Category: Lead

• You’re now father of all, Kenyatta tells President-elect
• Why I chose Christians as my ADC, CSO, by Shettima
• World leaders gather in Abuja for Nigeria’s 16th president
• New administration must halt bleeding of economy – Adesina

Before a distinguished audience of Nigerians and non-Nigerians yesterday, President-elect Bola Tinubu pledged to dedicate himself to the service of the nation and Africa.

“Today, I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” he vowed at a lecture organised as part of the activities marking his inauguration tomorrow.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who delivered the keynote address at the Inauguration lecture, asked Tinubu to waste no time in transiting from the mood of contesting an election to that of readiness to build a prosperous Nigeria for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political tendencies.

President Muhammadu Buhari vouched for the ability of his successor to deliver on the task Nigerians have placed before him.

Groups and well-wishers are already rolling out the drums in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in celebration of the Monday inauguration of the nation’s 16th president.

Tinubu, in his speech at the lecture, restated his commitment to the ideals of democracy as the best form of government.

Read Also : Tinubu: Subsidy removal, exchange rate regulation may cause initial hardship

“Democracy is more than a system of governance; it is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive,” he said.

“We stand at the precipice of a new era where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development.”

Tinubu while embracing his African identity reaffirmed his love for the continent.

He also recognised the collective efforts of Nigerians and Africans in shaping their democratic political cultures and institutions, tailored to the unique conditions and challenges faced by their societies.

He articulated the essence of democracy, emphasising that it transcends being a mere form of government. “Democracy, my fellow countrymen, is not only a political system; it is a way of life. It embodies a distinctive code of thought and conduct, demanding the utmost integrity and self-improvement from leaders,” he said.

Stating the paradoxical nature of democracy, the President-elect noted that while it guarantees freedom, its survival hinges on responsible and measured use of that freedom, adding that democracy, as an ever-evolving concept, empowers the majority to express their will while safeguarding the fundamental interests of the minority.

“Our democracy is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical vessel that will propel our nation to new heights in every facet of our collective existence,” Tinubu added.

Drawing insights from Nigeria’s national experience, he acknowledged the merits of democracy even in its imperfect manifestations, stressing that it surpasses the most perfect dictatorship in terms of justice, humanity, and productivity.

He pledged to utilise democratic institutions not only to safeguard political and civil rights but also to drive comprehensive economic reforms that engender broad-based prosperity, create employment opportunities, and unlock the nation’s untapped potential.

Speaking on the theme “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development”, Kenyatta summed up the leadership crisis in Africa, not just Nigeria, using the experience of his time in his country’s governance, to negative ethnicity, religious intolerance and economic greed.

Kenyatta, who noted that while elections may divide the people, leadership must bring them together, encouraged Tinubu to surround himself with voices that challenge his own, and to reach out to those who may feel aggrieved in order to build a stronger nation together.

He said that as President, Tinubu must lead and unite all citizens, regardless of whether or not they supported him during the election process, and expressed his hope that Nigeria would emerge from this transition ready to take on the world stage.

Kenyatta said:  “The contest is now over and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria now begins.

“Upon assuming the office of President, you would be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election and assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer.

“This will demand a complete overhaul of the adversarial mindset that we as politicians are conditioned to embrace during the electoral process.

“As President, you must learn very quickly to lead those who do not love you and those who love you with equal passion and commitment because you are now the father of all.

“When countries are in election mode, the people and its leaders are more divided than ever, and boxed into their various sectarian and partisan interests.

“However, when you are the head of state, and you take command of the country’s armed forces, you become the embodiment of the sum total of the many different ethnic groups, religions that make up your country, and you become the symbol of unity. Indeed, you become the face of Nigeria.

“I encourage you to surround yourself with the voices of those who will counterbalance the hardliners that feel entitled to a piece of your office, you will lose nothing and gain everything by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines.

“To those who may feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or another, please allow them to exhale and be part of your vision for a greater Nigeria.

“It is my hope and my prayer that the lessons from across the continent will give you the resolve to walk the difficult path overcoming those three enemies.

“I started by mentioning the three enemies of nationhood: negative ethnicity, religious discrimination and corruption.

“As your fellow African, I look forward to a Nigeria that emerges from this transition, ready to flex and fight for its rightful place on the global stage with both hands at the ready.”

Buhari re-echoes confidence in Tinubu’s leadership capacity

Buhari said he had no doubts that Tinubu has the capacity to deliver on the task Nigerians have placed before him.

He said the key lessons of the Inauguration Lecture had revealed new things about democracy, which he said is not just a form of governance but a way of life.

He said the lessons already learned, which he said were introspective, had also taught that the growth and greatness of the country will rest on unity and every Nigerian seeing his responsibility and being ready to play his part in the project.

“Today we have embarked on a journey of introspection, enlightenment, and collective growth. We have delved deep into the theme of deepening democracy for development and explored the lessons that will guide us as we transition to a new era.

“Throughout this lecture, we have recognised the challenges and divisions that have tested the very fabric of our nation. We have confronted the harsh realities of inequality, the persistence of corruption and the imperative to empower all citizens.

“But more importantly, we have unearthed the transformative power of democracy and the immense potential it holds for our great nation.

“The underlying philosophy of this lecture has been rooted in the belief that our nation’s progress rests on the place of unity, inclusivity and shared responsibility. We have acknowledged that the task of nation-building is a collective one, transcending political affiliations and personal interests.

“It is a commitment to live in one Nigeria, ensuring that every citizen feels the positive impact of good governance and enjoys the dividends of democracy.

“The lessons we have learned here are not mere intellectual exercise but with a call to action.

“As I prepare to hand over the reins of governance to the President-elect on the 29th of May, I feel a renewed sense of hope hinged on the capacity of my successor, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver on the assignment given to him by Nigerians and at the same time be reminded of the immense responsibilities entrusted upon us as leaders and the tremendous potentials that lie within our great nation.”

Shettima picks Christians as ADC, CSO

In his remarks at the lecture, Shettima, for the umpteenth time, assured Nigerians that the incoming administration has no plan whatsoever to Islamise the country

“I was a child of necessity; there is no Islamisation agenda,” he said.

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Muslim who is married to a Christian; not only a Christian but a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“Someone who has not Islamised his family, people are alluding that he has the intention to Islamise the nation.”

He said that in his own case, he “deliberately picked an Igbo man, a Catholic, to be my Chief Security Officer.

“For the purpose of inclusivity and togetherness, again I deliberately picked a Northern Christian to be my ADC. So the so-called founder of Boko Haram is going to be protected by…”

 Next generation should be your focus, Sultan advises Tinubu

The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar III, Sa’adu Abubakar, said the development of the next generation of Nigerians, rather than the 2027 elections, should be the focus of the incoming president.

“As political leaders, you will need not only to think of the next election but also, and more importantly, think of the next generation,” he said.

“I leave you with these thoughts and pray for God’s guidance, wisdom and patience for leaders to take our country to the highest height. And we have peace and stability in our great country Nigeria.”

Next administration needs to reorder economy, stop its bleeding — Adesina

President of the African Development Fund (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said on the occasion that Nigeria will have to re-order its governance spending, work to revive the economy and stop the bleeding towards debt servicing else the country cannot break free from its current economic crisis and wrecking poverty rate.

Adesina, who spoke on the topic, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Economy”, asked the incoming administration to prioritise macroeconomic and fiscal stability.

“Unless the economy is revived and fiscal challenges addressed boldly, resources to develop will not be there,” he said.

“No bird can fly if its wings are tied. Nigeria currently faces huge fiscal deficits estimated at 6% of GDP. This has been due to huge federal and state government expenditures, lower receipts due to dwindling revenues from export of crude oil, vandalism of pipelines and illegal bunkering of crude oil,” he said.

Adesina noted that data from the Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, which indicates that Nigeria now spends 96% of its revenue servicing debt, with the debt-to-revenue ratio rising from 83.2 per cent in 2021 to 96.3 per cent by 2022.

He said: “Some will argue that the debt to GDP ratio at 34% is still low compared to other countries in Africa, which is correct. But no one pays their debt using GDP. Debt is paid using revenue, and Nigeria’s revenues have been declining. Nigeria earns revenue now to service debt not to grow.”

The AfDB President said bold decisions like ending fuel subsidies must be taken by the incoming administration to move the economy forward.

His words: “The place to start is to remove the inefficient fuel subsidies. Nigeria’s fuel subsidies benefit the rich, not the poor, fueling theirs and the government’s endless fleets of cars at the expense of the poor. Estimates show that the poorest 40% of the population consume just 3% of petrol.

“Fuel subsidies are killing the Nigerian economy, costing Nigeria $10 billion alone in 2022. That means Nigeria is borrowing what it does not have to… if it simply eliminates the subsidies and uses the resources well for its national development.”

He maintained that instead of the current policy of doling out monies for fuel subsidies, funding, support towards establishing private refineries and modular refineries will lead to efficiency and improved services.

“Rather, support should be given to private sector refineries and modular refineries to allow for efficiency and competitiveness to drive down fuel pump prices.

“The newly commissioned Dangote Refinery by President Buhari, the largest single train petroleum refinery in the world, as well as its petrochemical complex will revolutionise Nigeria’s economy.

“Congratulation, Aliko Dangote, for his amazing $19 billion investment.”

Adesina advised the incoming administration to cut down on cost of governance, canvassing that the bloated size of government comes with high cost of public sector expenditure and its negative impact on the development process in the country.

“The cost of governance in Nigeria is way too high and should be drastically reduced to free up more resources for development.  Nigeria is spending very little on development.

“Today, Nigeria is ranked among countries with the lowest human development index in the world, with a rank of 167 among 174 countries globally, according to the World Bank 2022 Public Expenditure Review report.

“To meet Nigeria’s massive infrastructure needs, according to the report, will require $3 trillion by 2050.

“According to the report, at the current rate, it would take Nigeria 300 years to provide its minimum level of infrastructure needed for development.

All living Nigerians today, and many generations to come, will be long gone by then!

“We must change this. Nigeria must rely more on the private sector for infrastructure development, to reduce fiscal burdens on the government.”

He advised the incoming administration to pay attention to tax revenue, as the tax-to-GDP ratio is still low, adding that improving revenue collection will help in improving Nigeria’s economy, but this needs to be implemented with tact, adding that it may require addition tax burden on citizens but rather ensure efficient revenue collection from multi-national companies, ensuring that they pay appropriate royalties and taxes and close leakages, and tax exemptions.

Adesina provided a pragmatic policy advisory to the incoming administration on how to navigate through taxation and its impact on Nigerians whom he argued are virtually providing essential services to themselves including water, power, roads, etc., which are the responsibilities of government.  

“This must include improving tax collection, tax administration, moving from tax exemption to tax redemption, ensuring that multinational companies pay appropriate royalties and taxes, and that leakages in tax collection are closed.

“However, simply raising taxes is not enough, as many question the value of paying taxes, hence the high level of tax avoidance. Many citizens provide their own electricity, sink boreholes to get access to water, and repair roads in their towns and neighborhoods,” he noted.

“These are essentially high implicit taxes. Nigerians therefore pay the highest ‘implicit tax rates’ in the world.

“Governments need to assure effective social contracts by delivering quality public services.

“It is not the amount collected, it is how it is spent and what is delivered. Nations that grow better run effective governments that assure social contracts with their citizens,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rt. Rev. Mathew Kukah, emphasised the need to manage the country’s diversity, noting that neither ethnicity nor religion is the problem of the country, but how to blend the diversities.

Speaking on the topic, “Religious Tolerance and Inclusiveness”, the fiery cleric described diversity as a science, a complex country of great possibilities.

He challenged Nigeria’s political leaders, especially the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu, to rise to the challenge of uniting different ethnic groups and identities in the country, adding religion, ethnicity and gender are not the problem but rather how to manage the nation’s diversities.

Kukah said Nigerians are suffering from various levels of multi-dimensional poverty, saying that poverty does not discriminate between religions, tribes and other identities

“I will also end by saying right now, 133 million Nigerians are suffering from various levels of multi dimensional poverty.

“I have not put up the light and see the part where Muslims are living that they have light while others do not. I have not seen the part of the country where Muslims are eating and the rest of us are not.

“So we must come to terms with the fact that we are not bleeding, we are not suffering because we are Christians or Muslims, but we are in a country that is malfunctioning. How to make that country work, for the rich, for the poor, for the aged, and for everybody is a challenge.

“It is not a challenge that everybody can win but I think it’s a challenge that a government that appreciate it doesn’t have all the answers must come to terms with the fact that there is a way of looking for her finding answers.

“I would like to just end by saying and I’ve made the point very clearly, in the struggle with the problems of Nigeria, I remain exceptionally optimistic.

“I travelled the world. People say to me, well, where do you find this courage to say that Nigeria is working? Okay, it may not be working, but this is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I am not being flippant.

“When I went to the United States of America to study, I preached in a church but the parish priest said to me, ‘Listen to me, you speak with such eloquence and I like you. We will get you a green card. You can settle here in America.

“I looked at him, I said, you know, this God is a wonderful God. You are giving me a green card and my passport is actually a green passport.

“So, the young Nigerians leaving our country, I always say to them, No, I’m not worried. Let them go. It’s for the good of the country.

“The challenge for us as Africans is to think the way the Asians have thought that you can go to Europe, you can go to America with a purpose. But the purpose of course means coming back to develop your country but it also means that that country must create an environment in which you can feel confident to come and present the gift that God has given you.”

At the lecture were National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase; Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Bishop Mathew Kukah; President of Africa Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina and Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations, Amina Muhammed.

Others were Ministers, National Assembly members and other top government officials.

Celebration gets underway in Abuja

More well-wishers arrived in Abuja yesterday for tomorrow’s inauguration.

 Some of them from Lagos State were seen dancing to victory songs as they landed at the Abuja Airport.

They were in Ankara uniform emblazoned with the Tinubu logo.

The Igbo Community in the FCT was not left out. Its members held Igbo Kwenu Day at the Unity Fountain in the FCT to celebrate Tinubu’s victory.

Niger Delta strongman Asari Dokubo and hundreds of his supporters have also arrived in the city in solidarity with the President-elect..

Security agencies in show of force

The security agencies are not leaving anything to chance as they intensify patrol of Abuja roads in a show of power.

The Eagle Square venue of the inauguration parade and swearing-in ceremony was cordoned off by security personnel on Friday afternoon from the public, while decorators were seen on Saturday evening putting the finishing touches to the arena of the ceremony.

Major roads leading to the venue of the inauguration are currently wearing a new look, with billboards and banners of Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, adorning major roads, while the kerbs of the roads in and around the Three Arms Zone and the Central Business District are painted in black and white.

Military personnel were sighted in their armoured vehicles close to the Eagle Square yesterday.

Military personnel were also seen along Wuse Zone 4 and 5, while Nigerian Air Force aircraft hovered around the city. Some soldiers were also stationed at the city gates, while others patrol along Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway which leads to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Vehicular movement around the city remained as usual, but commercial drivers avoided the Central Business District, owing to the restrictions by security personnel.

The inauguration has become a huge business for the hospitality industry as most hotels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some satellite towns have been fully booked.

Major hotels have been fully booked ahead of the inauguration for upward of two weeks.

Flight fares on the Lagos / Abuja  route have also gone up on account of the large  volume of passengers heading in that direction.

Operators slam arbitrary fares on passengers depending on the number of seats on demand.

The Asiwaju Tinubu Support Group plans to live-stream the inauguration for those who do not have the privilege of accessing the Eagle Square tomorrow.

Its spokesman Adeboye Adebayo, said a remarkable arrangement has been made at the Millennium Park, Abuja, to make the inauguration a memorable one for visitors, guests and well wishers of the president-elect and his vice.

He said: “Our plan is to accommodate dignitaries, guests and well wishers who may not have the opportunity to be at the Eagle square. There will be a live streaming on Tinubu/Shettima swearing-in programme. We are going to have Abuja inauguration concert as well as celebrating uncommon political milestone in Nigeria. It’s toll-free. Nobody is paying gate fee for it.

“It will kick off by 10:00am at the Millennium Park, beside Transcorp Hilton Hotels, featuring comedians, artistes, musicians, foods, drinks and screens to view the inauguration proceedings live.

“There will be exclusive tents for the very important personalities and very comfortable tents for us, the general public.”

The Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has invited world leaders and all African Presidents and Heads of government to tbe inauguration of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday.

A source within the council said while some leaders who may not be physically present have announced their representatives, majority of African leaders have signified intention to be in attendance.

Though the list of the leaders expected is still being guarded by government officials and the PTC, The Nation gathered over 60 per cent of African Presidents have formally written to be in Abuja.

It was further gathered the leaders are expected in Abuja on Sunday while the advance team of some of the African leaders are already on the ground.

Read Also : JUST IN: Buhari takes Tinubu on tour of State House

A source in PTC who spoke in confidence, said: “Letters of invitation were sent to virtually all world leaders and all heads of African nations for the inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima on Monday, May 29.

“We invited all our African brothers and I can tell you that over 60 per cent of them have signified intention to be present for the inauguration. We are expecting most of them on Sunday while the advance team of some are already in Abuja.”

Asked for names of some of the expected world leaders, the source simply said, “I am not obliged to disclose the identity of the expected leaders. You will see them at the ceremony proper on Monday.”

When pressed further, he said: “We have sent out invitations to all the leaders in Africa and the entire world, you can contact embassies in Abuja to give you further information.”

All the visiting leaders will be hosted to a dinner on Monday after the inauguration at the Presidential Villa.

The Senate at an emergency session on Saturday approved a seven month extension in the implementation of the N819billion 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act.

The Senate said the extension of time of implementation till December 31, 2023 became necessary to enable the Federal Government fund the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act, which is meant to construct critical infrastructure destroyed by the 2022 flood episode.

Also on Saturday, the Red Chamber increased the amount the Central Bank of Nigeria can loan to the Federal Government through Ways and Means Advances from 5 per cent to 15 per cent representing 200 per cent upward review.

Read Also: Ex-agitators back Akpabio, Barau for senate president, deputy

This resolution followed the amendment of Section 38 of the CBN Act which empowers the apex bank to grant such advances by the Senate during its emergency session.

The section reads: “Notwithstanding the provisions of the section 34(d) of this Act, the Bank (CBN) may grant temporary advances to the Federal Government in respect of temporary deficiency of budget revenue at such rate as the Bank may determine. The total amount of such advances outstanding shall not at any time exceed five (5) per cent of the previous year’s actual revenue of the Federal Government.”

The National Assembly had in December 2022 approved a supplementary appropriation bill in the sum of N819,536,937,813.00.

The N819billion was allocated as follows: Agriculture – N69 billion, Works – N704 billion, FCTA – N30 billion and Water Resources – N15.5 billion.

However, the implementation of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act was put on hold following the refusal of the Senate to approve a request by the federal government to borrow the sum of N1trillion from the CBN through Ways and Means Advances and the securitization and restructuring of the N22.7trillion already obtained from the CBN by the Federal Government through its Ways and Means Advances.

The Senate, on May 4, 2023, approved the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the N22.7 trillion loans that the CBN advanced to the federal government under its Ways and Means policy.

The Ways and Means provision allows the government to borrow from the apex bank if it needs short-term or emergency finance to fund delayed government expected cash receipts of fiscal deficits.

The Senate Leader Ibrahim Gobir (APC – Sokoto East) moved the motions for the Senate to suspend its rules and grant the two Bills accelerated consideration and passage.

The two Bills include “A Bill for an Act to amend the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act and for other matters connected therewith, 2023” and “A Bill for an Act to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act C4 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and for other matters connected thereto, 2023.”

In his first lead debate, Gobir said: “Permit me to lead the Debate on this very important Bills which seeks to amend the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to extend the implementation year of from the 30th June

2023 to 31st December 2023 respectively.

The Bill was read for the first time today Wednesday, 24 May, 2023. You would recall that the National Assembly extended the implementation of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act from 31st December 2022 to 31st March, 2023.

“This was to allow full implementation of the budget, especially in light of the 2022 Supplementary budget approved in December 2022 the extension had allowed MDA’s to utilize a large proportion of funds released to them.

“However, significant amounts of funds remain with MDAs and will require a further extension to be fully expended.

“Given the critical importance of some key projects nearing completion, requesting a further extension of the expiration clause in 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill and the Long Title and Explanatory Memorandum is expedient to avoid compounding the problem of abandoned projects, given that some of the projects were not provided for in the 2023 Budget.

“I therefore urge my colleagues to give their full support to this Bill to allow full utilization of the Capital releases in order to help reflate the economy while I move that the two bills be referred to the committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration.”

Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The Senate at an emergency session on Saturday approved a seven month extension in the implementation of the N819billion 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act.

The Senate said the extension of time of implementation till December 31, 2023 became necessary to enable the Federal Government fund the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act, which is meant to construct critical infrastructure destroyed by the 2022 flood episode.

Also on Saturday, the Red Chamber increased the amount the Central Bank of Nigeria can loan to the Federal Government through Ways and Means Advances from 5 per cent to 15 per cent representing 200 per cent upward review.

This resolution followed the amendment of Section 38 of the CBN Act which empowers the apex bank to grant such advances by the Senate during its emergency session.

The section reads: “Notwithstanding the provisions of the section 34(d) of this Act, the Bank (CBN) may grant temporary advances to the Federal Government in respect of temporary deficiency of budget revenue at such rate as the Bank may determine. The total amount of such advances outstanding shall not at any time exceed five (5) per cent of the previous year’s actual revenue of the Federal Government.”

The National Assembly had in December 2022 approved a supplementary appropriation bill in the sum of N819,536,937,813.00.

The N819billion was allocated as follows: Agriculture – N69 billion, Works – N704 billion, FCTA – N30 billion and Water Resources – N15.5 billion.

However, the implementation of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act was put on hold following the refusal of the Senate to approve a request by the federal government to borrow the sum of N1trillion from the CBN through Ways and Means Advances and the securitization and restructuring of the N22.7trillion already obtained from the CBN by the Federal Government through its Ways and Means Advances.

The Senate, on May 4, 2023, approved the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the N22.7 trillion loans that the CBN advanced to the federal government under its Ways and Means policy.

The Ways and Means provision allows the government to borrow from the apex bank if it needs short-term or emergency finance to fund delayed government expected cash receipts of fiscal deficits.

The Senate Leader Ibrahim Gobir (APC – Sokoto East) moved the motions for the Senate to suspend its rules and grant the two Bills accelerated consideration and passage.

The two Bills include “A Bill for an Act to amend the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act and for other matters connected therewith, 2023” and “A Bill for an Act to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act C4 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and for other matters connected thereto, 2023.”

In his first lead debate, Gobir said: “Permit me to lead the Debate on this very important Bills which seeks to amend the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to extend the implementation year of from the 30th June

2023 to 31st December 2023 respectively.

The Bill was read for the first time today Wednesday, 24 May, 2023. You would recall that the National Assembly extended the implementation of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act from 31st December 2022 to 31st March, 2023.

“This was to allow full implementation of the budget, especially in light of the 2022 Supplementary budget approved in December 2022 the extension had allowed MDA’s to utilize a large proportion of funds released to them.

“However, significant amounts of funds remain with MDAs and will require a further extension to be fully expended.

“Given the critical importance of some key projects nearing completion, requesting a further extension of the expiration clause in 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill and the Long Title and Explanatory Memorandum is expedient to avoid compounding the problem of abandoned projects, given that some of the projects were not provided for in the 2023 Budget.

“I therefore urge my colleagues to give their full support to this Bill to allow full utilization of the Capital releases in order to help reflate the economy while I move that the two bills be referred to the committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration.”

The incoming President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been charged to build a prosperous nation for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political tendencies.

Former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta gave the admonition on Saturday in his keynote address at the Inauguration lecture organised by the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme: “Deepening democracy for integration and development”, Kenyatta summed up the leadership crisis in Africa to negative ethnicism, religious intolerance and economic greed.

Kenyatta, who noted that while elections may divide the people, leadership must bring them together. 

He encouraged Tinubu to surround himself with voices that challenge his own and reach out to those who may feel aggrieved to build a stronger nation together. 

Read Also: Tinubu urged to evolve path to Nigeria’s revival

In closing his over 45-minute long presentation, Kenyatta said: “The contest is now over and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria now begins.

“Upon assuming the office of President, you would be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election and assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer. This will demand a complete overhaul of the adversarial mindset that we as politicians are conditioned to embrace during the electoral process. 

“As President, you must learn very quickly to lead those who do not love you and those who love you with equal passion and commitment because you are now the father of all.

“Your Excellency, when countries are in election mode, the people and its leaders are more divided than ever, and boxed into their various sectarian and partisan interests. However, when you are the head of state, and you take command of the country’s armed forces, you become the embodiment of the sum total of the many different ethnic groups, religions that make up your country, and you become the symbol of unity. Indeed, you become the face of Nigeria. 

“I encourage you, to surround yourself with the voices of those who will counterbalance the hardliners that feel entitled to a piece of your office, you will lose nothing and gain everything by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines.”

He added: “To those who may feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or another, please allow them to exhale and be part of your vision for a greater Nigeria.

“It is my hope and my prayer that the lessons from across the continent will give you the resolve to walk the difficult path overcoming those three enemies. 

“I started by mentioning the three enemies of nationhood negative ethnicity, religious discrimination and corruption. As your fellow African, I look forward to a Nigeria that emerges from this transition, ready to flex and fight for its rightful place on the global stage with both hands at the ready”, he said.

A dreaded former militant commander in the Niger Delta popularly called General Amagbein Boro is mobilising thousands of youths to occupy Abuja against forces threatening to disrupt the inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday. 

Amagbein, who is the Founder of the famous youth group, the Niger Delta Amagbein Movement (NDAM), kicked against some treasonable statements emanating from persons he described as the enemies of the country saying they were capable of causing chaos in the polity.

He bemoaned the effrontery of a few aggrieved and self-centered coupists sponsoring a grand design to thwart the presidential inauguration, which he said had been exposed by the Department of State Security (DSS).

Read Also: Inauguration: We’ll support law enforcement agencies to beef up security- OPC

Amagbein said his group comprising thousands of youths would occupy Abuja in support of Tinubu to stop unscrupulous elements’ plot  to undermine the security architecture of the country.

He said any attempt by anybody no matter how highly placed to disrupt the inauguration would be crushed with  a greater resistance from the creeks of the Niger Delta.

He said: “It is unfortunate that few aggrieved enemies of the state would muster effrontery to challenge our collective resolve. They will be greeted with our greater will.

“I am calling on all patriots of the Niger Delta to occupy the streets of Abuja chanting songs of victory, stand gallantly strong and defend the mandate of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any perceived enemy of democracy.

“I encourage youths that as they occupy Abuja, they must not deter in their course to support security agencies in protecting Tinubu’s mandate and supporting the military to defend the sovereignty of the country under the watch of the present administration.

“The emergence of Asiwaju as President-elect is the collective resolve of the Niger Delta to further the course for restructuring and resource control.

“I am, therefore, optimistic that the Tinubu’s administration would look into the issues of the modular refinery and creation of opportunities for the region, a long awaited dream, that I have been fighting for”.

Amagbein said he had issued his last warnings to treasonable elements saying any action by the enemies of the state against the country before or after the inauguration “will be greeted with drums of native songs and sounds of metals as no price is too much to pay for the sovereignty of this country”.

•Nigeria’s economic, security problems not peculiar – Buhari

INCOMING President Bola Tinubu yesterday gave a hint of what his early days in office might entail.

Looking ahead of his Monday inauguration as Nigeria’s 16th leader, Tinubu said things might not be as rosy as some people are expecting.

He identified the pending plan to remove petrol subsidy and the need to end the multiple foreign currency exchange rates as issues that would pose initial challenge to the incoming administration.

He spoke through Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration lecture held at the National Mosque, Abuja.

But he appealed for the support of everyone as efforts are made to deconstruct the maze of challenges facing the nation, declaring that the time had come for all Nigerians to stand together and face the challenges.

Shettima said: “Ours is a great nation waiting to unleash its great potentials to the world.

“China was once called a sleeping giant, but today, China has woken up. Nigeria needs to wake up.

“We are calling on all of you to pray for us for God’s guidance. I want to assure you that Tinubu will hit the ground running.

“We do not have the luxury of time. The challenges facing us are getting worse. We are living in a pressing time.

“You can rest assured that in the fullness of time, Nigeria will pay glowing tributes to us.

“The starting point might not be rosy; let me be very honest with you.

“Oil subsidy is an albatross on our necks. The multiple exchange rate system is a drain on the national economy.

“There are certain decisions the President-elect will take, but in the fullness of time, Nigerians will not only appreciate but also celebrate us.”

Read Also: Senator urges Tinubu to prioritise fuel subsidy removal, census

Continuing, he said: “As the Chinese will say, the worst curse that a Chinese man may wish on you is for you to live in interesting times. And indeed, we are living in interesting times.

“But rest assured that in the fullness of time, Nigerians will come to pay glowing tributes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 We’re here — we’re leaders — not because of our intellect. Neither Kashim Shettima nor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds any PhD degree.

“We are what we are not because of our physical powers. We are what we are, not because of our political sagacity. There are better politicians.

“Power, to us, will be a humbling experience. It’s an opportunity to serve God and humanity. And whether we accept it or not, we are going to spend more years of our lives outside power than in power.”

He pledged that women would be well represented and compensated in the incoming administration.

Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the economic, security and other problems faced under his watch were not peculiar to Nigeria.

But he said the way Nigerians handled the problems showed that they surmounted other challenges and shall overcome.

He said: “The problems we have had within the economic, security and social sector are not peculiar to us. The potentials are always there to make the country great.

“How we managed during COVID-19 and the Russian /Ukrainian war among others have shown how Nigerians can come out of difficult situations.”

He urged Nigerians to set aside their differences in the polls and support the incoming administration.

Buhari said: “Elections have come and gone. Another set of leaders has been elected. It is our duty to give them the necessary cooperation to enable them deliver on their plans towards transforming Nigeria.

“As citizens we must turn our differences into our source of strength to enable progressive development.

“We must also strive to ensure peaceful coexistence, harmony, respect for the rule of law.

“A solid foundation has been laid in the last administration for successive administrations to build on.”

Tinubu said ’emi lokan’, God endorsed it – JAMB Registrar Oloyede

Read Also: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu: May your road continue to be rough!

In a goodwill message during the lecture, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Ish-haq Oloyede said Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 election was sanctioned by God following the APC flag bearer’s desire for it.

Oloyede recalled the ’emi lokan’ (it’s my turn) statement by the President-elect on June 2, 2022 in Abeokuta and said God in his wisdom granted the request.

His words: “When Asiwaju said ‘Emi lokan’, Allah accepted it because Quran 15:5 and Quran 23:42 say no group can, on its own, hasten his own term and turn, nor can it be delayed by anybody. That is Quran 15:5.

“So, it is almighty Allah who has said “Iwo lokan” (It’s your turn).

He prayed that God might grant the President-elect and the Vice President-elect a successful tenure in good health, sound mind and divine guidance.

 “May the almighty Allah who has granted Asiwaju — the meaning of Asiwaju is ‘the leader’ — the victory of power not to strip him of the garment of honour,” he said.

•Throws out PDP candidate’s case against Vice-President-elect’s alleged double nomination
•Deplores plaintiff’s resort to use of social media to bully SC justices
•Court dismisses suit challenging Tinubu’s age, citizenship; fines petitioners N16m
•Atiku says judgment no setback to his case at PEPC.

The Supreme Court yesterday hit out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for seeking the disqualification of Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima over alleged double nomination in the run-up to the last elections.

The apex court dismissed an appeal by the PDP, which would have truncated Monday’s inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu, as not only lacking merit but also frivolous.

A separate suit filed at the Federal High Court Abuja by three individuals challenging Tinubu’s age and citizenship was similarly thrown out by the court.

The Supreme Court upheld the January 13, 2023 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja and the March 24, 2023 ruling of the Court of Appeal on the case in which the PDP sought Shettima’s disqualification on the grounds that he “knowingly allowed himself to be nominated in two constituencies as Senator Borno Central District and as Vice Presidential candidate” of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It distinguished the PDP case from that of Ugwumba Uche Nwosu Vs Action Peoples Party (APP) and others in which the apex court voided Nwosu’s nomination as the governorship candidate of two political parties in Imo State.

It said while there was evidence that Nwosu knowingly held himself out as a candidate of two political parties, there was no evidence that Shettma still remained APC senatorial candidate after his nomination was communicated to INEC on July 15.

In the lead judgment of the Supreme Court, Justice Adamu Jauro held that the PDP lacked the locus standi to challenge the process adopted by another party in nominating its candidates.

According to him, Section 285(14)(c) of the Constitution, which the PDP relied on in bringing the case, did not clothe it with the right to challenge the decisions and activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in relation to other political parties.

He said: “The application of Section 285(14)(c) of the Constitution does not extend to allowing a political party poke its eyes into the affairs of other political parties. The position of the law has always been that no political party can challenge the nomination of the candidate of another political party.

“The position did not change with Section 285(14)(c) of the Constitution.

Read Also: PEPC: Over 249 witnesses to testify in Atiku, Obi’s petitions

No matter how pained or disgruntled a political party is with the way and manner that another political party is conducting or has conducted its affairs concerning the nomination of its candidates or aspirants for any position, it must keep mum and be an onlooker as it lacked the locus standi to challenge such nomination.”

Describing the PDP as a busy body and meddlesome interloper, Justice Jauro declared that Shettima was not guilty of any double nomination as alleged because there was evidence that he resigned as  senatorial candidate on July 6 before he was nominated as vice presidential candidate on July 14.

He faulted the claim by the appellant that the trial court made findings in relation to whether or not there was actually double nomination in relation to Shettima. He noted that as against the appellant’s claim, the two lower courts did not determine the case on the merit.

Justice Jauro affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on January 13, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal in its judgment on March 25 in the suit marked: CA/ABJ/CV/108/2023. He said the PDP case was fraught with irredeemable maladies and was without merit.

Justice John Okoro, in his own judgment, said: “For public policy sake, I must state that indeed the 4th Respondent withdrew from the nomination for Borno Central District on the 6th of July, 2022 exhibited as Exhibit APC 1 on page 58 of the record of Appeal.

“The political party sent to the INEC same 6th of July 2022 the notice of withdrawal. The political party further sent on the 10th of July, 2022 notification of dates for the conduct of fresh primaries for the senatorial district and the latter letter exhibit APC 2 on page 59 of the record carried the reference of Exhibit APC 1. That is as at the 6th of July, 2022, there was no longer nomination of the 4th Respondent for Borno Central District and there could not have been double nomination on the 14th of July, 2022.”

Justice Okoro took exception to what he called the use of social media by the PDP to “terrorise and bully the Justices of the Supreme Court”.

He branded the action as appalling and unprofessional.

On her part, Justice Amina Augie, said the PDP itself was a beneficiary of what it accused the APC of doing when, in 1999, Alhaji Atiku Abubakr was picked as presidential running mate by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, soon after he (Atiku) had won election as governor of Adamawa State.

She said: “In that case, INEC intended to conduct by-election and this Court said no. Boni Haruna became Governor of Adamawa State on that account.”

The court awarded a cost of N2 million against the PDP and in favour of the respondents — INEC, APC, Tinubu and Shettima.

Read Also: We’ll hit the ground running, Shettima assures

Other members of the panel were Justices Helen Ogunwumiju and Emmanuel Agim.

Ruling no setback to my quest for justice, says Atiku

Reacting to the judgment, the PDP flag bearer insisted that nothing had changed.

“The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the case of the @OfficialPDPNig is not a setback to my quest for justice,” he said on his Twitter handle @atiku.

He added: “Our legal team are (sic) primed to robustly prove that the election of February 25 was fraudulent, did not comply with the constitutional requirements and the electoral guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, @inecnigeria, and that the announced winner was not even qualified to contest the poll.

“The battle for democracy and the enthronement of a new order to spur growth and development in Nigeria is one to which I have committed my all and for which I am not ready to walk away at this point when our nation is at crossroads (sic).

“We know that sooner than later, our esteemed Justices will make the pronouncement that will serve as a befitting requiem for mandate bandits.

“I urge my supporters to exercise patience and conduct themselves peaceably as we diligently conduct our litigation at the Presidential Election Tribunal Court.”

FHC awards N17m costs against three Abuja residents, lawyer seeking Tinubu’s disqualification

In a separate ruling yesterday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja awarded N17million costs against Praise Ilemona Isaiah, Pastor Paul Isaac Audu and Anongu Moses, who had approached the court challenging Tinubu’s age and citizenship.

Their lawyer was asked to pay N2 million as costs.

Justice Omotosho held that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to file the suit, adding that the court could not exercise jurisdiction to hear it because it related to a presidential election.

The judge held that the plaintiffs’ claim that they are Nigerians who voted in the last presidential election could not clothe them with the right to file the suit, noting that Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that it is only aspirants that can question the validity of information supplied by Tinubu to INEC.

The plaintiffs had prayed the court to restrain Tinubu from being inaugurated on the grounds that he (Tinubu) allegedly supplied false information to INEC about his age and citizenship status.

They claimed he lied about his age and that he holds dual citizenship (of Nigeria and Guinea).

Justice Omotosho added: “The applicants/plaintiffs have no leg to stand on. Being a voter did not clothe the applicants with the right to challenge the nomination of a candidate of another party.

“If voters are allowed to bring cases like this, the court will be flooded and bugged down with such frivolous suits.”

In declining jurisdiction to hear the suit, Justice Omotosho held that the proper forum for such a case is the Court of Appeal, which possesses the jurisdiction to determine dispute about whether or not a person was validly elected as a president.

The judge said the case cannot be categorised as a pre-election matter over which the Federal High Court has jurisdiction, because it was filed after the election and it is targeted at stopping Tinubu from being inaugurated.

After dismissing the suit, Justice Omotosho ordered the three plaintiffs to pay Tinubu a cost of N10m; N5m to APC and for the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Daniel Elomah, to pay both Tinubu and the APC N1m each from his pocket.

• •Says he’s returning to Kaduna after inauguration •Conducts President-elect on State House tour
• •FG declares May 29th public holiday •Military patrol Abuja streets; security tightened in hotels
• •President receives Declaration of Assets Forms from CCB •FRSC deploys 365 corps, 40 vehicles
• for inauguration •Don’t panic over presidential inauguration ceremony – Police

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday accused the opposition of misleading the outside world about the last general elections.

He said that contrary to the false narratives of the opposition, the elections were largely free and fair such that many state governors were defeated.

Buhari spoke on a day he conducted incoming President Bola Tinubu round the Presidential Villa, Abuja ahead of Monday’s inauguration for which the Ministry of Interior declared a public holiday.

Speaking at the launch of a book: “A promise kept, a compendium of significant achievements of Muhammadu Buhari administration 2015-2023”, held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, the President said the international community was not swayed by the attempt to rubbish the February/March elections.

His words: “When I was in Doha, meeting some heads of states, I was getting calls from Europe, America and Nigeria, congratulating us on the success of elections.

“The opposition has created the impression outside the country that we are going into a mess because we have incompetent leadership of the party. They were overwhelmed that the election came and went and both at the centre and at the states, fantastic.

 “How can ten sitting governors of states lose their constituencies? This has been unprecedented. So I congratulate you the national working committee (of the APC) and others here, that we have really proved that democracy is worth defending.

“Nigerians have understood it now. Otherwise how can they vote against their sitting governors, stopping them from going to the senate to rest? 

“Because it was so transparent, everything was done there in front of everybody. And committee by committee from various constituencies lined up and picked the candidate they wanted. So really, we have virtually politically arrived. I congratulate our party.

“Today, we prayed together with Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) and I congratulated him and I said I am eager to go to other side of Nigeria. I wish him the best of luck.

Read Also: Minister of State appointment is a constitutional aberration, Keyamo tells Buhari

“I said his Vice President is experienced; a two time governor in his state and then the Senate. And this is how we got the chairman of our party, two time governor in his state and also he has been in the Senate.”

On his post-handover plan, Buhari said he would fly out of Abuja from the Eagle Square on Monday.

“I have been counting the days. I am looking forward to Monday very desperately. I will use the weekend to sign some of the papers so that from Eagles Square, I will fly to Kaduna and eventually go to Daura.

“On Monday, from the swearing in venue, I will fly directly to Kaduna and then I will go to the other side of Nigeria.”

The President commended the MBO Dynamic Support Group led by Usman Ibrahim, for managing to catch him completely off guard.

“I thank you very much for this major surprise. I think now when I go back I will have time to read some books, not just about myself, but about other issues.

Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, eulogised and reflected on the Buhari’s administration, which he said inherited a country that was in the doldrums.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu, described the President as a politician, stepping aside but not tired, saying “you worked hard, tirelessly to build the nation and make it better for all of us”.

The co-launcher, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described Buhari as a humane personality, but clearly misunderstood because of his stern look.

He said under his watch, NDDC headquarters, which had been under construction for about two decades, was completed as well as 77 roads in the Niger Delta, adding “the people of the Niger Delta and the Southeast will not forget you because of the Second Niger Bridge”.

Buhari conducts Tinubu round Presidential Villa

As officials of the outgoing administration clear their desks and official residences for their successors, President Buhari yesterday took Tinubu round the expansive Presidential Villa, showing him the residential area, the meeting halls and offices.

Buhari, Tinubu and other government officials walked into the Press Gallery of the State House after participating in the Jumat prayers at the State House Mosque.

The President and his successor were guided on the tour by the State Chief of Protocols (SCoP), Ambassador Lawal Kazaure.

At the Press Gallery, which is an adjoining space to the Council Chambers of the State House, they stood for a couple of minutes, listening to Kazaure.

They did not speak to correspondents, who had expected to have a couple of questions answered.

The President-elect took all explanations and interacted freely with the President and acknowledged State House officials as they went round.

Responding to questions from a television reporter at the end of the tour, the President-elect said he prayed to God to give him strength, wisdom and good health to run the affairs of the nation.

He urged Nigerians to support the All Progressives Congress’s change agenda.

He also spoke on his “Renewed Hope” agenda to revamp Nigeria’s economy, tackle security and poverty reduction, and what generally Nigerians should expect of him.

President Buhari said it was an honour and extraordinary privilege to serve the nation and wished the incoming President success.

Outgoing Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had on Thursday conducted Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima round the VP’s wing of the State House ahead of Monday’s change of baton.

Buhari receives Declaration of Assets forms from CCB

Also yesterday, Buhari received the Declaration of Assets Forms from the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Prof. Isah Mohammed, ahead of his disengagement from power on Monday

He directed all outgoing officials of the administration, both elected and appointed, to follow his example, saying no one is excluded from the Constitutional duty of assets declaration.

According to him, all officials, from the Vice President downwards, must collect the assets declaration form, fill and return it as he has done.

He said his strict adherence to the constitutional requirement of assets declaration before and after taking office was aimed at strengthening best practices, raising moral standards in Public Service, helping to build integrity and combating corruption.

“I signed, collected and acknowledged receiving my form. From here, I will ask my bank Manager in Kaduna to show me what has gone in and out of my account. Nobody is excluded from declaring their assets. I expected everyone from the Vice President downwards to follow the system,” he said.

Prof. Mohammed said compliance by the President in the last eight years and the support he had given to the Bureau had enabled it to achieve 99% compliance by elected and appointed officials.

He also acknowledged the support of the President in the achievement of the digitization of its services and operations thereby helping the organisation to open investigation of cases with greater efficiency.

Military, police strengthen security in FCT

Ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect, the military has intensified patrols along some major roads in Abuja, the Federal Capital city.

 The Eagle Square venue of the inauguration parade and swearing-in ceremony has been cordoned off.

Military personnel were also seen along Wuse Zone 4 and 5, while Nigerian Air Force aircraft hovered above the city. Some soldiers were also stationed at the city gate while others patrol along Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway which leads to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Military patrols were also noticed along Zone 7, 10 and down to Area 1, leading eastward towards AYA and down to military barracks adjacent to the presidential villa fence.

There is increased security in many hotels, especially those located within the city centre. Along Adetokumbo Ademola, hotels like the Rockview, Penial Apartments and others have increased vigilance, checks and questionings at the gates and receptions with more phone calls for confirmation of expected visitors.

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Police confirmed yesterday that it had deployed human and material resources across the nooks and crannies of the territory to ensure safety ahead of the Monday presidential inauguration.

Spokesperson for the command, Josephine Adeh, said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would engage in stop and search duty, intelligence-led raids on black spots, surveillance, vehicular/foot patrol and diversions at strategic points.

The Superintendent of Police however advised residents not to panic ahead of the display of fireworks proposed for the eve of the inauguration.

Read Also: I’m returning to Kaduna after handover – Buhari

She quoted the FCT Police Commissioner Haruna G. Garba as warning his officers and men to “discharge their duties in tandem with best global best practices and respect for fundamental human rights.”

“He equally called for vigilance and urged residents to take advantage of the Police Control Room numbers in reporting suspicious activities: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883,” she said.

FRSC deploys 365 corps, 40 vehicles for Tinubu’s inauguration

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) plans to deploy 365 of its personnel, 40 patrol vehicles, 15 bikes and 10 towing trucks along all routes leading to the Eagle Square venue of the Monday inauguration of the incoming president.

Spokesman for the agency, Bisi Kazeem, quoted Corps Marshal Dauda Ali Biu as saying the move was to ensure safety of road users and ease movement along the routes.

Besides, the FRSC will be deploying 155 traffic cones, 15 ambulances, 84 patrolites and a number of reflective tapes to augment the entrenchment of safety and ease of movement across board.

He said some areas have been marked to be cordoned for traffic diversion, such as Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal; Deeper Life Junction; Bond/ Total Filling Station; Federal Capital Development Authority Junction; Finance Junction by ECOWAS; Ministry of Women Affairs junction, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Eagle Square (Phases 1&2).

Others include Kura Mohammed Road/ National Mosque; Abia House Junction; NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo Street; Gama Junction/ Transcorp; Bayelsa House by Federal High Court; Aso Drive; CEDDI Plaza, NNPC Twin Towers as well as NNPC/ NBS.

“The Corps Marshal also directed the personnel deployed to collaborate with the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force as well as other security organisations detailed for the national programme,” Kazeem said.

“He therefore called on road users to comply with restrictions of movement around areas cordoned off by security operatives so as to allow for a seamless inauguration programme.

“The Corps personnel will play active role in piloting dignitaries from the following locations; Old Parade Ground- Eagle Square, International Conference Centre, Eagle Square, and Eagle Square Pavilion.

“The Corps will also engage in strategic crowd control in and around the inauguration venue,” he said.

Fed Govt declares Monday public holiday

The Federal Government yesterday declared Monday 29th, 2023, work free across the country, to commemorate the inauguration of President-elect Tinubu.

Abuja, the federal capital, is already agog ahead of the ceremony with dignitaries from home and abroad trooping into the city for the inauguration.

All hotels are fully booked. Same goes for all flights into and out of the city.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, quoted Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as commending the generality of Nigerians for “their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President and his deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

”Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing and serve its end of being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people”, the Minister said.

He urged Nigerian to continue to promote the ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for their neighbours, stressing that “we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.”

He also hailed them for “their strident efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999,” and urged support for the coming administration.

“The unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it is positively deployed in its service,” he said.

• •Aircraft did not undergo pre-arrival inspection by NCAA
• •Demo flights to commence soon

Fresh facts  emerged at the  weekend suggesting  that Nigeria’s outgoing Aviation Minister,  Hadi Sirika bypassed regulatory   procedures in acquiring the airplane packaged for the  unveiling of  Nigeria Air.

The aircraft flown into Abuja Airport on Friday according to findings belongs to Ethiopian Airlines , the technical investor / preferred bidder fie the national carrier.

According to the new facts, the aircraft that Sirika has dragged top echelon of Nigeria’s leadership to unveil is actually registered in Ethiopia with registration number ET-APL.

The B737-800 was formerly operated by Malawian Airlines which leased it from Ethiopia in February 2014 as ET-APL. It rejoined Ethiopia Air inventory in 2015.

The aircraft made its last flight under service of Ethiopia as ET405 to Addis Ababa from Tel Aviv on Monday May 22 before it was repainted for Nigeria also as ET-APL.

The aircraft is now presented to Nigerians, by Sirika, as acquired for Nigeria Air though regulatory sources indicate that there is no form of documentation about the aircraft.

According to sources, the aircraft is not documented at NCAA which would show if it was on either on dry or wet lease or outright purchase.

The source also said regulatory agencies were not invited to conduct mandatory pre-arrival inspection to establish its air worthiness.

Aviation stakeholders are embarrassed that despite the humongous amounts of money made available for the project, the minister could only boast of a rented aircraft from Ethiopia.

Industry stakeholders are calling on the incoming administration to order a detailed probe of the Nigeria Air project as a minimum of three aircraft is required to commence operations, not just one that Sirika brought in.

They said the outcome of such a probe will shock Nigerians.

The stakeholders are also asking that Sirika should be made to publicly declare the value of contributions of all equity stakeholders as the aircraft which still bears Ethiopia registration is still the property of Ethiopia, not Nigeria.

Speaking on the development , an industry player said :” Finally, an airline without an operators’ certificate is set to  begin scheduled commercial operations in Nigeria,  courtesy of Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.”

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika unveiled the Nigeria Air aircraft yesterday.

The Boeing 737 aircraft with registration ET-APL was unveiled by Sirika at the Nigeria Air Operations control centre of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to the minister, a demonstration flight would commence soon as part of the procedure to commence operations fully.

He also noted that more aircraft are expected to arrive until the airline reaches the 35-aircraft mark in the next five years.

Sirika also said no law stops the ministry or anybody from bringing developmental growth to the country.

Speaking on the essence of the airline, the minister said: “This is one infrastructure that has been missing in general aviation in dynamics of the country; the airline that is equal to the size of dynamics of the market in Nigeria for its geography and fortune, indeed, we do need the kind of infrastructure that we are having today in the name of Nigeria Air limited.

“This Nigeria Air Limited is obviously an entity known to Nigerian laws and the partnership between entrepreneurs in Nigeria and entrepreneurs in the Ethiopia Airline consortium.

“The consortium is a company belonging to many partners and it is a very long journey, we started in 2016 and ended up today.

“There were challenges but we did not allow them to make us lose focus and today we are here. We pray that it will be good for our country, its people, its future, and humanity.”

On the litigation and if his action amounts to subjudice, he said: “It is not subjudice because if it is, we are not going to embark upon it. No law stops us from continuing to bring developmental projects to our people.

“The constitution of Nigeria is very clear and it is within their rights to go to court for whatever reason they want to go to court and it is within our rights to do all the things that will promote the general wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians and this is one of them.”

Read Also: Sirika engages airline operators on bilateral issues

He added: “It is not an unhealthy competition, the market is good for everybody. During Buhari’s time, we doubled the number of aircraft and airlines in the country, we gave everybody a level playing field, and I did not turn down a single request from airlines since I became a minister.”

On when the flight will commence, he said: “In the process of establishing an airline, there are conditions set by the regulator which is the NCAA.

“So, this airplane will be here and we will commence the demonstration flight to show that we can do it. It is normally around 0-40 hours but it can be less, it can be five or even two hours and this is to ensure that we are able and have the capacity to do it.

“So, I know the NCAA will give clean bills to start to fly. So, this is part of the process and it is the beginning of the establishment of the airline.”

On the number of aircraft that the airline would operate, Sirika said: “In the Business Case, it is envisaged that it will hit the 35 aircraft mark but you don’t come in one day to dump the airplanes and you don’t come in one day and start going to London, so it is a gradual process and the aircrafts will be coming one after another until the five years that we reach the 35 aircraft mark.

“This is a private sector-led airline with the government with only five per cent and there is no stopping right by the government. So, Nigerians are welcome and I am sure the five percent will go to the public for sale at some point.”

He added that the airline will commence with local flights.

“It is beginning with a local flight and it is a Boeing 737 capacity aircraft.”

The Chief Commercial Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Lemma Gudeta, expressed delight in being a part of the historic unveiling of Nigeria Air as a foreign company operating in Africa for 77 years.

Also speaking, Gudeta highlighted the importance of Ethiopian Airlines as “the custodian to work on the development of Nigeria Airways” and expressed the airline’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.

He said: “We strongly believe that our presence here in Nigeria will enhance people-to-people and business-to-business links between the most populous nations in Africa.

“We will play a significant role in sharing our experience in the field of aviation, and we will give the level of service that the society deserves,” Gudeta said.

On the five-year projection for Nigeria Air, Gudeta explained that the airline is working on a business plan in collaboration with stakeholders, and expects Nigeria Air to grow into a $1 billion company in five years’ time.