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Again, Kano Insists On Withdrawal Of  Tax Reforms Bills

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has described as ill-timed, lopsided and generally detrimental to the over all interests of Nigerians, particularly the Northern part of the country, the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reforms Bills.

The Source reports that the Federal Government had tabled before the National Assembly a set of Tax Reforms Bills which it believes can potentially  move the economy forward.

But the proposed tax legislation has been greeted with stringent opposition, especially from the Northern part of Nigeria, which is seeing in the exercise a receipt for a further economic marginalization

During a New Year celebration on Wednesday, January,1, 2025, at the open air theatre in Kofar Niasa, Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reinstated the State’s opposition to the tax reforms bill.

Represented at the event by his Deputy, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Governor insisted that the proposed piece of  legislation in its current form is completely inimical to the welfare of  Kano, Northern Nigeria, and the country as a whole.

A statement issued by the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, indicated that the State stands firmly against the Tax Reforms Bill.

” This Tax Reforms Bill is not the solution to our economic challenges. Kano State stands firmly against any policy that negatively affects the welfare of our people.

The proposed tax reform is ill-timed, lopsided and inimical to the unity of the country.

“Nigerians in general, and the North in particular, are groaning under hyper- inflation and unprecedented insecurity, therefore, the Presidency should rather concentrate its time and attention to tackling extreme poverty and hunger especially in the northern part of the country”,  the Kano state Government noted.

Its position is coming very closely on the heels of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohamed’s scathing attack of both the tax policy and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

At a meeting with the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, at the Government House on December 26, 2024, Governor Mohammed insisted that President Tinubu withdraws the controversial bill in deference to the sensitivities of the North.

He, however, warned that the region equally has what it takes to resist any attempt at imposing the legislation on it.

His position has since drawn flaks from the Presidency which  asked the Governor to retract what it considers a veiled threat on President Tinubu by the Bauchi Governor.

But the Governor has remained adamant, insisting that the bill be withdrawn.

Before the present exchange of words, the region had, through the Northern Governors Forum, and Borno State  Governor Professor Babagana Zulum, voiced its opposition to the Tax Reforms proposal.

“Let Me Take The Abuse, Take The Privileges”, President Tinubu Tells Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

“Local Government Autonomy does not mean they have been taken away from States” – Tinubu

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) brandishing achievements under the Government of President Bola Tinubu, has invited the President to visit various states to see the ongoing transformations and progresses firsthand.

NGF chairman, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, who is, also, Kwara State Governor, stated that

“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.

“So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day. So, in terms of agriculture, the policy is working.

“We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100% sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa.”

He spoke on Wednesday

during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to the President at his Ikoyi residence.

The Governor urged the President to visit various states to see the ongoing transformations and progress firsthand.

He assured the President of the steadfast support of the Governors, particularly in contributing to local security architecture to further enhance the nation’s security.

“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term.

“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it.”

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu emphasised the critical role of State Governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the sub-national level is central to national growth.

The President expressed his gratitude for their support and collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort for the nation’s progress.

“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hand.”

President Tinubu called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to address pressing challenges, including Local Government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.

Expressing his commitment to Local Government development and autonomy, the President stressed its importance for grassroots development and dispelled rumours of disagreement with the Governors.

“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your Local Governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.

“There were gossips that we had disagreements on Local Government Autonomy. No. Just drive development at the Local Government.

“Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”

President Tinubu urged the Governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.

“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us.”

He also urged the Governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states.

“There is no State we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he said.

Reflecting on his leadership journey in the past 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the administration.

“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he said.

The President announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation.

President Tinubu welcomed his declaration by ThisDAY newspaper as Man Of The Year.

He commended the newspaper for recognising “what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success.”

HURIWA Lauds Fubara For Shunning Pro-Wike Law Makers During Budget Presentation

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Fubara Presents Budget

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria HURIWA, has thrown its weight behind the decision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to shun the 27 defected members of the State Assembly in the presentation of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation bill.

This is just as the civil society group urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to take steps towards filling the vacancies created by the defection of the Lawmakers.

The Source reports that the 27 pro-Wike legislators in 2024, resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on which platform they were elected as State Assembly members .

On Monday December 30, 2024, Governor Fubara, presented the State’s 2025 fiscal estimate of N 1.188 trillion to the four remaining state legislators led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jombo for consideration and passage.

However, the move drew the ire of the defected House members, who vehemently protested the action of the Governor.

The group led by factional Speaker Martins Amaewfule, on Tuesday, December 31,at its plenary, condemned the Governor’s action, as smacking of gross disregard for law and order.

But in a statement on Wednesday January 1, 2025 by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA , hailed Governor Fubara for standing firm behind constitutionalism ,as well as protecting the interests of the people.

The group condemned the 27 defected legislators for protesting against the decision of the Governor to present the budget estimate to the Oko-Jombo led House of Assembly.

The human rights body described the action of the 27 Lawmakers as totally misplaced, insisting that they all lost their seats the very moment they defected to the rival All Progressive Congress APC in 2023.

According to HURIWA, going by the provisions of section 109 (1)(g ) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ,1999 ( as amended ) the 27 legislators are automatically deemed to have lost their seats following their resignation from the PDP that sponsored their  elections.

“The Rivers State High Court presided over by Hon Justice Charles Wali had earlier affirmed this position in its ruling in May 2024.

“The Court declared the seats of the defected Lawmakers vacant and issued an injunction restraining them from parading themselves as members of the House or conducting any legislative activities.

“This decision effectively nullified attempts by the defected law makers to regain control of the Rivers State House of Assembly”, Onwubiko stated .

Consequently, HURIWA lauded the Governor for being bold and courageous enough to stand in defence of the law, and for refusing to be cowed.

The group expressed deep concern over the decision of the defected legislators to still want to control the State’s legislative body even after officially defecting to the APC .

HURIWA, therefore, called on INEC to conduct by-elections to immediately fill the vacancies created by the exit of the 27 House members.

“INEC must act swiftly to restore full representation to the affected constituencies by ensuring that democratic processes are upheld”, the group noted.

Borno: Gov Zulum Approves N8Bn To Offset Backlog Of Pensions, Gratuities

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Professor Babagana Zulum

By Ayodele Oni

Retirees in Borno state that retired between 2019 and 2021 can now heave a sigh of relief as the state government is set to pay their pension and gratuity early in the year.

The State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved N8b to offset the backlog of liabilities in pensions and gratuities for retired primary school teachers and other civil servants that have worked with the government.

The N8b approval will clear the backlogs accrued from 2019 to 2021.

The governor announced the approval on Wednesday at the council chamber of the government house in Maiduguri.

Zulum released N3b in June and September, 2019, to clear gratuities of 1,684 retirees that left the civil service between 2013 and 2019 and disbursed over N12b in 2020 for retirees that left both the state and local government civil service between 2013 and 2017.

“Since I took over in 2019 to date, we have paid about N25 billion for the settlement of gratuities for those that have worked with local and state governments.”

Governor Zulum assured that his administration will settle all the backlog of gratuities and pensions before the end of his tenure in 2027, stressing that “Insh’Allah, I will clear all the backlog of gratuities before I leave office in 2027.”

Uzodimma Pledges Accelerated Development In 2025

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has assured the people of accelerated development in all parts of the State this year.

He said that with the planned industrialisation of the State and the level of infrastructural development already achieved by his administration, Imo will experience an economic boom this year.

In his new year message to the people,  the Governor, however, asked them to support the administration and re-dedicate themselves to the service of the State.

He also tasked them to love one another as brothers and sisters and “avoid negative tendencies  that hinder the spirit of togetherness needed to foster the growth and development of the State.”

He also urged the people to reaffirm their hope in a better tomorrow, saying that Nigerians will emerge stronger from the current economic challenges if they have faith in God.

Reflecting on the economic growth of the State, Uzodimma disclosed that with the faithful implementation of the 2025  budget of N807 billion, he would have set Imo on an irreversible path of sustainable development.

He described the budget as “a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialisation of the State by strengthening our infrastructure.”

According to him, apart from the completion of his legacy projects started last year, especially the iconic Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Umuahia road, and the provision of uninterrupted power supply, the communities in the State will experience “renewed vitality as my administration will assist them in implementing various projects.”

Senator Uzodimma  expressed confidence that the newly democratised local governments will also assist the communities in achieving rapid growth.

The Governor assured civil servants and pensioners in the State of sustainable payment of salaries and pensions and gratuities to make lives more meaningful for them.

Uzodimma pledged his unwavering commitment and dedication towards serving Imo people diligently and honestly to justify the confidence they reposed in him through his reelection.

He accordingly charged those working with him in the Executive to redouble their efforts to ensure that Imo people receive first class service this year.

Said he: “This year, 2025, is a defining year for all of us to prove our mettle in serving the people of the State. Laxity and corruption will not be tolerated. Let it be clear that those called to serve Imo State in my administration must either serve with dignity and integrity or face the consequences.”

Governor Uzodimma’s message reads:

“My esteemed Imo people, my brothers and sisters, I address you on this New Year’s Day of 2025 with a heart full of joy and gratitude to God. Please join me in thanking and praising God, the giver of life, for the privilege of beholding another New Year’s Day.

“This new year brings with it great promise of hope, peace, and progress for all Imo people. It is worthy of celebration that we are alive to behold the new year, inspite of  all odds and challenges, including the harsh global economic environment.

“Those of us who are blessed to see this new year should be filled with gratitude to God. We are aware that many of those who started last year with us are not here today. While we thank God for sparing our lives, we should spare a thought for all those who have departed .

“Indeed, I can say that God was good and merciful to Imo State and its people in the preceding year of 2024. Security-wise, it was a year of God’s mercy. We had a relatively calm and secure year in which serious security breaches and associated senseless killings of the past were kept at a minimum.

“While we give God all the glory, I must also thank the security agencies for their sacrifices and proactive responses to these security challenges. I also appreciate the members and leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria for their relentless prayers for peace in our state.

“To those who promote insecurity and social tension in the state, I urge you once again to repent and embrace peace. Take advantage of this new year to make peace with God and your conscience. If you persist, the long arm of the law will catch up with you, and you will be held accountable for your evil deeds.

“Let me also use this auspicious occasion to urge all Imo people, regardless of political affiliations, to work with the government in our relentless quest to bring more development to our dear state.

“With the signing into law of our administration’s Eight Hundred and Seven Billion Naira Appropriation Bill on Monday, I can confidently say that I have set the state on an irreversible path of economic growth. As you know, 86.09% or  Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and twenty naira( N694,786,04,220) of the budget is allocated to capital projects. This is a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialization of the state by strengthening our infrastructure.

“Several legacy projects initiated last year will be completed this year. These include, but are not limited to, the iconic Assumpta Flyover, the Owerri-Umuahia Road, the provision of uninterrupted power supply statewide, the Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel, and the iconic Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

“Equally, the Orashi Free Trade Zone and other ancillary projects, such as the dredging of the Oguta/Orashi rivers to the Atlantic, will be expedited to attract foreign and domestic investors.

“As we open our doors to investors by providing essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, and a conducive business environment, we are creating significant job opportunities for our youth and women. I am confident that these measures will bring us closer to industrializing the state than ever before, and we will soon have a robust economy and sustained development that will put us on the global map of industrialized economies.

“In this regard, I recommit myself to working harder and maintaining transparency in the allocation of your resources for the maximum benefit of the people. I assure you that the 2025 budget will be faithfully implemented to address the needs of our people and achieve the administration’s goals.

“As I promised during my second-term inauguration speech, the pace of governance will continue to accelerate, and service delivery will be enhanced. I am committed to serving Imo people diligently and honestly. Your overwhelming support in the 2023 elections has further strengthened my resolve to serve you better. I urge those serving Imo people with me to redouble their efforts.

“This year, 2025 is a defining year for all of us to prove our mettle in serving the people of the state. Laxity and corruption will not be tolerated. Let it be clear that those called to serve Imo State in my administration must either serve with dignity and integrity or face the consequences.

“Our civil servants and pensioners can expect more welfare packages from the government as we strive to improve their lives. I am aware of the general hardship in the country. Therefore, I will ensure that our civil servants and pensioners are supported to live meaningful lives as a reward for their service to the state. Last year, we began paying gratuities to our pensioners. Those who were omitted last year will be paid this year. No one will be left behind.

“Similarly, this year, our communities will experience renewed vitality as my administration will assist them in implementing various projects.

“With the democratization of local governments, we expect to see rapid economic growth and social development in rural communities. I have instructed traditional rulers to reside in their domains to oversee the development and security of their communities. I hope they heed this directive.

“My good people of Imo State, as we embark on this new year, let us rededicate ourselves to serving our state. Let us love one another as brothers and sisters. Let us avoid negative tendencies that hinder the spirit of togetherness needed to foster the growth and development of the state.

“As we do this, let us reaffirm our hope for a better tomorrow. Remember, it is darkest before dawn. I believe that we will emerge stronger from these economic challenges if we have faith in God and our leaders.

“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated in his Christmas message, the federal government’s economic reforms are already bearing fruit. We need a bit of patience as we will soon reap the full benefits of these reforms.

“Finally, I urge us to approach this year with hope and faith that Nigeria and Imo State will have a brighter future. But, as the Bible teaches us, we should back our faith with good work. If we do, the sky will be our limit.

“I wish all of us a prosperous New Year.

“Thank you, and God bless all of us.

“Sen. (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma, CON
Governor.”

President Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Shun Detractors

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President

By Ayodele Oni

Nigerians have been enjoined not to be distracted by activities and comments of ” a tiny segment of population that sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.”

President Bola Tinubu, in his new year message to the people called for more cooperation to ensure that the economy improved remarkably in 2025.

The president stated that  “I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.

“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.

“To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.

“Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.

“I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.

“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.

“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.

“The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders.

“The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.

“Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country.

“Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward.

“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.

“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.”

Kano Civil Society Forum Seeks Establishment Of Commission For Disabled

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

To ensure proper census and care, the Civil Society Forum in Kano State has urged the State Government to expedite action on the establishment of people with disabilities commission.

 President of the Forum, Muhammad Bello, while addressing a press conference in Kano on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of establishing the commission in order to ensure inclusiveness and good governance.

Bello also advised government to borrow a leaf from states like Plateau and Yobe states who already established similar Commissions.

He commended the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for acknowledging the relevance of people living with disabilities in it’s policies.

According to statistics by association of people living with disabilities in Kano, there are 43,418 people with disabilities in the state as of 2022.

Bello pointed out that establishing the commission will help in acquiring adequate data for the people living with disabilities in the state, for proper budgeting and policy formulation.

He said non implementation of the commission will create room for abusing their rights and depriving them opportunities to get employment.

Gov Oyebanji Foresees Rapid Economic Growth For Ekiti

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared  2025 as the year of accelerated growth in the state’s journey towards shared prosperity.

The new year, according to Oyebanji, will see the state witness massive improvement in food production, infrastructure and better government services that have never been seen in the history of the state.

The Governor, in a statewide new year broadcast relayed on all radio and television stations in the state on Wednesday morning, congratulated the people of the state for witnessing another year in spite of the numerous challenges that daily confronted them.

Admitting that while each year comes with its challenges, there is need to thank God for seeing the people of the state through 2024 , which he noted began with damning economic challenges and dreadful insecurity.

The Governor expressed delight that the year “thankfully, ended with easing economic situation suggestive of a positive curve for our State and country.”

Oyebanji also pointed out that his administration and the people “have made a remarkable mileage in the journey to prosperity in line with continuity and shared prosperity agenda,” adding that “development in the last one year has been phenomenally exciting, a fact which many have acknowledged.”

The Governor assured that 2025 would offer better economic prospects for the state and the country, noting that Ekiti has taken a leap towards a higher pedestal of economic development most especially with the approval granted the state airport to commence non-scheduled flights.

“We are very optimistic that 2025 will be a year of positive economic resurgent for the country, as indicators point to increased economic activities that will engender higher income and improved revenue.

“In Ekiti, this is our year of accelerated growth in our shared prosperity journey. Ekiti is going to witness massive improvement in food production, infrastructure and better government services than we have ever seen.

“I am proud to announce that Ekiti State Airport is now completed and ready for operation. The federal government through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on December 13, 2024, granted the airport a six-month licence to commence non-scheduled flight activities at the Airport.

“This period of six months is for the airport to test its systems and prepare for full operation as from June 15 this year. This, in my view, is the best new year gift to Ekiti people.

“For us in Ekiti, the commencement of flights at the airport is a validation of our continuity mantra, it also marks a significant milestone in our strategic vision of linking the economy of our State to the rest of the world, as well as the expansion of  Ekiti economy into new arena of prosperity and opportunities.

“Our ultimate hope is to become the Agro-Allied  export hub of the the country. We are very thrilled by the potential that this breakthrough portends for our State.”

FG To Set Up Credit Coy To Boost Investment, Economy

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Naira Notes

The federal government says one of its efforts in  making life better for Nigerians is the expansion of credit schemes for them.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his new year message to the citizens On Wednesday disclosed that more Nigerians will have more access to credit in the new year in other to make their lives easy.

Not a few Nigerians have complained of the high interest rates charged by commercial banks from customers who approach them for loans.

Nigerians commercial banks charge as much as 40 per cent interest on loans, according to three persons working with top lenders in the country.

President Bola Tinubu

The sources said the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN unending hike in the benchmark interest rate also known as the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR , has further compounded the problems of access to credits by the citizens.

During the last CBN Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting held in November, the apex bank jerked up the MPR by 25 basic points to 27.50 percent from 27. 25 percent in October.

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN hiked the MPR multiple times last year amidst serious complaints that the apex bank is stifling investment and hindering access to credit.

Critics of the apex bank also said the decision has slowed down the economy.

Tinubu however promised that by expanding credit to the citizens the economy will received a boost, adding that a ‘Company’ will be establish for expanding “risk-sharing instruments” with financial institutions in the country.

The government has fixed the second quarter of 2025 for the take off of the “National Credit Guarantee Company”, the president said.

He said, “In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

The Company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.

“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.”

My Take On The Presidential Media Chat

By
The Source
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0
Joe Abah

By Joe Abah, OON

President Tinubu’s interviewers were star-struck and missed opportunities to interrogate  him

I’ve just watched President Tinubu’s media chat and here are my thoughts. Please read to the end:

  1. When a President invites you into their home for a media chat, a certain level of decorum would be expected of the interviewers. You can challenge but with decorum and facts.
  1. However, when HE throws a challenge, good interviewers should accept that challenge with relish. They should do so in order to get an insight into his mindset for the benefit of the public.
  1. So, on cost of governance, when he said he needs all his Ministers, they should have asked him why he feels he needs a Ministry of Livestock Development when he already has a Ministry of Agriculture. Why couldn’t the Ministry of Agriculture do whatever it was he wanted the Livestock MInistry to do?

Why does he need a Ministry of Police Affairs when the IGP, by law, reports directly to him and the Nigeria Police Council is empowered to make policy for the Police Force? Why does the Police Affairs Ministry have a budget of over N1 Trillion!

What has happened to the Oronsaye Report implementation that he set up a committee and gave them 12 weeks in March to report?

  1. When he said his Ministers are all delivering and challenged them to name any that weren’t, it was a golden opportunity to put to him what the public think and to hear his views. It would also have exposed where the Ministers might be working but were failing to communicate. For instance, he said Prof Pate of the Ministry of Health is doing excellently well. They should have asked him what it was he was doing exactly?

They should have asked what the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has achieved in 18 months? They should have relayed the surprise of many that the Minister of Power survived the recent reshuffle.

When he said that our internet provision is not where it should be, they should have asked him what the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is doing about it.

  1. When he said he had ensured the financial autonomy of Local Governments, they should have asked him why the FGN itself was not complying with the Supreme Court ruling and sending monies direct to LGAs?
  1. Overall, I think that the interviewers were somewhat star struck, perhaps because it was the first one. I also think that there were too many interviewers, with everyone having to be allowed to ask a question to represent their media house. That meant that there was little interactiveness, even when the President offered opportunities for robust exchange.

I hope that future media chats would be more robust.

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