•Does not believe in price controls   

•Has no regrets removing subsidy   

•Says borrowing not a crime

•Tax reforms have come to stay, but open to negotiations on VAT  

•Expresses confidence in his security architecture

•Insists reforms not designed to inflict pains on Nigerians, necessary for growth  

•Says he has met obligations without recourse to NNPCL funds  

•Blames stampedes on very grave error on part of organisers

President Bola Tinubu, last night, asked Nigerians to believe in his government, saying the administration, which is “just 18-month” old, is on the right path and marks “a glorious dawn” for Nigeria.

Featuring in the maiden edition of his Presidential Media Chat, held in Lagos, Tinubu expressed confidence in his security architecture, saying he has no reason to sack or probe his security chiefs.

Declaring that he had no regrets removing fuel subsidy, he insisted that his controversial tax reforms had come to stay, in spite of opposition from some quarters. Though, he hinted that the government might be open to negotiation on the aspect of the tax reforms dealing with Value Added Tax (VAT).

He said his government’s reforms, though coming with unintended painful consequences, were not intended to inflict pain on Nigerians, but to lead the country to the glorious future that the people crave.

The president blamed palliative organisers for the recent stampedes that caused several deaths in different parts of the country.

Despite spiraling inflation, Tinubu said he did not believe in price controls. He said the market should be supplied, while allowing the forces of demand and supply determine prices.

The president said his administration had met its financial obligations without resorting to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for funding.

Tinubu defended his government’s huge appetite for loans, saying borrowing for infrastructure is not a crime.

He passed a vote of confidence on his cabinet, and dismissed suggestion to trim the cabinet size.

Speaking to Nigerians as part of his parting shots at the end of the media chat, Tinubu said, “I seek your understanding. I understand the trouble you’ve been through: the economic problems. It is just 18-month that I’ve taken the reign. We’ll maintain focus. Let’s believe in ourselves and in our country. Tomorrow will bring a glorious dawn.”

Tinubu assured Nigerians that 2025 would usher in economic prosperity and growth, emphasising that he understands the plight of the people.

He said, “2025 is a very promising year. Let me thank Nigerians for having confidence in me to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I’m very proud of that.

“I don’t want you to think that I will take it for granted at any given time. It is all about service. I will do it with all my heart. I seek your cooperation all the time.”

Tinubu told the panel anchored by Dr Reuben Abati of ARISENEWS TV that leaders of the country’s security services deserve commendation, not probe.

He said, “I’m not probing service chiefs. You cannot disrespect the institution because of threat of war, without investment in technology, in weaponry and training.

“There might be leakages here and there. We put a very effective control mechanism in place to monitor our budget releases, and those funds have been judiciously used.

“Consider the welfare of our service men and women, consider it. They are living and are operating in a very serious conditions. We have huge country, a very huge world, and lot of forests, unoccupied spaces.

“Give them credit for what they are doing. I am proud of what they are doing to date. No need to probe. I have confidence in my security architecture. It is very, very unfortunate that, you know, two decades of wanton killing.

“I remember when I jumped into the campaign. I had to stop the campaign to pay condolences to Maiduguri, Katsina, Kaduna, Yola. Today, you can still travel the roads. Before now, it was impossible.

“It takes one incident to mess up an organised environment. It takes one. You cannot say the military is not prepared. When the 9th Brigade Battalion was attacked, you can’t laugh at your nation because of that.

“The enemies, with faith and without, are watching what you are doing. You have to be prepared 100 per cent, 24 hours of the day, to make sure that people are safe.

“Today, that is not the story any longer. People can leave Kaduna and still go towards Kafancha by road. Well, the road may not be that smooth. I’m not saying it won’t. Gradually, we will get there.”

The president stressed that he had no regrets removing fuel subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023. He said failure to do so would have amounted to the country spending the lives of its future generations.

Tinubu stated, “We were spending our future, We were spending our generations when we claimed we were giving subsidy to Nigerians on petrol. We were not investing.

“We were just deceiving ourselves. That reform (fuel subsidy removal), is necessary. I could see the small glass crashing back. This is the way out. The fact that we give out fuel, allow all the attacks. We cannot spend our future generations’ investment up front.”

Asked if he thought the removal should have been done in phases, Tinubu said it might have worked that way, too.

He stated, “Please, no matter how you cut it or you slice it in segments, you stay out of the middle of the deal. So, cut your coat, stick it to your side. It’s what we have to manage.

“We have no choice but to pull the handbrake. Otherwise, we are headed for slippery slopes. That could result in financial disaster, not just for us, but our children and grandchildren. Where is the inheritance? Where is the pathway to prosperity?”

The president, who cracked a joke about one of his friends who had stopped driving limousine cars since the fuel subsidy was removed, urged Nigerians to live within their means.

On the controversial tax bills, Tinubu said, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears into this economy. We cannot retool this economy with the old broken boat. I believe I have that capacity (to govern this country). I believe so.

“That’s why I went into the race. I have focus, lots of focus, on what Nigeria needs and what I must do for Nigeria. It’s just not going to be Eldorado for everybody. But the new dawn is here. I’m convinced. You should be convinced. You (the media) should help propagate that conviction.”

The president scored his government high with the results already being recorded based on the economic reforms being implemented.

According to him, “When you look at the petroleum revenue, I can tell you, pushed me to my brag mode. In the last three months, I have not taken a penny from the NNPCL before I meet my other obligations.

“That’s excellent. That’s excellent. I repeat, without falling back to the old order, without going into ways and means, I’ve met all obligations.”

He, however, refused to speak on the VAT component of the tax reforms when asked to make some comments on it.

“Why do you want to know that today? Tax matters are subject of debates, reviews, negotiations, not huge concessions. That’s all I’m going to say about that. I don’t mind much energy,” he said.

The president said no amount of time would satisfy the critics, and he needed to take action, nevertheless.

On the tragic incidents that claimed the lives of many people due to stampedes at the distribution of palliatives by some non-governmental organisations in Oyo Anambra states, and the FCT, Tinubu described the development as sad, and blamed the organisers of the events

He also warned that anyone or group that did not have enough palliatives to give should not call many people to a single place.

Tinubu said, “I’ve never experienced this kind of incident, because you have to organise, you have to discipline, and if you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicise it.

 

“Every society, even in America, they have food banks; they have hungry people. In Britain, they have food banks, they have warehouses, they are organised, they take time to be on the queue and take turns to collect.

“It’s unfortunate, we just have to learn from our past mistakes. It’s a reflection in our bus stops, where we don’t even want to be on queue before we rush into the vehicle.

“It is very sad, but we continue to learn from our mistakes. To me, I see this as a very grave error on the part of the organisers. However, it doesn’t kill our happiness, but this shouldn’t be.”

Tinubu announced that he had reduced debt service from 98 per cent to about 68 per cent and defended the country’s borrowing appetite, arguing that it is not a crime to borrow.

He pointed to ongoing infrastructure project and other investments enabled by borrowing.

The president said he had confidence in his cabinet and would not reduce its size, saying he believes that the ministers are doing what they need to do.

He said his cabinet should be given credit for what it was doing, and there was no need to investigate the members.

Tinubu, who said the country was moving forward despite criticisms from some quarters, described the proposed 2025 appropriation bill as budget of restoration and hope, adding that the country remains on the path of recovery.

He admitted that healing the country was not feasible within a year and asked Nigerians for patience with his government.

Among other things, the president said there was no need to embark on expenditure when revenue remained a challenge, adding that Nigerians must learn to manage in the situation.

Explaining that the ongoing reforms were not designed to inflict pains on the people, but “we want this country to grow”, the president stressed the need for the country to produce more for consumption locally, as well as export.

He said improved security would help farmers to return to their farms to boost food production, saying there is need to further encourage the manufacturing of drugs in Nigeria, and put up incentives to harness other potential.

On food security, the president said the country had all it took to turn disaster to prosperity, and all that was needed was to “remove conflicting elements”.

Tinubu said there was need to embrace commodity exchange, but he kicked against price control mechanism to rein in inflation, saying he would rather that prices were left to market forces to determine than control them.

“I don’t believe in price control. We just need to continue to supply the market,” he said, explaining that demand and supply would eventually reach an equilibrium and find their real bearing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly stated that he has no intention of reducing the size of his cabinet, explaining that the current structure was designed to ensure efficient governance for a large nation like Nigeria.

Speaking during his first Presidential Media Chat on Monday, Tinubu responded to suggestions to downsize his cabinet, emphasising that the country’s population of over 200 million requires a substantial number of officials to manage its affairs.

“I’m not prepared to bring down the number of my cabinet. I saw the need for them when I created the portfolio. Nigeria is a large country. If you are to entertain over 200 million persons, calculate how many stewards will be required,” the President said.

He added that efficiency was the driving force behind the cabinet’s formation, and he was not willing to shrink its size.

Tax Reform here to stay, new dawn not Eldorado for all – Tinubu

Tinubu also addressed the controversial tax reform, calling it “here to stay” and necessary for the country’s long-term prosperity.

He pointed out that Nigeria could no longer afford to continue with its old economic practices. Reflecting on his time as Lagos State Governor, he said, “I remember what I met, and I’m proud of what I left. It’s expanding today. We have to accommodate new thoughts in the economic calculation.”

The President argued that the tax reform is designed to be “pro-poor,” aiming to widen the tax net so that the country can benefit from a larger pool of resources.

He emphasised that, despite concerns and calls for consultation, the government would continue with the reform.

“The hallmark of a leader is the ability to do what must be done. You have given me the mandate to govern, and I’m laser-focused on what Nigerians need. It will not be Eldorado for everybody, but the new dawn is here,” Tinubu stated.

His comments highlighted the government’s commitment to economic transformation, despite criticisms, and the need for all Nigerians to contribute to the nation’s growth.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), stressing that the recent drop in price to ₦935/litre is not satisfactory.

Recalls that Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to ₦935/litre.

Prior to the announcement, the commodity was sold for over ₦1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than ₦1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.

However, Labour insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.

Speaking with Punch, a senior official of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chris Onyeka, rejected any applause for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.

He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity.

“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework, including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad, unfairly burden Nigerians.

“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.

Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.

“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.

He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.

“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.

“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.

Elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has taken a firm stance against the northern governors’ opposition to the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Clark stressed the importance of the reforms for Nigeria’s economic stability, criticising the 19 northern governors of double standards and undue influence.

The elder statesman, however, questioned their decision to hold separate meetings after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had already deliberated on the matter.

“I was so shocked when I learned that the 19 governors of the north have met again. If 36 of you met, why are you meeting again? This arrogance of power must stop,” he said.

The elder statesman also expressed disappointment with the NEC’s recommendation that the tax bills be shelved for further consultation.

He criticized the council for overstepping its advisory role, accusing it of engaging in political manoeuvring.

“The NEC is a constitutional advisory body, but today it has been converted into an executive body.

“The 36 governors under the vice president are now playing politics rather than focusing on governance,” Clark remarked.

He further accused governors of failing to engage their constituents, claiming they prioritize trips to Abuja over addressing local concerns.

“How many times have they consulted their people? They don’t stay at home. They are always in Abuja thinking that they will get more money,” he said.

Clark also called on President Tinubu to prioritize inclusivity and merit in his administration.

He criticized the president for allegedly appointing allies and friends to key positions, warning that such actions could deepen divisions in the country.

“Nigeria does not belong to Mr. President; it belongs to everyone. Every Nigerian deserves an equal chance to rise to the top,” he emphasized.

Defending the tax reform bills, Clark insisted that they are crucial for Nigeria’s fiscal health.

He argued that all Nigerians, including the northern governors, must contribute through taxes to sustain the nation.

“When they decide to share, they must ask where the money they are sharing comes from. So, you must pay tax,” he said.

President Tinubu’s tax reform bills have been met with widespread criticism, with concerns about their potential economic burdens on citizens.

While the NEC advised the president to reconsider the bills, the 19 northern governors separately rejected them, further fueling tensions.

Popular Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has officially become a gospel minister, after receiving his minister’s license.

The 69-year-old Academy Award-winning actor was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday.

In a heartfelt message following the baptism, Washington expressed his gratitude and faith.

“It took a while, but I’m finally here. If God can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit,” he said.

Archbishop Bryant, who officiated the ceremony, shared the occasion on Facebook, celebrating Washington’s decision to give his life to Christ and join the clergy in the Church of God in Christ.

“We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment,” the post read.

Washington has long been open about his Christian faith, though he’s previously noted how difficult it can be to express such beliefs in Hollywood.

In a recent interview with ‘Esquire’, he revealed how religion is often a taboo subject in the entertainment industry.

“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire.

Despite these challenges, he stressed that his faith remains central to his identity.

“I’m unafraid. “I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he added.

Though Washington is unsure how many of his peers in Hollywood share his beliefs, he made it clear that his faith is an important part of who he is.

“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.

“There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he wrote.

Washington’s career has spanned more than four decades, with standout roles in films such as ‘Malcolm X’, ‘Training Day’, ‘The Book of Eli’, and ‘Fences’.

His breakthrough came with the TV series ‘St. Elsewhere’ in 1982, setting the stage for his illustrious film career.

Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has shared harrowing details about her marriage and an alleged attempt on her life.

In an emotional interview with her colleague, Bimpe Akintunde on the YouTube show Iriri Mi, Toyosi recounted the challenges she endured in her 15-year marriage and the lengths she went to save it, despite her stardom.

Toyosi Adesanya revealed that her efforts to sustain her marriage included relocating from Lagos to Akure, a decision she believed would balance her career and family life.

She even travelled abroad at her own expense to salvage her relationship when her husband relocated. However, the actress alleged that malevolent forces infiltrated her marriage, leading to its eventual breakdown.

The most shocking revelation came when Toyosi recounted an alleged assassination attempt. She claimed that her life was saved miraculously, but someone else died in her place.

Bimpe Akintunde, who visited Toyosi during her marriage, corroborated some of the struggles, recalling meeting her colleague fetching water, a stark contrast to her celebrity status.

In Toyosi Adesanya’s words:

“For me, I wish to be married. For someone like me, I’ve been in a marriage and people were asking me how I would cope with stardom. I left Lagos for Akure, which is a four-hour journey, but I was determined it wouldn’t affect my stardom. I made all that sacrifice in that marriage.

“I really put in an effort in my marriage. I was married for 15 years. I tried so much in my marriage that the elder in the industry knew I did. The person I married didn’t offend me, but he allowed the devil into the marriage. The house that I built with him, I left it for him because my life is important.

“When he left me to go abroad, I went to meet him there and even used my money to transport myself there because I wanted to make my marriage work.

“The man that I am currently with, I told him I am not going to get married because I will have one wedding in life because it was a court wedding.

Bimpe Akintunde knew of my court wedding as she attended it in Akure. Anytime she came to visit, she would bring foodstuffs for me and encourage me to stay in the marriage. We were fetching water in the first house we acquired. She said I was now fetching water and I said God will perform miracles. I would be praying for my husband in the presence of my present husband.

The senior actors I usually go to the prayer mountain with came to my house in Akure and told me that there were some items planted in some designated places in my home and prayed against my corpse being taken out of the house”.

Nigerian UK-based pastor Tobi Adegboyega has remained in the news amid reports of his alleged deportation.

Speaking in a recent interview, the clergyman explained why Davido, KCee, and others performed at his recent birthday party.

In November 2024, Tobi Adegboyega was berated after videos featuring Davido, KCee, and others performing at his birthday party emerged. Critics queried his reasons for opting for secular artistes instead of gospel singers to perform at his birthday, considering his status as a clergyman.

In the interview, the UK-based pastor explained that he is close to Davido and Zlatan Ibile, whom he jokingly described as gospel artists.

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega stated that he couldn’t force gospel artistes to relate with him since they joined the bandwagon against him. The clergyman also disclosed that Davido and every other artiste who performed at his birthday bash did not receive a dime.

Speaking about Zlatan Ibile, Adegboyega described the Zanku boss as a son to him, stating that his parents were recently at his home in the UK.

The federal government has called on state governors yet to implement the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage to do so as a special New Year gift for workers.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this appeal during a press briefing in Abuja. She noted that the new minimum wage aligns with improving workers’ welfare and promoting industrial harmony nationwide.

Onyejeocha expressed optimism that the New Year would encourage more governors to adopt the wage package.

She highlighted that most states have already committed to its implementation, while those yet to start have not refused but may require more time.

“All we can say to workers is to remain patient. I believe governors will use the New Year to implement the minimum wage as a gesture to their workers,” she said.

In addition, the minister revealed plans for the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP). This initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, aims to create 2.5 million jobs annually over the next four years, providing critical employment opportunities across sectors.

Onyejeocha also addressed efforts to ensure industrial peace through the recently launched National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP).

This policy seeks to foster better collaboration between labor unions and employers, reducing the frequency of strikes.

Responding to the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee’s threat to block allocations to the Ministry of Labour, Onyejeocha apologized on behalf of the ministry. She acknowledged the lawmakers’ constitutional authority to demand accountability and pledged to address the issue promptly.

“It’s unfortunate, and I apologize to the National Assembly. We must respect their oversight responsibilities and ensure compliance in future engagements,” she stated.

The minister assured that the ministry would utilize the remaining budget deliberation window to defend its proposals effectively, reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling its mandates.

The Federal Government has officially declared Wednesday, December 25, Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, encouraging them to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the festive season represents.

He urged citizens to use the holiday period to strengthen family bonds and promote harmony within their communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity across the nation, calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their dedication to national progress.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda in ushering in a more prosperous 2025.

The minister concluded by wishing all Nigerians a joyous Christmas and a fulfilling New Year, expressing confidence in a better and thriving economy in the months ahead.