress, APC, took power in 2015.
According to Shaibu, Tinubu’s speech was hurriedly put together in order to dissuade the suffering masses and the organised labour from embarking on protests. Rather than apologise for removing subsidy without providing a cushion for the poor, he went about accusing subsidy thieves of being behind the current suffering. If he is sure of this, why hasn’t he arrested them?
Tinubu also lied when he claimed that he had for years been an advocate of subsidy removal. This was a man who in 2012 described petrol subsidy removal as, the Goodluck Jonathan tax and sponsored protests in Lagos State. After he dubiously got to power, he lacked imagination on how to address the issue and then removed the subsidy but without a plan.
Shaibu said Tinubu’s so-called plans to provide N50,000 grants to small businesses would be undermined by inflation, exchange rate problems and corruption
He added, Tinubu says he will provide N50,000 (roughly $60) to 1, 300 nano businesses. This is reminiscent of the dubious trader moni and the monthly N20,000 spent on the public works programme of the last APC government which not only failed to stimulate the economy but also worsened poverty as funds went into private pockets.
What mechanism is in place to ensure that poor Nigerians access this? The answer is none. This is nothing but deception as we shall all see in the coming weeks.
He also questioned Tinubu’s plan to give 500,000 hectares of land to farmers in order to boost agriculture even when insecurity had failed to reduce.
He added, The Land Use Act puts lands under the purview of the governors. His so-called plan to provide 500,000 hectares is just part of the deception and a continuation of Buhari’s failed promises.
Besides, just on Saturday, farmers were killed and others kidnapped in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. Till now, there has not been a word from the Presidential Villa.
Most of the communities being attacked are agrarian communities which rely on farming. What sort of plan can you implement in the agric sector without first tackling insecurity?
He said Tinubu’s claim that the minimum wage would soon be reviewed upwards was evidence that he failed to properly plan for the removal of petrol subsidy.
Shaibu stated, Shouldn’t the discussion on the increase of minimum wage have been done prior to subsidy removal? This is the height of cluelessness, putting the cart before the horse.
The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the proposed nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stating that it poses a significant threat to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and overall well-being.
Recall that NLC a few days ago gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.
Reacting to the proposed industrial action by the NLC during the Senate plenary session on Monday, the upper chamber, according to information obtained through Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), stated that there is more to lose than gain from the strike.
In a bill sponsored by Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Suleiman (Kano South) and titled “Urgent need to avert the intending strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” the Senate emphasized that the strike could result in deeper economic woes, heightened hunger, frustration, and increased hardship for the citizens.
To avert the intending strike action, the Senate resolved by mandating its leadership to act as an intermediary between the NLC and the federal government to find a resolution.
The bill read in full, “Notes that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse what the union termed as “anti-poor policies” or face an indefinite nationwide strike from Wednesday 2nd August 2023.
“Also notes that the NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilization of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies, for a long-lasting strike and mass protests.
“Aware that the labour movement in a statement signed by its National President accused the Federal Government of failing to meet up with the demands it presented to it following the removal of the subsidy on petrol, which caused an astronomical rise in the pump price of the commodity.
“Disturbed that the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools, and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down.
“Further disturbed that the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, and the gains from the strike are far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict.
“Reflects that the strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, frustration, more hardship that would lead to unquantified financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has expressed dissatisfaction with the promises dished out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his national broadcast speech on Monday.
NLC said his “speech was not the silver black Nigerians expected.”
Contained in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the Congress said it is committed to its struggles since the President failed to address the current issues that exacerbate suffering and hardship in the country.
The in full reads; “Our review of today’s broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leaves us with the impression that the promises and assurances made by President Tinubu is not the silver bullet that Nigerians expected. The speech indeed appears to be out of touch with reality and anomalous with the hardship and suffering that most Nigerians are going through now.
“First, the opening statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed a commitment to a better and productive economy. We expected that the next line of statement would be how the present government plans to resuscitate our public refineries which have been lying comatose for so many years and is the major pain point in the whole subsidy narrative. Unfortunately, the entire speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was completely silent on the issue of the repair of our national refineries.
“Second, consistent with our perception of the misalignment of Mr. President’s promises and offerings to the reality faced by millions of workers and ordinary Nigerians was the faiture of President Tinubu to unmask those behind the looting of Nigeria’s commonwealth under the guise of petrol subsidy. It is unacceptable for the President and Commander-in-Chief to lament like ordinary Nigerians about a group that Mr. President routinely referred to in his speech as the “elites of the elites” who have stolen so much from Nigeria that they have become so powerful as to constitute a threat to democratic governance. What Nigerians expected from Mr. President is a firm commitment to bring these economic saboteurs to justice and recover what they have stolen.
“Third, Mr. President’s statement on working with Organised Labour to review the national minimum wage is out of sync with what has played out since President Tinubu removed the so-called petrol subsidy. In all the meetings scheduled by the government, Organised Labour has been forced to negotiate with empty chairs on the Federal Government’s side as the Federal Government has not matched its public promises with firm commitment to negotiate in good faith with labour. As a matter of fact, the sub-committee on wage award has not been inaugurated and has not met.
“Furthermore, Organised Labour is disturbed that while President Tinubu in his speech lavishly praised the Private Sector for quickly dispensing wage award to their employees, the Federal Government has failed to do the same for public workers in its employment. This is a clear case of failing woefully to live up to the standards it has set for others to meet. It is open knowledge that the review of the national minimum wage is a matter of the law which is expected to happen in 2024. How would Nigerian workers cope with the current reality of hyper inflation and suffering unleashed by the hasty removal of the so-called petrol subsidy till 2024 when the national minimum wage would be reviewed? This is incredible!
“Fourth, the claims of interventions by the Federal Government through palliatives, loans and conditional grants to poor Nigerians, big manufacturing concerns and small businesses and provision of CNG buses remain what they are promises! Nigerians are used to such promises which have never produced any verifiable and meaningful changes in the lives of citizens.
“Fifth, for many Nigerians, it is incomprehensible that the principal actors in the current government including Mr. President himself were clear in 2012 on the need to tackle the fundamental issues that brought about petrol subsidy. Those issues included the failure of previous governments to repair our national refineries and bring those behind the monumental subsidy sleaze to book. Today, these issues were swept under the carpet in President Tinubu’s speech. Nigerians wonder “what has changed?”
“Finally, we wish to assure Nigerians that the Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to matching discussions with government with the current realities of sufferings that Nigerians are going through. Until we see real commitment by government to do the needful to improve the lot of Nigerians and ameliorate the sufferings workers and ordinary Nigerians are going through, we remain committed to continue with our struggle.”
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said that the salaries of members of the National Assembly were not enough to take care of demands from their constituents.
According to the Senate president, the lawmakers earnings were too inadequate to cater to the volume of requests from various constituents represented in the National Assembly.
Akpbabio stated this on Monday while contributing to the debate on a motion sponsored by Abdulraman Kawu Suleiman, member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) representing Kano South, on the need to avert impending strike planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Akpabio conceded that though hardships associated with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products were enormous, there was need for the people to be more patient with government while steps were being taken to ameliorate sufferings of the people.
Kawu, while defending his motion, said that “the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down.”
He argued that the strike if not averted would plunge the nation into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses and lead to hunger, frustration, more hardship.
“NLC strike is also a bad reputation for the Nigerian economy and the educational system because it portrays the country in a bad light to the external world and discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria,” Kawu added.
The Senate after the debate mandated its leadership to interface between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Federal Government in order to avert strike.
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I’m Surprised President Tinubu Blamed Few Rich People For Nigeria’s Problem – Kenneth Okonkwo Reacts To National Broadcast
AdminNollywood actor and Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has made a mockery of President Bola Tinub over the national broadcast on the current economic challenge in the country.
Naija News reports that Tinubu, in his speech, revealed plans are underway aimed at easing the current hardship many Nigerians are facing.
The president also spoke on minimum wage, fuel subsidy, which was mostly benefited by a selected group of individuals, the economy, approval of N50 billion for small-scale businesses and plans to roll out buses across states and local government for mass transit at affordable rates.
In a post via Twitter on Monday, Kenneth said Tinubu blamed everyone for the current economic woes except himself.
The LP chieftain noted he was surprised that Tinubu could blame a few powerful, rich people for being responsible for the country’s problem.
According to him, the president also failed to initiate urgent methods to fix the country’s refineries to stop 100% importation of refined petroleum, which is the greatest destroyer of foreign exchange.
He tweeted, “Just listened to the leader of APC’s broadcast and heard him blaming every other person, except himself, for Nigeria’s woes. Surprised that he blamed few powerful rich people for our problem. I will agree with him if he will agree that he is the leader of the few powerful rich people plaguing us.
“He confessed that he has no solution to the current economic hardship as, according to him, there’s none. He failed to initiate urgent methods to fix our refineries to stop 100% importation of refined petroleum, which is the greatest destroyer of our foreign exchange.
“Giving loans and expecting payback within one year in a depressed economy can only be possible with traders of hard drug. What a missed opportunity! This is really renewed hopelessness.”
Nigeria’s Service Chiefs have pledged to be loyal to President Bola Tinubu by carrying out their responsibilities wherever they are assigned.
On Monday, the Chief of Defence Staff spoke on behalf of others following their decorations at the Presidential Villa’s Council Chambers in Abuja.
Tinubu presented the newly-appointed Service Chiefs with their new ranks on Monday in Abuja, charging them to work together to ensure the country’s peace and stability.
Before the ceremony, the Senate had already confirmed their appointments.
General Christopher Musa is the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja is the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar is the new Chief of Air Staff (CAS); and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla is the new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
Speaking on behalf of others, Musa stated that the security chiefs would present a positive image of the country.
He said;
Our appointment is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in us and recognition of our humble abilities to deliver for our dear nation. We pledge to carry out our duties with utmost dedication and full loyalty.
I assure Mr President that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is 100 per cent loyal to the government. We will go wherever we are ordered, whether by air, sea or land.
We will ensure that Nigeria is projected in good light. May God bless Nigeria and guide the Armed Forces in our efforts to guard our nation’s territorial integrity, and ensure peace and security reigns supreme.
Earlier, the President stated at the event, “We have seen that we are recording positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment, and steadfastness.”
Aside from internal security challenges, Tinubu, as ECOWAS Chairman, is currently tasked with restoring democratic order in Niger.
Last week, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was deposed by a military coup
Veteran Yoruba actor Musiliu Ajikanle is dead
Ajikanle died on Monday after seven years of battling with stroke.
Nollywood filmmaker and actor Saliu Gbolagade made the announcement in an Instagram post on Monday.
Sharing the picture of the deceased, the filmmaker wrote: “Ina Lilah Waina Allah Rajiun. God gave each of us the gift of life, and God gifted us with eternal life.
“Rest well, my dear friend Musiliu Ajikanle, your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten. May the blessings and peace of a good life lived follow you into heaven.”
Yoruba movie celebrities like Ayo Mogaji, Fathia Balogun, Sola Kosoko, and actor Portable took to the comments section to express their condolences.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has agreed to hold a discussion with the acclaimed prime minister of Biafra Government in Exile, Mr Simon Ekpa, and his group to find a lasting solution to their incessant sit-at-home orders in Southeast.
The president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, disclosed this Monday night in a release he personally signed.
Quoting Chief Iwuanyawu, “As a father, I hereby request Mr Simon Ekpa and his group for a discussion and an opportunity to air their grievances.”
Ohanaeze, in the release, said it was disheartening that the people of Southeast of Nigeria ‘are being subjected to hardships by the incessant call for sit at home’.
According to him, “Unfortunately several non-state actors in an attempt to enforce the order have unleashed mayhem on the people. Several people have been killed, maimed and property worth millions of naira have been destroyed.
“The sit-at-home order has been instilling fears and trepidation on the good people of the Southeast, making it difficult for people to come out to transact their lawful businesses. The Southeast is noted for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises, indigenous manufacturing, fabrication and agro-allied industries. Authorities have put the losses encountered by the people of Southeast at trillions of naira on each sit-at-home day.”
Iwuanyawu said the region had witnessed loss of clients and customers who find alternatives because of the unstable business environment in the Southeast, adding that, “The food transporters to the Southeast charge more for a trip to the region because of these sit-at-home orders.”
Iwuanyawu further highlighted the increasing insecurity and activities of unknown gunmen in the region because of the sit-at-home orders, noting that, “Over 250 persons are estimated to have lost their lives through the enforcement of the sit-at-home order.”
On the fresh two weeks’ sit-at-home declared by Ekpa, Iwuanyawu said, “This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to succeed in Igboland.”
He recalled that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, through his special counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor, last Friday cancelled sit at home with an order to Ekpa to desist from declaring further sit-at-home.
Quoting him, “Kanu, on whose behalf Ekpa claims to be working, has directed the said Simon Ekpa ‘to end all sit-at-home in the Southeast and to stop antagonizing the governors of the Southeast or politicians from the region’.
“It is disturbing that at a time Ohanaeze is engaging the Igbo entrepreneurs all over the world on a think-home philosophy, a foreign based Igbo is bent on destabilizing the home front.”
Iwuanyawu therefore declared that, “The sit-at-home in Igbo-land should be discountenanced. I urge the security operatives to exercise the highest degree of prudence in the discharge of their official duties to avoid further loss of innocent lives in Igbo-land.”
He commended Southeast governors on their efforts to put a stop to the order, and sympathised with ‘families who have lost loved ones and property during these sad and unfortunate events’.