Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the activities of President Bola Tinubu in his first week in office.
A new chapter has opened in the history of Nigeria, following the inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The president is settling down to the serious business of governance after taking the mantle from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) six days ago.
It was an impressive ceremony witnessed by statesmen, diplomats and other world figures. But the euphoria quickly gave way for serious work.
Obviously President Tinubu has applied for a tedious job. But the mandate is meant for a competent man, an experienced administrator, a patriot, democrat and strategist like him.
Governance in Nigeria, African most populous and highly heterogenous country, cannot be a tea party. On the president is the burden of diverse , and sometimes antagonistic 250 ethnic groups who, in their quest for a new lease of life, are locked in a competitive struggle for resources at the distant centre under the faulty, deformed and debased federal structure.
Apart from the huge tasks of unification, fostering equity, fairness and justice require tact, wisdom and strong resolve. The challenges across the sectors make urgent reforms more compelling. Nigerians are impatient people who want quick action and relief. Therefore, they are maintaining keen interest in every presidential move. Predictably, the preliminary assessment of Tinubu’s performance will be undertaken by informed commentators, critics and foes at the end of his first 100 days in Aso Villa, the seat of government.
The president is focused on his vision, goals and plans. In his inaugural speech, which has been hailed across the globe for its clarity, focus, depth and reassurance, the president raised serious concern about national unity.
Adorning his characteristic national outlook, Tinubu assured the people of inclusiveness. “I will be president of all,” he said, adding: “Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none, but compassion and amity towards all.”
The message should resonate with voters from the six geo-political zones who conferred the mandate on him during the February 25 poll, not as a candidate of a tribe or religious tendency, but as a total Nigerian ready to lead the country into a new dawn.
Highlights of inaugural speech
Consistent with his campaign promises, Tinubu laid out some programmes he would pursue in the maiden address to the nation. He spoke on his plans for the economy; business and foreign exchange; agriculture, jobs, power supply, security and, the matter of the moment -fuel subsidy removal.
The president, in the speech titled: ‘A new deal for Nigeria,’ described the peaceful transfer of power as an evidence of political stability, which he would build upon. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Buhari, saying that history will be kind to him.
Conscious of the nature of Nigeria, particularly its cleavages, he promised to unify. The country is big and there are peculiarities dictated by its ethnic composition. Therefore, in utter sensitivity to these differences, Tinubu promised to consult widely, mend fences, pursue a healing process, and foster good governance based on the rule of law.
He reflected on the poll that brought him to power. He described it as a hard fought contest, which he fairly won. But, in humility, he pointed out that his victory did not make him more Nigerian than other contenders for the highest office. As a democrat and believer in justice, he conceded to his rivals their resort to the court for final adjudication on the election.
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There was cheery news, shortly after the change of baton. It was reported that intense bargain-hunting for Nigerian equity rallied the stock market to a net capital gain of N1.51 trillion, its highest in a day in two and half years. The Naira was also said to have recorded a marginal gain while the benchmark index for the stock market, the All Share Index (ASI), posted an average return of 5.23 per cent, its highest gain since November, last year.
The president is targeting a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while trying frantically to reduce unemployment. He is proposing a budgetary reform that will stimulate economy and without engendering inflation, an industrial policy that will utilise fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency. Like he pointed out during the campaigns, he said Nigeria needed stable electricity supply.
As part of strategies for guaranteeing a conducive environment for investment to thrive, he said the Federal Government will ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.
Tinubu said he will not renege on his avowed commitment to youth welfare through the creation of one million jobs through digital economy, adding that “our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill.
He stressed: “This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.”
Another priority is agriculture. The president plans to secure rural income through commodity exchange boards that will guarantee minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.
On the monetary policy, Tinubu said the Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. He said “this will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.”
He added: “Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.
“Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN, given the number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.”
During the campaigns, Tinubu had alerted Nigerians that his administration will halt fuel subsidy. Indeed, his rivals during the contest promised to do the same. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who described subsidy as a fraud, said what Nigeria should do after removing it totally is to channel the funds back into the economy.
Also, Labour Party (LP) flagbearer, Peter Obi, described subsidy as organised crime. He said if elected, he will not allow it to stay a day longer.
In fact, Buhari had set this month as the terminal date for the regime of subsidy that had only benefitted few rich Nigerians. Reiterating his determination to do away with subsidy, Tinubu said “subsidy is gone.”
Mixed reactions have trailed the announcement. It provoked a national debate. Some stakeholders were not comfortable with the manner of announcement. Others said there was nothing wrong with the emphasis, so that Nigerians could embrace the reality.
The president received the applause of economic experts. But, the pronouncement was trailed by uproar among workers and the masses. The attempt to resist the removal began instantly. Unpatriotic petrol dealers deliberately hoarded fuel to inflict pain on innocent Nigerians. Loading of product temporarily stopped at depots. The price of fuel also went up. Many feared the impact on vulnerable members of the society.
Justifying the removal, Tinubu said fuel subsidy has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor, adding that it can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources.”
On the gains of subsidy removal, which all and not few will enjoy, the president said: “We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”
On Tuesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, merely reiterated the president’s position, saying there was no going back on the removal.
When Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the president along with former Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and James Ibori (Delta), he described the removal as a tough decision, urging all Nigerians to support Tinubu’s good intention.
Breaking with tradition
Unlike his predecessors, Tinubu broke with the tradition of instant announcements of appointments, particularly of immediate aides, including the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and media appointees. There is no laid out rule and regulation, and every president is at liberty to adopt whatever approach that is suitable for him.
However, the delayed appointments gave room for speculations. Some people invaded the unregulated social media with fake news, lying that certain persons had been appointed as aides.
Also, as the controversy over fuel subsidy persisted, there was no official aide on ground until Tinubu’s Special Adviser, Mr. Dele Alake, came on air to make certain clarifications. Later, Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) explained to reporters in Abuja that the removal was non-negotiable, if Nigeria was to be pulled back from bankruptcy. He said the Federal Government owed NNPCL N2.8 trillion – being money spent on subsidy.
Appointment of CoS, SGF
On Friday, the coast was clear. In a statement by the Director of Information, Aso Villa, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the president appointed House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Senator Hassan Hadejia, former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff, and George Akume, former Minister of Special Duties and governor of Benue State as Secretary to Government of the Federation.
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It means that media aides are to be appointed later.
However, there is neither suspense nor anxiety over the cabinet list, which many Nigerians believe may take a little time.
Resumption of office
On Tuesday, Tinubu resumed office in Aso Villa. Vice President Shettima, who had resumed earlier on that day, led the Villa Staff and security men to welcome him.
Tinubu, attended by his Aide-De-Camp, Lt.Col. Nurudeen Alowonle, walked briskly into the premises, greeting and shaking with officials most heartily. Later, he was led to a seat in one of the rooms where he began to hold court.
Presidential order on EFCC/DSS face-off
Inter-agency conflicts of the previous era were carried over. There was pandemonium at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Ikoyi, Lagos when men of the Department of State Services (DSS) barricaded access to the office area.
It was a curious conflict arising from claim and counter-claim of ownership of the office.
The news of the face-off got to the Commander-in-Chief, who instantly directed DSS operatives to vacate the disputed office immediately.
In a statement in Abuja by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu directed the DSS to immediately vacate the disputed premises, saying any disagreement between both agencies of government should be amicably resolved.
Rahman said: “President Bola Tinubu has directed the Department of State Services to immediately vacate the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Ikoyi, Lagos.
“The President gave the directive when reports that DSS officials stormed the EFCC office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, preventing officials of the anti-graft agency from accessing their work place, was brought to his attention.
“The President said if there were issues between the two important agencies of government, they would be resolved amicably.”
Savouring global goodwill
During the week, the President received some diplomats who brought messages of goodwill and solidarity from their countries
Among them was the Special Envoy of Chinese President XI Jinping, Vice Chairman of Chinese National Peoples Congress, Peng Qinghua, who visited him at State House. He was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, and his deputy.
A nine-man delegation from the United States was also guest of Tinubu in Abuja. The Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, headed the delegation sent to the inauguration by President Joe Biden.
Members of the delegation were Mr. David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja; Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative (D), California; Honorable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce; General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command; Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
Others are Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Honorable Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council and Honorable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.
On Monday evening, after the inauguration, the president received envoys and Heads of Missions of some countries, including those of the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua.
From far and near, congratulatory messages continue to pour in for the president.
First security meeting
On Thursday, Tinubu held the first security meeting with all the heads of security agencies. The purpose was for him to acquaint himself with them and explain his security philosophy and the type of architecture he hoped to build for operational efficiency.
At the meeting, he warned them against working at cross-purposes.
After the “meeting of the General Security Appraisal Committee,” the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), who addressed reporters, said Tinubu also said he would not tolerate economic sabotage and instructed the security agencies to crush the menace of oil theft.
Monguno added that Tinubu said he would be building on gains already recorded in the security sector and that he will institute reforms.
“The meeting lasted two hours. Having been briefed by the participants of the meeting, Mr. President addressed prevailing issues confronting the nation in terms of insecurity and also mentioned his own philosophy towards dealing with national security issues,” he said.
“First and foremost, he appreciated the armed forces and intelligence agencies and the wider para-military agencies for the work they have been doing in the past couple of years, their sacrifice, their loyalty, and he also paid tribute to those who died in defending this country from the great big menace of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy.
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“All agencies must work to achieve one single purpose. Working at cross purposes and colliding with each other is not something that he will condone.
“He has made it very clear that all the security agencies must comply with the demands of coordination with the demands of frequent consultations and also timely reports, which must be acted on. He is going to embark on a lot of reforms in terms of our security architecture.
“He’s going to take a closer look at our misfortunes in the maritime domain, focusing particularly on the issues of oil theft. That he is not going to tolerate, wherever the problem is coming from, it must be crushed as soon as possible. He’s already mandated the security agencies to come up with a blueprint.
“President has said clearly that he will do whatever is within his powers to enable the operational elements, but the intelligence agencies must also make their work easy for them by providing the type of intelligence that they require to carry out their assignments.”
Meeting with Progressive Governors’ Forum
Led by its chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Progressive Governors’s Forum visited the President at the State House.
At the meeting were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Professor Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe).
Others are Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Father Hyacinth Alia (Benue), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Umar Bago (Niger), Aliyu Ahmed (Sokoto), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
Governors Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji, and Dr Nasir Idris (Kebbi) were absent.
Also at the meeting were Vice President Shettima, Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu.
Tinubu congratulated Uzodinma for his selection as Forum chairman and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRasak for his choice as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’s Forum (NGF).
Sources said the meeting, which was the first official interaction between President Tinubu and APC governors since his inauguration, provided an opportunity for discussing salient issues, including the selection National Assembly presiding officers, appointments and fuel subsidy.
Already, the president and the ruling APC have endorsed Senator Godswill Akpabio for Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau for Deputy Senate President, Tajudeen Abbas for House of Representatives Speaker and Benjamin Kalu for Deputy Speaker.
The ruling party controls the majority in the National Assembly and its leadership are of the opinion that to faithfully implement the campaign promises of the APC, the President and the legislature should work together harmoniously in an atmosphere of separation of powers, with the accompanying checks and balances.
PDP chieftains visit
On Friday, three prominent PDP stalwarts, Oyo State Governor Makinde, former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and ex-Delta State Governor, James Ibori, visited the president. Details of their discussion were unknown.
However, while Makinde said Tinubu has started well, Wike said the president deserved the support of every Nigerian.
