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Asari Dokubo Says Military Responsible For Oil Theft, Pledges Loyalty To President Tinubu

June 16, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Niger Delta Militant and agitator, Mujaheed Asari Dokubo, has labeled the Nigeria Army and Navy thieves responsible for the continued Oil Theft in the nation.

He further alleged that the bulk cases of oil theft recorded over the years could be traced to the Army and Navy.

After a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Dokubo, while briefing the media said: “The Military is at the centre of oil theft and we have to make this very clear to the Nigerian public that 99 per cent of oil theft can be traced to the Nigerian military, the Army and the Navy especially”.

Pledging his support and loyalty to the current administration, Dokubo said that he would partner with the President Tinubu Government to bring oil theft to ‘zero’, stressing that the Tinubu-led administration would “fish out” the culpable elements in the military.

He added that Oil theft and security framed his nearly two-hour discussion with the President, and added that there would be zero oil theft in the Niger Delta Region, as they are ready to back this current administration.

He said, “Myself and my brothers have assured the President that there will be zero oil theft and vandalization in the Niger Delta.

“We’re going to walk with the NPPCL and the IOCs to make sure that oil tapped is brought to zero.”

As regards insecurity in the nation, he faulted the narrative that the military is under-equipped to take on terrorism, banditry and militancy head-on, describing it as “blackmail.”

For Dokubo: “The blackmail of the Nigerian State by the Nigerian military is shameful. They said they do not have enough armament and people listen to these false narratives. So this blackmail must end. They have enough resources to fight.”

He argued that the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, would not ease the tensions in the South-East. Rather, it would fuel impunity.

“During #EndSARS, Nnamdi Kanu was walking free. What did he do? He poured petrol on the flames of #EndSars. Now, he has been caught. What of the people who have died? This is a criminal. He should face the law.

“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and rewarding gruesome murder of innocent people. He should face the law for the actions and instigations he has carried out.”

Mba, Ciroma, Now DIGs, As PSC Releases New Promotions

Ayodele Oni

June 16, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) Frank Mba and Bala Ciroma as Deputy Inspectors General of Police, (DIG).

Mba’s elevation to the rank of DIG is coming barely after three months of his promotion to AIG.

DIG Ciroma will replace Ali Janga who has retired from Service and had represented the North East geo-political zone in the Police Management team.

A statement on Friday, signed by Ikechukwu Ani, the Head, Press and Public Relations, stated that DIG Ciroma, the most senior Officer from the zone will henceforth represent the zone.

DIG Mba will represent the South East zone and replace retired John Amadi who, before his retirement, represented the zone.

The statement added that the Commission also approved the promotion of 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police and 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the substantive rank of Commissioners.

“These decisions were highpoints of the 21st Plenary Meeting of the Commission presided over by its Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police and attended by all the Members of the Commission including the Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Commission, Dr. (Mrs) Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwu takun.

“The new AIGs are CP Abubakar Lawal; CP Alhassan Aminu; CP Abdul Umar; CP Shettima Zannah; CP Ebong Eyibio Ebong; CP Adepoju Ayiinde Ilori and CP Okon Okon Effiong.

“Others are; CP Echeng Eworo Echeng; CP Susan Ukpanukiema Horsfall; CP Bankole Lanre Sikiru; CP Oladimeji Yomi Olarewaju; CP Sani Gwarzo and CP Odama Paul Ojeka.

The 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to the rank of Commissioners are; DCP Abibo Deinma Reuben; DCP Thomas Abraham Nabhoni; DCP Wakil Abdul Salamai; DCP Enyinnaya Inonachi; DCP Ronke Nurat Okunade; DCP Adekunle Ismail Olusokan; DCP Hassan Abdu Yabnet; DCP Festus Chinedu Oko; DCP Aminu Baba Raji; DCP Omolara Ibidun Oluntola; DCP Akoh Benedict Gabriel; DCP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha; DCP Bafda Magaji Jahun, DCP Ahmadu Tijani Abdullahi; and DCP Mohamned Mu’azu; Others are, DCP Bretet Emmanuel Simon; DCP Ihebom M Chukuma; DCP Shettima Mohamned Qurtu; DCP Olatokunbo Maxwell Olabisi; DCP Yusuf Mohammed Lawal; DCP Monica Leo and DCP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi.”

Why Nigerian Universities Are Not Performing – University Administrator

Ayodele Oni

June 16, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A University Administrator has advised Government to fund tertiary education adequately and deploy adequate technology to ensure performance.

Dr. Olu Awosusi, a former Registrar of Ekiti State University, (EKSU) was delivering a registry lecture at the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, (AAUA) also called for a deliberate and concerted effort by managers of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to deploy relevant technology if the institutions must perform optimally and gain global relevance.

Dr. Awosusi, declared that “One of the reasons our universities are not performing at optimal level has been the failure to deploy appropriate technology.

“If a university is not a world-class institution, it is difficult for its Registry or any other of its units to exude world-class attributes. Technology is, no doubt, a prerequisite for effective and efficient delivery of services.”

He also recommended for Nigerian universities adoption and acquisition of Electronic Document Management System, (EDMS), to facilitate digitization of their operations, while relevant experts and personnel should be engaged.

The Guest Lecturer, who berated poor funding of higher institutions in the country, called on proprietors, especially state governors, to inject more funds to the state-owned institutions.

According to him, “He who created the pipe must pay the piper handsomely and provide additional funds for the maintenance of the musical instrument.”

The Special Guest of Honour and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, in his Goodwill Message, congratulated the Registrar, Mr. Olugenga Arajulu, for pioneering Registry Annual Lecture in the University.

Dr. Abayomi, who was represented by a member of the Governing Council, Arch. Tosho Ale, said the Council recently had a tour of the University to assess its needs and would expand its work to cover the areas where needs were identified.

The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, reiterated the commitment of his administration to regular training of staff of the institution for optimal service delivery.

Prof. Ige declared open the maiden edition of the Registry Annual Lecture of the University, entitled, “Efficiency in University Registry Functions: The Imperative E-Governance and Electronic Documents Management System.”

Prof Ige said, “Manpower development remains one of this administration’s cardinal attentions in our journey to building a 21st Century compliant administrative workforce.

“There is no gainsaying the Registry is the engine room of university administration and governance.

“Advancements in technology and science brings us closer to digitization and robotization of several aspects of office work and human endeavours.

“This, increasingly imposes on every worker to adapt to these constantly changing terrains of technological breakthroughs, and it means that the Registry staff that would fit into the environment of a 21st Century University must be adept at using technology to achieve set objectives.”

Hurray, I Plied The 2ND Niger Bridge! – God bless Babatunde Fashola

The Source

June 16, 2023

By Steve Osuji

The new bridge came upon me. Nay, I was transported upon the bridge and for a moment I was lost. I had been working my phone as we approached the Niger Bridge from Asaba and my subconscious being was expecting the good old steel bridge. But suddenly a magnificent dual-carriage six-lane thoroughfare accosted me.

Oh, it’s the 2nd Niger Bridge, I quipped aloud. Wow, this is magnificent, I announced gayly, this is more like it. This is the way to ride. This ought to be our basic standard in Nigeria today… anything short of this is actually unacceptable, I kept musing, half to the hearing of other passengers.

“God bless Raji Fashola,” I finally said aloud to the hearing of all. And a heated conversation ensued immediately in bus.

It was started by Obasanjo, said one voice.

Goodluck Jonathan did substantial work, said another. We have Buhari to thank, not his appointee, said yet another.

While I agreed with them all, I pointed out that under a different works minister, this bridge may never have been completed during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

I quickly reminded them about the Nigeria Air debacle starring a certain Hadi Sirika. I also mentioned the Nigeria Digital Switch Over project supervised by Lai Mohammed, among other examples. These projects gulped billions of naira over eight years and they were never delivered.

These projects missed their delivery deadlines several times and by May 29th, 2023, it dawned on us that these men were taking us for a ride (or flight of fancy of you like).

Truth be told, you need to be in government, especially the federal government, to realise how tedious and frustrating it can be to deliver a major project in Nigeria from start to finish.

You have to contend with the funding bureaucracy, clear the roadblocks put up by the legislature, and literally hold contractors by the scruff, to conceive and deliver to fruition, even the simplest of jobs.

But this is where integrity, tenacity, track record and capacity, all come to play. Keen watchers must have seen Fashola at this site several times, inspecting, explaining and showcasing.

Yeah, we admit that the bridge has a political plank to it but it always had this. We also know that the boss, a la, the president must intend that the project must be done. Yet most projects are not delivered in Nigeria even in a two-term cycle.

So to sum it all, I told my listeners that unlike Sirika and Mohammed, for example, Fashola has track record, he has a face to save, a name to keep, a proven capacity for work, but mire important, and among his peers in public service today, you would accord him with some integrity and character, before most.

So yes, history will record that the 2nd Niger Bridge was built by Buhari, but a certain Works Minister must be footnoted. Though some work is still on-going around the sprawling site, this is indeed a great feat. By this singular act, a bold new vista has been opened on the southeast and south south flanks of the country. Kudos Fashola, thanks Buhari.

Osuji, an accomplished Journalist, Columnist, was Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha

Group Accuses Gov Obaseki Of Withholding Monthly Allocation To Benin Palace Council

Ayodele Oni

June 16, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The disagreement between Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin over the custody of some artefacts returned by some foreign countries has led to the withholding of monthly statutory allocation to the Monarch.

A Benin Group claimed on Thursday that on Governor Obaseki’s order, the statutory allocation to Benin Traditional Council has not been released since about four months.

The Group, Edo National Voice, noted: “It could be recalled that three weeks ago, we deemed it necessary to call on Governor Godwin Obaseki to release the Benin Traditional Council(BTC) three months statutory allocations he intentionally withheld which reason is not unconnected with his inability to take custody of our returned stolen artefacts having been gazetted by the Federal Government(FG).”

The statement, signed by Iyamu Osaro, President, and Osaghae Collins, Secretary General, added that “Most worrisome is that no action has been taken by Governor Obaseki even when those close to him have been appealing to us to sheath our sword for amicable resolution of the aforementioned issue.

“Thus, with another month setting in, the Benin Traditional Council’s(BTC) monthly statutory allocations he intentionally withheld is now spanning four months and this action of Governor Obaseki doesn’t suggest that he is a Benin man or son of the soil.

“It is often said that when a purpose of an issue is not defined, abuse becomes inevitable which is likened to the action of Governor Obaseki as it relates to the seizure of four months Benin Traditional Council statutory allocations.

“As the voice of Edo people, we are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Governor Obaseki to order to immediately release the four months Benin Traditional Council(BTC) statutory allocations he deliberately withheld to prevent the unexpected protest from Edo people.”

Signed: Iyamu Osaro Culture
President

Osaghae Amadin Collins
Secretary General

OPINION: Nigeria Air: Why We Must Avoid Throwing Away The Baby With Bathwater

James Orji

June 16, 2023

By Udeme Akpan

Nigerians love football. And that is undoubtedly evident in the torrents of emotions and sentiments the beautiful Game of football elicits in the people. Apart from the thrills, frills, palpable tension and pure bliss associated with competitive football games, whether by national teams (foreign or local), or those by European elite league clubs, Nigerians have always shown fanatical interest, going by the hilarious banters and exhilarating analyses that make football to appear to be more than a game but an enthralling love affair to Nigerians.

That’s why many have opined that the fascinating game of football is a seeming unifying factor in Nigeria, that breaks every existing barriers of social, ethnic, religious and political dichotomies in the nation.

Apart from football, some recent developments in the nation have also apparently thrown up other factors and sentiments that are increasingly bringing Nigerians a unifying voice: First is the growing awareness and expectations in a democracy that questions the quality of governance and also for demand for democratic accountability.

The second is the palpable anger, frustration and disillusionment in the land, as a result of obvious distrust of government that hinges on dissatisfaction with the integrity and commitment of successive governments’ service delivery, which have continued to bruise the sensibility of the people. This could significantly be referenced by the #EndSARS crisis that engulfed the nation with multidimensional expressions across the Nigeria in 2020.

Such unifying sentiments, understandably, is what is playing out with the controversy surrounding the recent unveiling of the national carrier, Nigeria Air, in May 2023 as part of the last official activities of former Aviation Minister Senator Hadi Sirika.

The controversy ignited a national outrage, justifiably because of the conflicting and sometimes, sensational information and opinions expressed from within and outside the Aviation industry.

For instance, many people have questioned the integrity of the process leading to the setting up of the airline and expressed concerns over whether Nigeria would get commensurate value in the investment in terms of desired improvement of service delivery to the people as against the current less -than -satisfactory services by existing airlines; and also in terms of favourable return on investment, given the huge resources being channelled to the enterprise by the core investors. Senator Sirika had said that the federal government will only retain 5% shares in Nigeria Air.

While some interests, such as the former House of Reps Committee Chairman on Aviation, Honourable Pharmacist Nnolim Nnaji have dismissed the whole arrangement as fraud, others such as the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), claimed that Nigeria Air, because of its arrangements with the preferred technical partner, Ethiopian Airlines, would stifle the existing local airlines.

Even the Chairman of Air Peace, a prominent member of the AON, Allen Onyema, had also queried the transparency of the shareholding and had gone further to call on President Bola Tinubu to disband Nigeria Air calling it a charade.

But former Aviation Minister Sirika had argued that the setting up of Nigeria Air was to improve aviation services in Nigeria, by offering premium service delivery that would engender healthy competition in the interest of aviation customers in Nigeria, riding on the tested and trusted capacity and capabilities associated with the technical partners, Ethiopian Airlines. He had also in an interview on Arise TV, alleged that the former Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, may have taken that route of calling Nigeria Air a fraud, because he was denied 5% equity of the airline, which he requested through the back door.

Senator Sirika had also revealed that despite the various huge amounts of money being bandied about as money spent on Nigeria Air, only the sum of N3BN was released to the ministry and that at the time he left office last month, the money had not been totally expended.

Close observation has shown that one fact that runs in all the diverse perspectives on this Nigeria Air situation is that, Nigerians , irrespective of their current divided perceptions, are united in the opinion that the nation needs a reliable national carrier that would bring succour to air travellers.

The question then is, are there information gaps that gave room to the current negative sentiments against Nigeria Air? Yes, in my opinion. Are there some grey areas in the process or execution of the agenda that could benefit from improved corporate governance and purposeful rejigging? Absolutely possible, I must say. And that improvement with a few corrections, here and there, ought to be the objective of every well-meaning Nigerian and not the self-serving demand to disband the airline, by a few people with vested interest.

We mustn’t and shouldn’t throw away the proverbial baby with the dirty bath water because of the interest of a few, which a development civil society group the Generation Next Collective (GNC), in their recent statement had said was only motivated by “Profiteering tendencies and dark conspiracies that do not put to account, the interest of the people or the collective prosperity of the nation.”

The GNC had added that other operators shouldn’t fret about competition with Nigeria Air, adding that “Nigeria Air should be given the chance to either prove us wrong or right, rather than the inexplicable attempt to kill it with misleading narratives. Competition is the tonic for good service delivery. And we should encourage that for the good of the people.”

It is therefore imperative that Nigeria Air should be protected and strengthened to meet the core objective of setting it up as referenced earlier, to serve the interest of Nigerians and other passengers alike. It will also be a source of pride to all Nigerians as the national carriers as it is applicable to other great nations all over the world, to their respective citizens.

With the proven capacity of its technical partners, Ethiopian Airlines, Nigeria Air would most likely offer Nigerians and other passengers a cheaper and more reliable flight alternative.

Beyond that, with the setting up of Nigeria Air, Nigeria will also be able to fully utilize the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) it signed with other countries. And it is important that those calling for the disbandment of the airline on account of its business relationship with the Ethiopian Airlines and other sentiments, should also be reminded of the implications of such, given the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFCTA), which Nigeria is signatory to.

It is my view that at the end of the day Nigeria Air will be a win-win situation for all.

*Akpan, a public servant, wrote from Uyo

Ribadu: Controversy Trails Appointment As Security Adviser

James Orji

June 16, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended the weeklong speculations over the role he intended Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to play in his government by appointing him as Security Adviser.

Ribadu’s name was among the Special Advisers appointed by the president on Thursday, according to a statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the State House Director of Information yesterday.

He was appointed alongside Dele Alake, Wale Edun, Yau Darazo (Olu Verheijen, Zacchaeus Adedeji, John Uwajumogu, and Dr Salma Anas.

The appointment of the former anti-graft agency boss followed days of debate among not a few Nigerians, on whether he would be appointed the National Security Adviser, to replace Gen. Babagan Mungonu (rtd.)

President Tinubu has even stirred up more controversy by appointing Ribabu as Security Adviser, as many are in doubt of his actual role, considering that the president has yet to appoint a National Security Adviser, NSA.

The question being asked in security circles is whether the president intends to make Ribadu function as NSA.

The third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution provides for the National Security Council, NSC, to be headed by the president, other members include the vice president, Ministers of Foreign and Internal Affairs, National Security Adviser, NSA, Inspector General of Police, IGP, Chief of Defence Staff, amongst others.

Going by the above, the president, according to constitutional experts has three options; to appoint a substantive NSA, designate Ribadu to the role, or make the two offices function with their roles clearly defined to prevent conflict.

According to Mike Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Presidency still needs to make clarifications on the appointment of Ribadu in order to prevent conflict in the nation’s security apparatus.

On his part, Soni Osa-Irabor, a security expert asserts that the presidency must clearly define the role of Ribadu in his position as a Special Adviser to the President on Security, and the NSA in case the president still has the intention of appointing somebody to the latter.

Their admonitions come amidst suggestions that the presidency is also being cautious about the appointment of Ribadu, considering the initial dust raised in the country after reports, a few days ago, that President Tinubu was planning to appoint the former anti-graft tsar as NSA.

Those familiar with security in the country had said that President Tinubu will be breaking away from tradition by appointing Ribadu NSA, considering that appointees into that position since 1999 when the country returned to participatory democracy were all former military Generals.

Those in this school of thought insist that there’s a serious conflict waiting to happen in the nation’s security sector if Ribadu, a former police officer becomes the NSA, as he will be expected to co-ordinate Service Chiefs, military Generals who are likely to undermine him because of his background as para-military officer.

“It’s really a tough decision the president has to make at this point considering that Security is part of his major agenda. The NSA is a very serious position that cannot be politicised, noting also the current security situation in the country,” a security expert who craved anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue said on Friday.

EFCC: I Have No Plan To Leave Nigeria, Says Malami

James Orji

June 16, 2023

Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has dismissed the suggestion that he’s on the run, trying to escape prosecution.

The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, has urged those making such suggestions to bury the thought.

Not a few Nigerians have demanded the arrest and prosecution of the former number-one law officer in the country, for allegedly abusing his office, particularly, following the suspension and arrest of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abudulrasheed Bawa, by the federal government.

Bawa was suspended on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu and was later arrested for interrogation by the Department of State Services, DSS.

He’s facing allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office, which Malami is believed to be privy to as AGF.

For instance, the EFCC is said to have shielded some government officials from prosecution on the order of Malami, who has also been accused of soiling his hands while in office.

A case in mind, those familiar with the issue said, is the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015, for which close sources in EFCC said the former minister has now been invited to shed lights on.

Responding Malami told Daily Trust on Thursday that he will make himself available for interrogation anytime, adding that he has not fled the country.

There is no such plan to flee the country anytime, the former minister said.

According to him, “I have not been invited by the EFCC or any other anti-corruption agency in Nigeria. I’m available in Nigeria and attending a wedding Fatiha slated for 2.30 at Sheikh Isiyaka Rabi’u Mosque, Kano, tomorrow (today).

“I have no plan of leaving Nigeria and I will gladly honour any invitation extended to me by any agency of government. I’m a true Nigerian and I believe in the Nigerian project.

“I will make myself available to Nigeria and its institutions on demand.”

As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Malami was believed to have scuttled some high-profile corruption cases against high-profile government officials, capitalizing on his closeness to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Not a few Nigerians insist that he should answer for such alleged disservice to the country if he’s found guilty.

Uzodimma: My Second Term Focus Is On Industrialisation, Infrastructural Consolidation

The Source

June 15, 2023

Imo people and their residents have not seen the best of their Governor yet as Senator Hope Uzodimma has given a hint on what they should expect in his second term in office as he gets re-elected come November this year.

The Governor said it is his desire to have the State industrialised by way of engaging private bodies and investors that will take advantage of the Public Private Partnership arrangements already yielding results in Imo in some areas.

In three years and half of being in office, despite mounting challenges, Governor Uzodimma has turned Imo State around to the joy of the people and the surprise of his political opponents.

Everyday, there are prayers from individuals and groups within and outside the State for Governor Uzodimma to get re-elected so that he can consolidate on his people oriented programmes and projects in Imo.

While fielding questions from Seun Okinbaloye of the Channels Television on the programme, Politics Today, the Governor did not mince words in highlighting how he pulled Imo State out of the cemetery and today, the story is different.

Asked what the people should expect if he wins his reelection for a second term the Governor enthusiastically said industrialisation of the State and consolidation of infrastructure are key.

His words: “As I seek re-election for a second term, my focus shall be on the industrialization of the State by engaging more private bodies and investors through Public Private Partnership (PPP) while consolidating on the infrastructural development of the State and sustenance of the peace and tranquillity we have restored.”

The Governor also spoke on other matters that left no one in doubt he is abreast of his mission in Imo State.

Hear him: “Imo State is a work in progress and do not be deceived, it is not possible that within a four-year tenure, the State can be emancipated from the level of decay it was submerged into prior to my assumption of office considering the various interjections my administration encountered.

“For the past three and half years, my administration has embarked on tangible and intangible projects in salvaging the State from the deplorable condition it was. The reconstruction of major economic roads in the State has given a facelift to commercial activities across the State, thereby giving rise not just to State IGR but also, to personal income of Ndi Imo and residents.

“The reduction in travel time from Owerri to Orlu and Owerri to Okigwe has led to a reduction in transportation cost along these routes and we aim to achieve the same after the reconstruction of Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road. Our road revolution is not limited to Federal roads as we have restored the State capital to its glory while rebuilding many other rural roads.

“Our Industrial Policy Framework which is in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organizations (UNIDO) was formulated to consolidate Government’s efforts in the industrialization of the State. The private sector is armed with great potentials for economic growth and we are leveraging on this to grow our GDP.

“Thanks to the enabling environment which we have provided for businesses and governance, while we anticipate a thriving economy through these partnerships, the support of “Ndi Imo nile” and residents is highly sought after for the success of my projections.”

President Tinubu Inaugurates National Economic Council, Seeks Governors’ Support

Ayodele Oni

June 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, has sought support from State Governors saying the task of turning around Nigeria’s economy from the age-long status of “potential to pragmatic’’ has commenced with the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates.

Director, Information, State House, Abiodun Oladujoye, in a statement said the President spoke, while inaugurating the National Economic Council (NEC), an advisory body comprising the 36 state Governors, CBN Governor, and other stakeholders, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Tinubu listed eight priority areas for urgent attention and called for collective frameworks that will stimulate a buoyant economy that meets the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

The President assured the governors that the administration would address the issues that devalue the lives of Nigerians, with a focus on security, economy, jobs, agriculture, infrastructure, monetary policy, and fuel subsidy.

“It is worthy of note that the monthly meeting of NEC chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima has remained officially the economic platform for robust dialogue among the federal government, the 36 state governors, the CBN, and other key stakeholders.

“In my inaugural speech of May 29th, 2023, I expressed this administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians in a manner that not just reflects our humanity, but encourages compassion towards one another and duly rewards our collective efforts to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

“I also listed the principles that will guide our administration and it is as follows: to govern according to the constitution and ensure the rule of law; to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality; to promote economic growth.

“Development through job creation, food security and putting an end to poverty; to prominently feature women and youths in all our activities; to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture and; to discourage corruption, while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies.”

President Tinubu noted that policies and programmes of the government will be driven by compassion for the less privileged, and for more inclusivity, women and youths will be involved in the design and implementation of issues that impact their lives.

“It is evident that the task of growing our economy is enormous but you and I asked for it. We campaigned for it, we even danced for it, we begged for it, so we have no reason to complain.

“We must harness the growth potential of Nigeria and bring about serious development that will take us from ‘a potential nation’ to a pragmatic economic development in a rapid manner.”

President Tinubu urged NEC to stimulate ideas, through robust discussions, that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians, while highlighting the exigency for interventions on poverty.

“Members of this country are behind us, they want reform and they want it quick to impact their lives.”

Rallying the governors for national development, President Tinubu said, “Collaboration is not a crime, please let’s do it.’’

The President noted that the three tiers of government will need to be involved in economic development, including the Local Government Councils, in order to ensure inclusiveness, collectivity, and ownership of policies and programmes.

“The National Economic Council was established by the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“As one of the key bodies of the Federal Government, NEC has the mandate to advise the President on the economic affairs of the federation on appropriate measures for coordination of economic plans and programmes of the government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”

The President emphasized that significant steps has been taken by ending the fuel subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange rate.

“This government will continue to transform the fortunes of our nation and bring about unprecedented development through good governance.

“We are committed to sustainable initiatives and programmes that will stimulate the rejuvenation of the economy without causing inflation.

“The plans and ideas we have presented, underscore our confidence and ability to meet the challenges of the day and pave the way for a better future.

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