Author: The Nation

• Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas, governors celebrate Eid with President in Lagos

Be ready to work with me to fix the economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told governors in Lagos yesterday.

He promised to operate an open-door policy.

The President was busy as a bee on the 30th day of his administration.

He started with whistle-stop visits to two leading traditional rulers in Ogun State – the Awujale of Ijebuland Octogenarian Oba Sikiru Adetona in Ijebu Ode and the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in Abeokuta – to say thank you.

On his return to Lagos, he attended a grand reception organised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Government House in Marina.

Governors across party lines, All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, and the leadership of the National Assembly, among others, attended the event.

Another major highlight of the reception was the joint presentation of a gift to the President, who is the first Lagos State Governor of the fourth republic, by his three successors Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Sanwo-Olu. 

It was the first time Ambode was seen with Tinubu since he left office in 2015.

Tinubu told the governors led by Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) that with their support and the bold steps he is taking, Nigerians are assured of a better future and Renewed Hope.

He said: “I promise to work with the governors through an open door policy that will return Nigeria from the brink to a resilient economy. Be ready you governors.

“I know what I’m going to do from Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on, and I want us to be partners so that we can rescue our country and make it whole again.”

President Tinubu also thanked party members for keeping faith in him during the long and tortuous journey to the presidency.

He added: “I’m very grateful. I thank my Vice President. You shall receive the joy of giving, the joy of perseverance, joy of resilience and endurance. You will see the reward for this country; it’s going to prosper and be prosperous.

Read Also: Tinubu: How I invoked the spirit of Emilokan to win

“I say thank you to all of you and I appreciate tonight. I will continue to appreciate more when we work together to dissect the possible economic prosperity of our nation in favour of our children. 

“I’m also glad to see former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Thank you, Akin. God bless you all.”

Speaking on behalf of NGF, AbdulRazaq, pledged that state chief executives, regardless of party affiliations, were ready to cooperate and work with the President to ensure the country becomes better and safer for all citizens.

He said: “NGF is excited that both the President and Vice President are alumni of the Governors’ Forum. We are committed to work with a federalist who worked to get things done in a truly federal system. We reiterate our support for a renewed hope agenda regardless of our parties.”

The APC governors at the reception were led by Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) Chairman Hope Uzodimma (Imo).

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Abia State Governor Alex Otti represented the Labour Party (LP).

Other governors were Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarrawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to work harmoniously with the President, telling him: “The National Assembly belongs to you, and all Nigerians.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu told Tinubu: “Lagos is proud of you”. He also expressed confidence in the president’s ability to offer good leadership.

He said: “I’m sure you will all agree that since he took his oath of office as the president of the largest black nation, we have seen uncommon pronouncement, uncommon audacity of change, a renewed hope that he promised us. 

“I’m also proud of him to say that this is a tenure that begins with a promise of change and, within a short time, we are beginning to see that change. 

“Mr President, your ascension to the seat was greeted with great war and expectations. We believed in you as a leader, a builder of men, talents, and a custodian of the best ideas of governance. 

“I’m happy to say that indeed you are our Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Read Also: Be patient, I’m taking baby steps, Tinubu tells Nigerians

“You’ve catalysed a series of economic interventions, and policy changes, and you have sown the seed of future prosperity. 

“Your administration has rekindled the attitude of resilience and integrity among fellow Nigerians.

“We are confident that under your leadership, Nigeria will reach unprecedented heights. 

“We stand in solidarity with you in bringing your great vision for Nigeria to life, and we will join hands with the president to rebuild Nigeria.”

Former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola also reiterated the need to support the president to succeed. 

“Nigeria’s presidency is not a one-man job. He should be supported to succeed. 

“Six of his policies in Lagos, as governor, have stood the test of time and have been adopted in other states and so I urge the governors to support policies that will be introduced by the president.”

Other dignitaries at the event include First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje and former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro.

The others are the APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

Business leaders were led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Rasak Okoya. Royal fathers of Awori extraction were also present at the reception.

• •Senator, governor disagree

Former Senate spokesman Ajibola Basiru yesterday faulted Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday’s clash at an Eid praying ground in Osogbo.

He said the governor “surrounded himself with incompetent people”.

The clash at the Oke-Baale area of Osun State followed disagreements over the sitting arrangement on the first row.

It resulted in the governor storming out of the venue without observing two Rakat prayers.

But Basiru told reporters yesterday that some of Adeleke’s aides were not representing him well.

He said: “I pity the Governor of Osun State; he is surrounded by people who don’t know how to represent him very well and those who are supposed to be his handlers are people who are pushing illogical narratives for him and I will give you two examples.

“The spokesperson said some hoodlums were seen in about three buses at the Eid ground and up till today nothing has happened in terms of arresting and bringing them to book.

“The governor left the premises, leaving those thugs in the venue without arresting them up till now and he is supposed to be the chief security officer, who swore to the Constitution.

Read Also: Adeleke surrounded by incompetent aides—Senator Basiru

“Section 14 states that security and welfare are paramount responsibilities of the governor, so that statement by Olawale Rasheed is an indictment on the governor himself. Maybe he does know the implications on the office of the governor.

“To also say the governor arrives at a place to meet such a situation means that the security around the governor is also porous because there is supposed to be an advance team that would have gone to do security reconnaissance. Two things would have happened; either they are inefficient or outright liars.”

He added: “I am a Muslim but I don’t mix politics and religion. Some people pretend to be what they are not to appeal to voters.

“It is also ironic that for somebody who is a Muslim, no matter how hard it is, no matter the issues involved – to observe a two-Rakat prayer should not be an issue. He stormed out of the Eid and after that, his spokesperson said he went to do thanksgiving.

“I don’t know if it was a Muslim, Christian, or traditional thanksgiving because there is nothing like thanksgiving in Islam. For me, as our people begin to grow and demand good governance from public officials, as we begin to pay our taxes, they will take governance seriously and won’t let anybody deceive them using the primordial sentiment of religion.”

But the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, accused Basiru of being behind the violence at the Eid ground.

Read Also: Adeleke, Basiru clash at Eid prayer ground

He said: “The governor’s handlers are more than competent, hence the superlative performance of the administration in the last seven months. There was an advance team that had secured a space for the governor.

“SRJ hijacked the space and refused to vacate the space when approached by protocol officers first and later by Osogbo leaders.

“The handlers are smarter because SRJ’s agenda was to create violence and stampede which he planned to blame on the governor. The presence of armed thugs was to kill and create a stampede, all of which would have been blamed on the governor.

“But the team was smarter, hence the governor leaving the venue and denying dark minds of their yearnings for blood. Again, the right thing was done by the police who quizzed the culprit, SRJ. Ongoing is an investigation by the police.

“Ours is a law-abiding administration. The governor escaped an assassination attempt, and the worshippers escaped the stampede that would have claimed the lives of innocent citizens.”

President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to bear with the discomfort arising from his reforms, saying that it is temporary.

He said ‘Renewed Hope’, which emphasizes his campaign promises, will be faithfully implemented and bring relieve to the masses.

President Tinubu reiterated his determination to turn the country around during his thank you visit to Ogun State.

At the palaces of the Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, he admonished Nigerians to demonstrate the virtue of good citizenship by cooperating with his reform-driven administration.

Eminent Nigerians including business mogul Dr. Mike Adeniyi Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom Nigeria Limited, former Ogun States Governor Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and former Deputy Governor Adegbenga Kaka, were among dignitaries that received him at Ijebu-Ode.

The President, who flew in chopper from Lagos, was accompanied by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

President Tinubu also defended his victory, recalling that during the February 25 poll, he triumphed over the ineffective cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The President, who recalled that he had been a refugee in the past, said Nigerians should be proud of their citizenship.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, the President, who promised to fulfill his promises, appealed for prayers from the residents of Ogun State to ensure progress and stability in the country.

He said: “I have redeemed my pledge that I will come back with victory and the crown.

“The hope is recharged; the hope is here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your lives in a positive manner.

“By the grace of Almighty God, we shall reap the fruits of our labour, Nigeria will see positive change, just endure these baby steps of pain.

“This country is the only one we have. I have been a refugee and I know what it means to be a refugee and my green passport is what I still have now.”

At Awujale’s palace, President Tinubu said he was optimistic about victory in the last election, despite the ineffective cashless policy implemented by the CBN.

Reflecting on the challenges in the build-up to the poll, the President recounted his concerns about the confiscation of funds and the failure of the cashless policy, and how he had previously sought wisdom and guidance from Oba Adetona during his visit to the palace.

The President said he had invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolised by ”Baba Emilokan”, to overcome the obstacles.

Read Also: Tinubu’s renewed hope greater than Ulasi, Asari Dokubo outbursts — Onoh

Tinubu said: “Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work. It was terrible then. I realised that I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom, which we are noted for.

“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s Baba. Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money, we will do the election and we will win.”

President Tinubu, who maintained that these spirits had been the driving force behind his service, thanked Oba Adetona, other monarchs, elected officials, particularly his ‘personal friend’, Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East, for their loyalty and commitment during those crucial times.

Turning to Oba Adetona, Tinubu described his visit to Ijebu-Ode as a homecoming.

“The way you have taken me, the way you have responded to me, all I can say is thank you. May you live long and may you witness a prosperous Nigeria.”

The president also acknowledged the presence of Globacom Chairman, Chief Mike Adenuga, hailing his contributions to the economy.

In Abeokuta, President Tinubu thanked Oba Gbadebo, describing him as a great leader.

In separate remarks at Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta, Ogun State  Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the President for the visit, describing him as a man of uncommon grace and a living testimony of resilience.

Noting that Tinubu is a visionary, the governor said his pronouncement in the first few weeks in office have defined that he was prepared and qualified for office.

Oba Adetona and Oba Gbadebo, in separate remarks in their palaces, commended President Tinubu for his leadership, acknowledging him as an instrument of God chosen to rectify past shortcomings.

They offered prayers for the President’s guidance and good health, urging Nigerians to support his administration.

Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akaraigbo of Remoland, who commended the President for hitting the ground running, said that the people needed urgent palliatives to mitigate the effects of the current challenges.

He lauded the wise decisions so far taken by the administration, reminding the President of his promise to bring development to Remo.

Oba Ajayi added: “I remember when you came to the palace and all we said is our dream is for you to go and win the primaries, and that once you win the primaries, I’m sure that God will take us there. I’m glad that God took us there.

“I want to remind you of what you said when you came to Remo. You said with the proximity of Shagamu to Lagos, you were surprised at the level of development in Remo. This is the time Mr President to walk that talk.”

The Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) yesterday cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against further increase in petrol price. 

Its National Vice-President Abubakar Maigadi warned that further increases would not favour the market especially now that the demand for the product has dropped.

He said: “We are waiting for the new consignment of petrol for July to come before we can know what NNPCL plans. 

“But it is not good for there to be a change of price in July. This is just our advice. It will not augur well when they change the price. We are advising NNPCL not to change the price.”

But IPMAN’s National Operations Controller, Mike Osatuyi, described the current petrol prices as transitional.

Osatuyi said the prices may rise to N700 in some parts of the country beginning tomorrow.

He said: “The petrol being sold now is old stock- the ones on the high sea, tanks and filling stations- they are all stocks ordered before the subsidy removal.

“Right now, nobody has imported petrol. People who want to import have to go and source for Forex on their own. We are trying to access funds and place orders for the product. Delivery cannot be earlier than 28 days after an order.”  

On why prices may hit N700 per litre, Osatuyi said: “With a current exchange rate standing at N770 to a dollar today, if you now configure that into the template of $70 a barrel of crude, what do you think that will translate to? A 45, 000-litre tanker of petrol now comes at N23 million.

“Based on a template we have worked, Lagos price will be about N610 a litre and in the farther parts of the country like Maiduguri, it will be like N700. This price will be the basic. Anybody with a superior argument should challenge me.

“The current price of petrol we are buying is a ‘’transition price’. We are not even talking about the VAT (Value Added Tax) that has been gazetted on all petroleum products. So, once that is affected, then it has to be added to the litre price. I don’t want to create panic that’s why I left it at N700.

“Even the NNPCL price per litre will still increase because of the new forex rate at which the firm will import petrol.

“Remember that NNPCL is now operating as a company; it won’t enjoy crude oil swap deals again; it will buy forex at the same price as us. There is no more arbitrage in the sector. It is now how each marketer is able to drive his efficiency that will bring down his cost and the quality of service rendered.”

President Bola Tinubu explained yesterday that petrol subsidy was removed to stop the bleeding of Nigeria’s economy. 

He added that it was expedient for the action to be taken to re-engineer the control and management of the nation’s resources.

Read Also: Petrol price increased by 54.52% in one year

He spoke at a reception for him at the State House in Marina, Lagos to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

The President, at the reception hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Nigeria could no longer be neighbouring countries’ Father Christmas while its economy bleeds.   

His words: “We had no choice but to re-engineer the effectiveness of control and management of our resources to meet the obligation of our oath. I’m standing here, assuring you that I will not relent in working with available resources to cater for Nigerians.

“We can afford to be Father Christmas to the neighbouring countries, but we can’t just afford a petroleum subsidy and a sinking hole around the foreign exchange.

“Yes, I could have said I want a share of my benefits and participate in the habit, but God forbid. That is not why you elected me. You choose me to bring about necessary changes that will benefit not only you, but your grandchildren and our tomorrow.

“We have just started. We have to re-engineer the financial system of the country and see that economic planning and the budgetary process is transparent enough to cater for Nigerians.” 

Edo PDP chair lauds bold decisions

Also yesterday, Chairman of local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, commended the President for taken bold decisions to stop subsidy payment and unify naira exchange rates.

He noted that the policies of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC)-led administration would soon give Nigeria more than N2 trillion.

Aziegbemi, an economist, told reporters in Benin that the steps taken by the President were the best way to go for the country.

The PDP chieftain however said that many Nigerians were worried about the nature of palliatives being planned by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of the policies.

He advised the President to shut the door of his government against people of questionable character, urging him to take a cue from the some PDP members who now throw mud at the party.

According to him, members of G-34 that formed the PDP in 1998 would be turning in their graves because of what some politicians do to the party.

He listed some of the founding members (now deceased) Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Dr. Alex Ekueme and Chief Tony Anenih, among others.