Tag: tinubu

A body of independent policy analysts under the aegis of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has rated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in office in the last eight months high.

The group maintained that against all odds, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration has performed creditably well.

The group’s National Chairman , Chief Niyi Akinsiju told reporters  in Abuja that the group over the last eight months independently studied and analyzed the prevailing situation in the country under the administration of President Tinubu.

Giving the group’s verdict, Akinsiju said: “From our review of President Tinubu’s policies in the last eight months, we can objectively submit that the administration has performed creditably well despite the enormous institutional, economic headwinds and domestic challenges it has had to contend with.

“From the conceptualisation and deployment of policies across multifarious sectors by the Federal Government, we are convinced that President Tinubu is putting in place new building blocks to serve as the bedrock of a new model for national economic growth and socio-political development.”

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The group noted that despite coming into office amid the lingering effects of Post Covid-19 challenges and a global economic downturn exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, President Tinubu proactively deployed courageous policies and measures in addressing the major socio-political, security and economic issues affecting the nation.

He said the group reviewed policy applications by the Federal Government and the Central Bank working together in the management of foreign exchange, adding that the policy outcomes of the collaboration had positive consequential effects on the value of the Naira.

“Currently the Nigerian Stock market takes pride of place as the number one stock exchange globally, principally driven by domestic investors, which as of 2023, accounted for 88.52% of total market value.

“This is a confirmation of the existence of a conducive environment for foreign investors to invest across the Nigerian investment ecosystem.”

Acknowledging the adverse effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) consumption and related revenue earnings compared to the pre-subsidy removal regime, the group noted that Tinubu’s action was not only commendable but saved the country from the debilitating impact on its sustainability and threat to the quality of life of the generality of Nigerians.

He said: “While taking cognizance of the associated economic challenges that households are grappling with, it is our considered opinion that the decision by the President to announce the removal of fuel subsidy is not only courageous but commendable.

“More importantly, it was a measure to eliminate the long-standing subsidy-related corruption perpetrated by the cartel of the subsidy regime.

“From a policy impact point of view, the measure triggered the immediate positive outturn on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) consumption and related revenue earnings compared to the pre-subsidy removal regime.”

“You can all attest to the fact that just about a month after the announcement of the removal of fuel subsidy, national daily fuel consumption fell dramatically from an unexplainable 66.7 million litres a day as of May 2023 to 45 million litres. The consumption size has further reduced and now stabilised at 43.3 million litres a day.

“This steep reduction has led to a quantum leap in total gross revenue going into the Federation Account and subsequent FAAC allocation to the three tiers of government from N786.161billion in May 2023 to a high of N1.1trillion in August because NNPCL was no longer resorting to its famed under-recovery.

“And for the first time in the history of FAAC, the Federal Government  started cultivating the culture of savings from revenue accruals beginning from the over N700billion that was saved in July last year when the FAAC received  N1.959 trillion.

“This has marked a turning point in Federation accruals and revenue generation with implications for budget performance.”

On the concerns over food inflation and its remedies, the group said its findings have shown a commitment by the President to stemming the tide of rising food prices and ensuring food security by approving the accelerated cultivation of 500,000 hectares of land across the country in collaboration with state governments.

“This, in itself, is a commendable model of cooperation between the Federal Government and the sub-nationals. We are certain that in a short while, Nigerians will start receiving the products of the federal and sub-national governments working together.

“To crystallise the policy, the administration has introduced an irrigation programme to facilitate and guarantee all-year-round farming. Our investigation within the general purview of agriculture implicates the deployment of several policies including waivers on the importation of tractors and farm implements, the recent launch of dry season farming in Jigawa State and the allocation of N102billion to the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) to mention just a few.

“It is our view that these measures will guarantee adequate food supply in the shortest possible time.”

In the fight against corruption by the Tinubu’s administration, the group urged the President not to bow to pressure, but to ensure that the report of the investigation and those of other government officials under investigation be made public in the spirit of transparency.

“However, we take notice of the President’s swift response to corruption allegations against a member of his cabinet, Dr. Betta Edu, by suspending and ordering her investigation.

“Without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigation, we urge the President to not bow to pressure but ensure that the report of that investigation and those of other government officials under investigation be made public in the spirit of transparency.

“This will go a long way to sending clear signals to local and international audiences about the Tinubu administration’s seriousness to tackle the scourge of corruption as recently observed by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken during a recent visit to Nigeria.”

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, January 31, voiced his concern over the negative portrayal of Nigeria as a country with high cybercrime prevalence.

He emphasized that such opinions undermine the integrity and diligence upheld by the majority of Nigerian citizens.

The president expressed his feelings during a Public Engagement on Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption, as well as the Launch of the Inter-Faith Manual and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government, at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

The event, organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), aimed at involving various stakeholders in combatting economic and financial crimes.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu regretted the unsubstantiated linking of Nigerians with internet crimes over the years, stating that it misrepresents the typical way of life of Nigerian citizens.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu noted that on the contrary, Nigerians are meticulous, authentic citizens who have been making significant contributions to innumerable fields of endeavours around the world.

Tinubu said: “Over the decades, Nigerians have been victims of mislabelling. Such gross misrepresentation fails to reflect the true essence of our diverse and resilient nation. The association of internet crimes with the entire Nigerian populace lacks statistical evidence and does not align with the sociology of everyday Nigerians.

“Our nation comprises hardworking, honest citizens who contribute significantly to various fields globally, from Artificial Intelligence to Medicine.

“While we reject blanket stereotyping that undermines the majority upholding principles of integrity and diligence, we must face the fact that we function in an interconnected world where cybercrimes have evolved into a global phenomenon. This poses a threat not only to our nation but to the entire world.”

Delivering his speech titled, “Youth, Religion, and Our Battle Against Corruption: A Call to Action,” the President applauded the EFCC “for remaining a moral compass, persistently rousing the nation’s conscience,” just as he said through its operations, the commission has remained vocal in “telling the world that Nigeria is neither complicit nor complacent in confronting the menace of corruption”.

Read Also: Akpabio: National Assembly will support Tinubu’s efforts to complete East-West Road

Underscoring the urgency of combating internet crimes and neutralizing the threat caused by other forms of corruption head-on, President Tinubu assured the anti-graft agency of “the government’s support in its quest to combat these digital offences.

He added: “We must recognize that the Commission’s lawful efforts to bring fraudsters to book are imperative for the overall well-being of our society. The government is aware that our ambitious goal of eradicating internet offences and corruption demands an atmosphere steeped in trust and integrity. We must foster open communication channels and ensure that law enforcement actions align with justice and accountability.”

The president also stressed the need to remind Nigerian youths that there are abundant opportunities for lawful enterprises, both within and outside the shores of the country.

This, he said, is the reason why the federal government has taken steps to establish a Students Loan Board to address the financial needs of students.

He added: “This initiative aims not only to alleviate financial burdens but also to disincentivize criminality by offering a tangible alternative. Our message to the youth is clear: the horizon is wide, and opportunities abound across various sectors.

“Seize these prospects, embark on lawful enterprises, and let your talents shine. The government encourages you to leverage these opportunities, exhibit your capabilities across all sectors, and contribute to the prosperity of our great nation.”

President Tinubu lauded efforts by the EFCC to tackle corruption through the Inter-Faith and Fraud Risk Assessment Projects, saying the “initiative recognizes the potential of religion as a tool for ethical reformation and underscores the importance of engaging diverse faith communities in our fight against corruption.

He added: “Simultaneously, this initiative addresses vulnerabilities within government agencies and acknowledges the critical need to fortify these institutions against corrupt practices.

“Our nation is deeply rooted in religious values, and it is crucial to acknowledge that both Christianity and Islam vehemently condemn corruption. With these profound teachings in mind, I urge our revered religious leaders to demonstrate a pillar of guidance.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said the launch of the interfaith manuals and the Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs are all geared towards engaging relevant and critical stakeholders in the reinvigorated anti-corruption fight in the country.

He said the prevalence of cybercrime and related activities involving youths is worrisome and necessitates the adoption of proactive measures by the commission under his watch.

The EFCC boss also spoke about the involvement of religious organisations in illicit activities, including money laundering and urged leaders across different groups to partner the commission by propagating messages that glorify the virtues of integrity, honesty and hard work.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized the significance of paying more attention to preventive measures in the renewed fight against corruption.

He urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, heads of tertiary institutions in the country and youth groups to take ownership of the reinvigorated anti-corruption crusade under the Tinubu administration.

In separate remarks, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, were unanimous in their commendation of President Tinubu and the EFCC management for the administration’s avowed commitment to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

They declared the total support of their various communities and groups to the renewed fight against corruption that prioritizes prevention, urging political leaders at all levels to intensify efforts by leading by example and ensuring the reviewing of existing laws to prevent corrupt activities in public and private establishments.

Also, present at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Sen. Emmanuel Udende who represented the Senate President; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Chairperson of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami; Chairman of Channels TV, Mr John Momoh; Former Minister of Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, and some heads of government agencies and parastatals, among others.

• Media trial shouldn’t push out Betta Edu, others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not throw away his best hands based on fabricated allegations by detractors of his government, a public affairs analyst has said.

In a statement yesterday, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi, alleged that many performing officials of the Tinubu Administration are being targeted by agents of the opposition, with the intention to destabilize the government.

He alleged that the allegations made against suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, were brought up to hit back at her after exposing the rot in the ministry.

Sanusi said it will be strategically faulty for the Tinubu Administration to drop its best hands on allegations that are figments of imagination and sponsored against such officials.

He also alleged that those being targeted include Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Central of Nigeria (CBN) for moving some departments to Lagos as part of its reform programme.

He described Edu as one of the most active, innovative, responsive, and result-oriented ministers.

According to him: “Many Nigerians have watched from the sidelines as she deployed her selfless zeal in bringing succor to those in need.

“In under 140 days, she had visited and successfully initiated various grassroots interventions that had significantly touched the lives of the  poor and vulnerable in over 15 Northern states, and some in the southern part of Nigeria as well.

“She has brilliantly represented Nigeria in many national and international fora, successfully attracting donor support to the humanitarian and poverty alleviation Ministry.

“For once, the poor and vulnerable across the country can testify to the fact that they are actually benefiting from the Federal Government’s various programmes.

“In the context of the above, why would any strategic leader lose a Betta Edu over paid blackmail?”

Sanusi further claimed that the young and passionate Betta Edu had responded swiftly on behalf of the federal government to humanitarian crises in all parts of the country.

He added: “Little wonder that due to her absence from office when the Ibadan explosion occurred, the federal governments’ humanitarian assistance had scarcely been felt by the victims till date.  The same goes for the victims of the renewed Plateau crises. God forbid another crisis should occur, without her at her post.”

Sanusi alleged that the suspension of the Minister was orchestrated by those angry that she exposed the N44 billion fraud in National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA).

According to him, “Those behind Dr. Edu’s travail believe that should an allegation be raised against top official of this administration, such a person would be suspended from office.

“These negative media campaigns are succeeding  heavily in distracting government from achieving Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, by forcing it to constantly react to these media blackmails.

“A lot of government ministers have become weary in doing their work for fear of these organized social media hoodlums. The reluctance stemming from uncertainty as to whether their principal will see through the white noise and protect his “A” team, or give in to the paid propaganda.”

Sanusi explained further that: “These distractions are not actually targeted at the foot soldiers, but rather at the President himself. The game plan is to take down all the President’s best hands, ensure his government has no impact, and ultimately get him voted out for poor performance in 2027.”

He also stated that three weeks after the suspension of Betta Edu, it had become clear to all that it was one-week campaign of calumny against her to ensure she got suspended just because she exposed a N44billion transfer in an agency under her watch.

“The public now understands clearly that the Federal Government Financial Regulations in Chapter 14 (1402.iii) which talks of advances, states clearly that for disbursement of funds for Non-Personal Advances for projects/ special programmes, the leader of the Project/Special Programme shall be the accounting officer and shall approve all payments, while the Accountant of an appropriate grade shall be attached to each project/ special programmes and have responsibility for the disbursement as well as retirement of Non Personal Advances”.

“The question is, was the money paid to the account of a project accountant of an appropriate grade? The answer is yes! Was the money disbursed to beneficiaries? The answer is yes! Did any funds go to Dr Betta Edu’s account, or was any funds used by her? The answer is NO!

Read Also: Tinubu to Senate: confirm FCCPC chair, Irukera’s sack

“If these are the facts, why would any strategic government suspend one of its best hands rather than reform its financial regulations if it is not comfortable with any aspect of it? Betta Edu didn’t write the Financial Regulations; she met it there. It is the same practice in all ministries with evidence to show to that effect,” Sanusi said.

He expressed his worries over sustained plot to distract the Tinubu administration.

“This is a young government of eight months and must be given the benefit of the doubt to bring reforms that will change things for the better.

“President Tinubu, who many believe would be one of the best Presidents Nigeria has ever produced, should immediately take charge of his government, reinstate his minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, restart his social protection programmes with better checks and balances, reform the Federal Government Financial Regulations and take control of the Media narrative.”

Sanusi advised that the President should remain in the driver’s seat and not allow single narratives that verge on media propaganda to influence his actions.

He added that there is new directive being sponsored in the social media that the President had ruled out return of Dr. Edu whereas, Mr. President had only said he would wait for the report on the panel and the report of the investigation by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, January 30, urged the Senate to confirm the sack of the chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary.

The letter was titled: “Disengagement of the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Act 2018.”

The letter reads in part: “I hereby seek the kind confirmation of the Senate in respect of the disengagement from office of Babatunde Irukera as executive vice chairman, chief executive officer of the FCCPC with effect from Monday 8 January 2024.

“While I hope that this Senate will consider this request expeditiously, please do accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished senators the assurances of my highest regards.”

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Tinubu’s request comes three weeks after he relieved Irukera of his duties as FCCPC boss.

The presidency had explained that the president’s action was “in conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions.”

Also, Tinubu sought the confirmation of Oluwole Andama as the Executive Director of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund in the Nigerian Midstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Senate President Akpabio, however, referred both requests by the President to the Senate Committee of the Whole and Senate Committee on Gas and Downstream respectively for further legislative action.

The Senate thereafter entered into an executive section to discuss urgent matters of national importance, which Akpabio said pertained to national security.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated that the “two dismissed Chief Executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers”.

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to ensure that the killers of the two Ekiti state traditional rulers who were killed on Monday in the Ajoni council area of the state, vowing that perpetrators will not escape justice.

President Tinubu has also directed security agencies to immediately rescue the ten persons, including six pupils, three teachers and their school bus driver, who were kidnapped by criminal elements in Ekiti State on Monday night.

Armed assailants, suspected to be herdsmen, were reported to have attacked some traditional rulers of Ekiti communities, including the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola, killing the two traditional rulers in the process.

However, reacting to the two sad developments in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President condemned the sad developments, describing them as mindless and brutal.

He, however, condoled with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, as well as the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, even as he assured Nigerians that the security architecture of the nation is receiving required attention.

“It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.

Read Also: Insecurity: Senate to meet Tinubu after session with security chiefs

“President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice.

“The President condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development.

“In the same vein, the President directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around the Eporo-Ekiti area of the State.

“As the security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nation’s security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes”, the statement said.