Tag: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Senator Ken Nnamani and his family at the burial of Jane Nnamani

Tinubu pays glowing tribute to Sen. Nnamani’s departed wife

,

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, paid glowing tributes to Sen. Ken Nnamani’s wife, late Mrs Jane Nnamani, as her remains were laid to rest in Ameachi Awkunanaw Community in Enugu.

Jane Nnamani, 58, died on Thursday, May 4, 2023, following a short illness.

Tinubu, who was ably represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, gave the tribute at the burial service of the late Mrs Nnamani on Friday.

The president described the death of Mrs Nnamani as a monumental loss to the former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, who had made huge contributions to the nation’s growth both as a politician and businessman.

According to him, “to the distinguish Sen. Ken Nnamani, it was with immense sadness that I learnt of the demise of your beloved wife, Ezinne Jane Nnamani.

“There is no doubt that her loss was a monumental one to you and the entire Nnamani family.

“The enviable milestones you have achieved in your political career and even in private as a businessman, would not have been possible without the psychological and emotional support of your beautiful and lovely wife.

“Even though, she died at the very young age of 58; hers is an apt vindication of the adage that it is not how long one lives but how well that matters,” he said.

Tinubu said that the late Mrs Nnamani would surely continue to inspire positive memories in the hearts of those who loved her and whose lives she touched.

“As her remains are buried today, I pray that God Almighty will grant you (Sen. Nnamani), the children and every member of the family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss and to carry on without her,” he said.

In a homily at the burial service, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, Archbishop Christopher Ede, said that human lives were like a flower that blossoms but withers away afterwards.

Ede urged Nigerians to help and assist one another, especially those who were in need before death finally comes their way.

He also lamented that love for money and power had made most Nigerians not to bother about the level of atrocities and wickedness they inject in the land.

“These ill-gotten wealth and political power have made many to start living life-styles that are clearly abnormal and do not glorify God or do people around them any good. But just vanity at the end of the day,” he said.

In a vote of thanks, Sen. Nnamani appreciated President Tinubu for sending a high-powered delegation and a wonderful tribute about his demised wife to the burial service.

“I am elated and happy that after about two decades after I left power, I am still recognised by the highest authority in the land.

“I sincerely thank Mr President for this love and solidarity to my family in this our trying time,” he said.

He also thanked Nigerians from all walks of life both local and international as well as politicians and business moguls for coming round the family and making this burial a huge success.

Among dignitaries that attended the burial included: Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Special Adviser to the President on Security, and Chief Hycinth Ngwu, General Manager, Business Development of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Others are: Sen. Sam Egwu; Sen. David Umahi; Sen. Rochas Okorocha; Sen. Victor Umeh; Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim; Sen. Ali Ndume; Sen. Chukwuka Utazi; Sen. Kelvin Chukwu as well as the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The rests are: Hon. Nnoli Nnaji representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency; Gov. Peter Mbah and his deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai; former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Retired Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; Sir Emeka Offor, an International Businessman, and Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma.

Alake

Tinubu appoints Alake, Ribadu, Edun, Uwajumogu, Verheijen special advisers

, ,

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday named eight people as special advisers, according to a statement released by State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye.

The President appointed Dele Alake as his Special Adviser of Special Duties, Communications and Strategy and Yau Darazo as Special Adviser on Political and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Tinubu also appointed Nuhu Ribadu as his Special Adviser on Security and Wale Edun as Special Adviser on Monetary Policies.

The President appointed Olu Verheijen as Special Adviser on Energy and Zachaeus Adedeji as Special Adviser on Revenue.

Others are John Uwajumogu (Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment), and Salma Anas (Special Adviser, Health).

The appointments are with immediate effect, the statement concluded.

Tinubu signing the students loan law

Loan disbursement to students begins September

, ,

The Federal Government said it is working out modalities to begin students loan between September and October 2023.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing newsmen on the bill signed by President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu on Monday signed into law the Student Loan Bill in fulfilment of a promise he made during his campaign.

The student loan bill sponsored by the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, provides for interest-free loans to indigent Nigerian students.

Adejo said the law would provide easy access to higher education for indigent Nigerians through interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

The loan, he said, covers students in private and public schools.

He said that President Tinubu had also approved a committee made up of ministries and agencies to see to the fruition of the loan scheme.

According to him, the bill is to make sure that every Nigerian has access to higher education through what the Higher Education Nigerian Bank.

“Learning from past mistakes, the bank is not going to be the type that will sit down and be collecting application loans.

”It will also perform normal banking functions and make sure loans are given because we had cases of loan recovery in the past.

“The Act as it is tells us the process, but as I speak with you today, the president has approved the committee made up of the ministries and agencies and their meeting will be coming up on June 20.

“The president has also directed that by September to October this 2023/2024 academic session, he wants to see recipients of these loans. So it is a very serious march for us so between now and then we have to work out the process for people to get the loan,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary also said government would create a specialised bank for the operation of the loans, noting that there would be a tracking system for efficient smooth running of the loans scheme.

He said this would cover both students in Private and public schools, adding that the government would also create a new bank for it.

“We are not going to use existing banks. We are going to create a new bank that will address this because we can’t use an existing bank.

“We don’t want to make it that only people who want to go to public schools will benefit from it, private schools are paying tuition so you have to give them the opportunity.

“The loan is for you to get an education programme and get employed, then you start paying back. The loan recovery does not start until you get employed.

While commending President Tinubu for this stride, Adejo said: ”Our current president today is a job creator from his experience from the private sector and he has given us policy direction and job creation is one of the things he is going to do, even though you cannot create job for every body.”

President Tinubu

APC to Amnesty: Tinubu Alive to his responsibilities

,

ABUJA, FCT
JUNE 14, 2023

PRESS STATEMENT

*INSECURITY: PRESIDENT TINUBU ALIVE TO HIS RESPONSIBILITIES*

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is shocked by the statement by Amnesty International accusing the new government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of indifference to the latest killings in some parts of the country, two weeks after he was sworn in.

While we thank Amnesty International for drawing attention to the lingering security challenges in our country especially in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue and Zamfara, we find its conclusion hasty and inconsiderate.

During his inaugural speech, President Bola Tinubu said clearly that security will be the topmost priority of his administration and he promised to reform the nation’s security doctrine and architecture.

He promised in categorical terms that Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence. To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE. We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower. President Tinubu demonstrated he prioritised security, when few days after he was sworn in, he met with his inherited security chiefs.

He gave marching orders to them to redouble efforts in dealing with the menace of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft, sea robbery and piracy among others that have conspired to weigh down the nation.

President Tinubu decried the persistent security breaches in the country and said he would not allow insecurity challenges to bring Nigeria to its knees while other countries are advancing.

It is therefore uncharitable and inconsiderate of Amnesty International through its Acting Nigeria Country Director, Isa Sanusi, to accuse the new government that is just settling down of dereliction of duty.

Amnesty International is known for stoking internal conflict and citizen antagonism in developing nations through weaponisation and accentuation of local situations to achieve its sinister objectives while hypocritically looking the other way when similar incidents occur in developed nations, especially in the Western world.

Many nations in the world, including the Inited States of America are today bedevilled by insecurity. By the end of May 2023 almost 20,000 people have died cumulatively as a result of gun violence and other violent crimes in America. In the first 150 days of 2023, America has recorded 263 mass shootings, with hundreds of death yet Amnesty International has not been on the mountain top to accuse US government of dereliction of duty. That mass shooting and gun violence have become an epidemic in US does not make the American government a failure in protecting its people or make mass shootings a ‘norm’ in the country. Every government is daily devising means and ways to tackle rapidly changing security problems.

In United Kingdom there is growing and daily menace of knife crimes. In 2022 alone, UK police recorded 49,265 offences involving knives and other sharp instruments and 46,334 in 2021. In Nottingham, a mass shooting in the city centre claimed three victims. Amnesty International has not accused UK government of failure to protect her citizens.

The isolated cases of shooting that are now several decades old in our country, will need methodical and strategic thinking to ensure normalcy.
No organisation should gloat over these unfortunate incidents. It’s too early for such unsympathetic reaction.

Amnesty International and its affiliates are advised to give the young government some time to work things out, in consonance with its pledge to our people, rather than rushing out with its jaded diatribe against the Nigerian government and its security authorities.

President Bola Tinubu and his team are settling down to solving many of our national challenges across various sectors. Amnesty International should allow this government to do its work without their usual condescending hypocrisy.

SIGNED:
*Barr. Felix Morka*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Boat accident in Kwara

Tinubu mourns victims of Kwara boat accident, orders probe

,

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the boat mishap, which occurred in Kwara State, claiming many lives.

The boat accident according to reports, led to the death of over 100 people who were wedding guests at Egbu village in Patigi Local Government Area of the state.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of our people in Kwara State. That the victims were guests at a wedding ceremony made the unfortunate accident more painful.

“My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of victims of the tragic mishap. I also sympathise with the government and people of Kwara State over the accident. May all loved ones find comfort,” the President prayed.

While urging the Kwara State Government and relevant Federal Government agencies to look into the circumstances surrounding the boat accident, President Tinubu promised that his administration would look into the challenges of inland water transportation in the country to ensure the matter of safety and operational standards are strictly adhered to.

“The Kwara State Government and relevant federal agencies should work together to unravel the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate accident. Immediate relief and necessary assistance should also be provided to the survivors and families of victims,” the President said

Buba Galadima

Tinubu an action man making Nigeria better: Buba Galadima

,

Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has described President Bola Tinubu as an action man working to make Nigeria a better place.

Galadima said the decisions Tinubu had taken as President had indicated that he’s determined to make Nigeria a better place.

Speaking in Abuja, the NNPP chieftain urged the President to maintain the tempo, Daily Post reports.

According to Galadima: “For those of us who have been in trenches in politics for the last 45 years, you will know that this time around the difference is clear.

“We do appreciate Mr President and so far he hasn’t disappointed us for having been on the right track so far.

“We do pray and hope that the action man will continue the work he is doing to make Nigeria a better place for us.”

President Tinubu

Tinubu pledges to invest more on education in talks with NANS

,

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja pledged that his administration would commit more resources to the education sector to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of his background, has access to quality education.

Speaking in his office at State House when he received the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the President declared that poverty should not be a barrier to education as he emphasising the transformative power of education in combating poverty.

”If we all believe that education is the greatest weapon against poverty then we have to invest in it.

Tinubu, right, with the NANS leaders
Tinubu, right, with the NANS leaders

”Poverty should not prevent anybody, any child, including the daughter or son of a wood seller, ‘Bole’ (plantain) seller or yam seller from attaining their highest standard of education, to eliminate poverty.

”If you eliminate poverty from one family, you can carry the rest of the weight. ”

President Tinubu, who promised to consider the requests of the NANS leaders, urged the students’ body to ensure unity among its members across the country to achieve more.

”You have to promote unity and stability among each other. You have to employ democratic means in your programmes and elections. I have to say anyone who is unable to accept and celebrate a free and fair election, does not deserve the joy of victory,” he admonished.

The President expressed his appreciation for the students’ support of the removal of subsidy on petrol, explaining the reasons behind the decision and the need to curb smuggling.

”I’m glad you understand the reason for the subsidy removal. We were at a point where Nigeria tried to draw water from a dry well and that is no longer acceptable and we equally must not continue to service the smugglers because they used to take our tankers and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the borders.

” We will put our money where our mouth is,” he said.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Umar Barambu, said the NANS leaders had come to thank the President over the signing into law of the Student Loan Bill, which will provide loans to indigent students such that no Nigerian student in tertiary institution will drop out of school over inability to pay school fees.

The Bill, sponsored by former House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, was signed into law by President Tinubu on Monday, June 12, which is Democracy Day.

“We are here to congratulate you and to thank you for what you have been doing to the country since you assumed responsibility as the President. We want to equally thank you for the Students Loan Bill,” Barambu said.

Declaring the students’ support on the removal of fuel subsidy, the NANS president said:

”It takes a great person to take that bold step of removing the subsidy on petrol. Some people contacted us to protest against that decision, but we said no!

”The well is dry and ‘Baba’ cannot give what we don’t have now. We have to accept reality and face that challenge squarely so that together we can rescue the country. Today we are saying ‘yes’ to fuel subsidy removal and we will stand with that decision.”

Akpabio and his family with President Tinubu

Tinubu to National Assembly: Let’s get on with the business of the people

,

In a message to the National Assembly after the election of the presiding officers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he was prepared to work together with the legislators.

“Our people look up to us to change the fortune of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress”, Tinubu said in the statement signed by him.

“All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment. We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony but with respect for our respective prerogatives and in the best interest of our country”.

He also pledged to work transparently with the National Assembly, but warned that they may occasionally disagree.

The full statement below:

NOW, LETS GET ON WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE PEOPLE

The election of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON and Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas as the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly is a good development.

I heartily congratulate them and also rejoice with the new Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for their well-deserved victories.

Being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly is a great honour that comes with huge responsibility. I trust that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your members and many Nigerians.

I wish Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Honourable member Idris Wase and Honourable Aminu Jaji who enriched the process with their participation in the leadership election the best and a successful tenure in the 10th National Assembly.

I urge them to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.

My congratulations to all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, who, today, enlisted into the service of the blessed people of our great country.

We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with the oath we took. It is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.

As your President, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes including improving their quality of life.

In the course of our work together, disagreements may occur. When we disagree it will not be out of malice, ill-will and quest to diminish the institution of National Assembly or any individual member.

Our people across the length and breadth of our country expect so much from us. They want us to lift their economic burden. They want us eliminate insecurity so our farmers in rural communities can go to their farms and produce the food we eat.

Our people look up to us to change the fortune of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress. All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment. We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony but with respect for our respective prerogatives and in the best interest of our country.

We cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want us to make every day of the next four years count. Justifiably, our people want more from their government. They truly deserve progressive good governance that will improve their standards of living. We must give them our best.

I will remain a partner in progress for peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria. I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey.

Once again, I send my best wishes.”

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria

­June 13, 2023

Tinubu

View from abroad: Tinubu excites foreign investors

Nigeria’s dollar debt surged after the surprise weekend ouster of the central bank chief, and as fresh comments on merging multiple exchange rates added to signs that President Bola Tinubu is resetting policies blamed for crippling Africa’s biggest economy.

Governor Godwin Emefiele was suspended by Tinubu after the markets closed on Friday, and then detained by Nigeria’s state security service a day later for unexplained “investigative reasons.” Folashodun Shonubi, a deputy governor in charge of operations at the bank, took over in an acting capacity.

Investors have welcomed the change because it signals a move away from unorthodoxy under the former bank chief. Emefiele’s policies — including allowing a complex regime of multiple exchange rates — had long been criticized by investors, economists and institutions like the World Bank. Under his tenure, the central bank also loaned the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari 22.7 trillion naira ($49 billion), helping push public debt to a record 77 trillion naira.

Nigeria’s international bonds jumped the most among emerging-market peers in trading on Monday, a public holiday in Nigeria, with its longest-dated dollar debt rising to the highest since January. The notes maturing in 2051 rose more than 3 cents on the dollar to as high as 73.74, the biggest gain this year. The premium investors demand to hold Nigerian debt over US Treasuries fell 46 basis points to 710, the biggest drop this year, according to a JPMorgan index.

“This could spell the end of unorthodox and often conflicting and confusing monetary policies that held back economic growth and destroyed local and foreign investor confidence,” Ayodeji Dawodu, head of Africa sovereign and corporate credit research at BancTrust & Co. in London, said by phone.

Wale Edun, an influential member of Tinubu’s advisory board, told Bloomberg by phone on Monday that the unification of exchange rates was “imminent.”

“I would say it would have to be done within a quarter as rather than within a year,” he said. “ I think you’re talking, think quarters rather than years, that’s where I would put it.”

Under Emefiele, Nigeria’s central bank offered the US dollar through several windows at tightly controlled rates, with little liquidity, to businesses and individuals. This forced many to the black market, where the dollar traded more freely but at about a 60% premium to the official rate.

Emefiele was widely seen as acting in lockstep with the administration of Tinubu’s predecessor, Buhari. That government was perceived to be more statist and socialist in its approach, said Yemi Kale, chief economist for Nigeria at KPMG LLP and the nation’s former statistician general. “The markets will respond positively to an administration it believes to be more market oriented,” Kale said.

Tinubu criticized the country’s central bank in his May 29 inaugural address, vowing to unify the multiple exchange rates in order to “direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plants, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.”

“To be credible, the implementation of policy changes would most likely need a new team,” Ayo Salami, chief investment officer at Emerging Markets Investment Management Ltd. in London, said via email, explaining the market reaction to Emefiele’s ouster.

Naira Devaluation

The current naira exchange rate of 471.92 naira to the dollar, a record low, likely needs to be adjusted to about 700-750 naira, closer to the current black-market rate, JPMorgan said in an investment note on May 31. “Our baseline expectation is that an adjustment to these levels is likely, barring significant upside to oil prices or production,” the bank said.

The naira has closed lower for three consecutive days, its longest streak of losses since May 12. Analysts expect that the currency could trade anywhere between 650 to 750 to the dollar as Nigeria allows it to trade more freely. Domestic trade will resume on Tuesday as Monday is a public holiday in Nigeria.

A naira at that level, combined with Tinubu’s decision to remove a costly gasoline subsidy, “means the government does not have [to] borrow as much, just to pay interest on debt,” Charlie Robertson, head of strategy at FIM Partners, said in a series of posts on Twitter.

Reported by Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance

Tinubu

Tinubu keeps campaign promise, offers interest free loans to students

,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kept one his campaign promises by signing into law a bill making available to Nigerian students interest free loans to pay tuition fees.

Tinubu signed the law on Monday on a day that Nigeria also marked the June 12 Democracy Day.

According to a statement by the Presidency, the Students Loan Bill was sponsored by former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. It was passed by the National Assembly.

The legislation has as its short title, the ‘Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2019,’ While its long title is ‘A Bill for an Act to provide for easy access to higher education for Nigerians through interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Fund established in this Act with a view to providing education for all Nigerians and for other purposes connected thereto.’

The Bill seeks the establishment of the Nigerian Education Fund, domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from which qualified applicants can access education loans through the commercial banks in the country.

The Bill provides that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in other enactments, all students seeking higher education in any public institution of higher learning in Nigeria shall have an equal right to access the loan under this Act without any discrimination arising from gender, religion, tribe, position or disability of any kind.

“The loan referred to in this Act shall be granted to students only for the payment of Tuition fees. The grant of the loan to any student under this Act shall be subject to the students/applicant(s) satisfying the requirements and conditions set out under this Act.”

Gbajabiamila, now Tinubu’s chief of staff had argued in the Bill that the hardship being faced by the unemployed and low-income earners coupled with the very high cost of living in Nigeria over the years has made access to quality higher education difficult, stressful and in some cases impossible.

He also noted that a well-educated citizenry is critical to our National development and our Nation’s ability to compete in the Global Economy, arguing that higher education should be regarded as a public good benefiting the entire country rather than a commodity solely benefiting the individual recipients.

“In tandem with the Federal government’s interest and quest in ensuring access to higher education, the National Assembly has agreed to prescribe a legislation that will guarantee access to quality higher education by qualified Nigerians,” he said during the debate on the Bill.

About

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of many traditional honours across the country, from north to south, west to east. The array of titles he has garnered was only comparable to that of Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the 1993 Presidential election.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter to be updated.

en_USEnglish