₦airaland Forum

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu-led government as it marks one year in office.

According to NNPP, in its s one-year assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, it noted with dismay that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the government was not yielding the desired benefits, rather it has inflicted untold hardship on the people.

In a statement by the national publicity secretary, Oladipo Johnson, the NNPP urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, review its economic policies to align with the prevailing sufferings of the people and boost productivity in the country.

The party noted economic indicators and performance index of the economy were not giving Nigerians any hope.

It stressed that Nigerians are not feeling the impact of government on their daily well-being.

“The renewed hope now looks like a feeble orchestration, hope is dimming,” the statement read.

“As reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation now stands at 33.69 per cent, highest in 28 years and food inflation at 40.53 per cent in April. This is not comforting in any way.”

It also highlighted the fiscal crisis being experienced till date, saying the devaluation of the naira and the resort to huge borrowing from local and foreign institutions should be carefully reviewed in tandem with the effects on the economy and the need for prudent management of resources.

NNPP called for a substantial reduction in the cost of governance and a clear eye on leakages, corruption and accountability, just as it also charged the government to prioritise its spending to reflect prevailing realities rather than wasteful expenditures.

“While education and health in particular are underfunded, we can see much wasteful application of scarce resources in less important activities which suggest misplaced priorities.”

The NNPP also expressed concerns that dozens of manufacturing companies that have now left the country.

The party noted the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said 367 companies stopped production activities from December 2023 and that among those still in business, 335 are in distress, while N350 billion worth of goods were not sold.

It urged President Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing emirate crisis in Kano State.

“In our candid opinion, the last year has been a nightmare for Nigerians who are now poorer amidst poverty, hunger, and untold suffering.

“Government said it is renewing hope but this has to translate into tangible deliverables to hedge against the prevailing hunger and starvation among the populace.

“Regrettably, the unrelenting dire security situation in the country is worsening the concerns of the people and this should be a priority to the government as we call for a drastic review of policies and programmes of the administration.

“We cannot end this appraisal piece without advising the Tinubu administration to focus more on governance and avoid unnecessary distractions like the ongoing intervention of the Federal Government in the emirship stool in Kano, which is purely a state affair according to the 1999 Constitution as amended.


“President Tinubu should warn his appointed officials to allow him to concentrate on the things he was elected into office for instead of engaging in frivolities of politicking.

“Instead of deploying soldiers to provide cover for someone constitutionally removed from office, such soldiers should be deployed to confront terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and others who are making life difficult for Nigerians.

“Nigerians deserve better than what they are experiencing now.”

Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.

In a statement on Wednesday by its secretary-general Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group noted that the past few months signified a period of progress and development for the country.

“Despite the inherited challenges such as a retrogressive economy, treasury looting, and infrastructural decay, Tinubu has demonstrated the political will to overcome these obstacles more effectively than the previous eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the group said.

Isiguzoro contrasted Tinubu’s approach with the previous administration, alleging that “during the Buhari regime, the South-East, as a region faced ‘deliberate economic suppression and targeting, leading to strife and insecurity.’”

“In contrast, President Tinubu’s administration has fostered hope and progress in the South-East through initiatives like the ongoing road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects, fostering economic activity and inclusivity,” the statement added.

While addressing lingering challenges, Isiguzoro called on Tinubu to “halt property demolitions in Lagos, release Nnamdi Kanu, enhance trade policies, and reopen the Calabar Seaport to stimulate economic growth further.”

The association also advocated for the removal of underperforming ministers, stating, “Ohanaeze also advocates the removal of underperforming ministers to drive progress and efficiency.”


Ohanaeze restated its commitment to partnering with the government and urged opposition leaders to join hands with Tinubu “to rebuild the nation for prosperity and progress.”

On this day a year ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The first year of any administration is typically for taking stock of what was inherited and laying the foundation for the most important legacies that the administration will be identified with.

Looking at what we have focused on in these last twelve months, it is effortless to see the great possibilities and outcomes awaiting our dear country.

Firstly, President Tinubu is resolutely focused on policies and actions that will attract long-term local and foreign investments to Nigeria.

This explains the focus on improving the business environment, through ease-of-doing-business initiatives, tax and fiscal policy reforms, the Central Bank’s monetary policy reforms, and many more.

Just last week the Central Bank of Nigeria disclosed that foreign currency inflows to Nigeria in the first quarter of 2024 have already surpassed the total inflows in the entire 2023.

Secondly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on policies and programs that provide direct and targeted economic relief and benefits to the pockets and livelihoods of Nigerians, through grants, student loans, food and fertilizer distribution, cash transfers, health insurance, consumer credit, and the new minimum wage that is being finalized.

Thirdly, the President understands that desirable developmental outcomes often require a temporary period of pain and adjustment. He seizes every opportunity to be seen and heard asking for the understanding of the Nigerian people. In his words, “the hallmark of leadership is making difficult decisions when they need to be made.” Importantly, these difficult decisions are necessary to make things easier for us all in the future.

Fourthly, President Tinubu is a listening leader, who does not allow ego to get in the way of doing what is best and does not shy away from implementing adjustments in the policy-making process, where necessary. The goal is simple: to ensure that the greatest good is guaranteed for the greatest number of Nigerians.

Fifthly, and finally, President Tinubu is very serious about communicating his administration’s vision and actions and selling the compelling story of Nigeria as Africa’s leading investment destination. He sees himself as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the Federation and goes the extra mile to fulfill this role with boldness and determination.

A personal testimony: In my work as the Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Head of the National Communications Team (NCT), I can attest to the great support that I have enjoyed from him.

His approval for us to constitute the National Communications Team – bringing together key communications experts in the Presidency and the Federal Government, alongside the heads of our public information agencies – is a testament to his determination to do things differently with public communications.

As we move into the second year of the administration, there is no doubt in my mind that things can only get better for this blessed and beautiful country of ours.

I invite you all to share in this enthusiasm. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr, is the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria.

By Wisdom Nwedene, Abakaliki

A middle aged man identified as Abraham has been arrested by security operatives in Ebonyi State after he was accused of having sex with a little boy.

In a viral video spotted by 9News Nigeria correspondent, the man was seen confessing to the crime and said he actually killed the boy when he wanted to expose the crime.

The man said he killed the little boy through poison (sniper) which he bought at Nwezenyi village because he was afraid of being exposed.

According to Jeremiah Obaji who shared the video, "So this man here who parade as a choir master has been devôurîg a male teenager through the nyash, this hapless boy was entrusted in his care but this bèàst took advantage of the poor minor without the knowledge of the mother."

"Story has it that he K!lled the boy because the boy reported it to someone."

"There's no pûñishment that would be enough to avenge the dèàth of the boy."

As at the time of filing this report, efforts to get the reaction of Ebonyi State Police Command proved abortive.

Amuluonyenaego:
I love PiggyVest

EBSU Student Allegedly Commits Suicide After Failing A Particular Course Many Times (Photo, Video)


By Wisdom Nwedene, Abakaliki

A student of Ebonyi State University, identified as Favour Ugwuka has allegedly committed suicide at her hostel in Ishieke, Abakaliki.

In a video seen by 9News Nigeria correspondent, a woman said she is the mother of the young lady blamed a lecturer for making her daughter to commit suicide.

According to the woman, "Dr Enyi Said He Is The Best, Nobody Can Teach Like Him, He Should Come And Carry My Daughter Who Has Committed Sû!cide".

Also, a graduate of the institution identified as Rex Nwome claimed that the girl committed suicide because she has been failing a particular course repeatedly.

According to him, "Favour was my classmate and a best friend to me in English department, the above mentioned lecturer did vow never to allow Favour to graduate, you could imagine where she later passed all the courses except that lecturer that she paid another extra year tuition fee to rewrite unfortunately the man failed her again, what resulted to this intense depression is the latest NYSC name that was recently shortlisted and her name wasn't there."

"The girl really suffered alot of depression because she was only left wandering about the Ebsu seeking for help, she was very desperate to graduate and serve. This and many more of the disgusting stories resulted to this mission."

"I wish she didn't go this far to end her life. R. I. P Ugwuka Favour till we meet to part no more! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭"

As at the time of filing this report, efforts to get the reaction of the University proved abortive.

Asiri1991:
What is this?

Zonefree:
What has vegetable oil got to do with car engine?

seborrhic:
So the GM and human resources managers of a company of that acclaimed magnitude cannot afford to buy a car for themselves?
That shows the company is not doing well and this is just a publicity stunt.
If you had designated them as admin officers and given them cars that would have been understandable.

Speakers of the 36 Houses of Assembly across the country have endorsed ongoing work by the National Assembly to make provision for state policing in the nation’s constitution.

The speakers made their resolution known at the end of a meeting in Abuja on Thursday night.

Recall that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had rejected the call for state police.

According to him, Nigeria is not mature for state police.

Egbetokun stated this in April at a national dialogue on state police organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja.

The theme of the dialogue is ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’.

Egbetokun, who was represented by Ben Okolo, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, said Nigeria is not ready for the establishment of state police.

“On the issue of state police, it is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police,” he said.


The IGP also claimed that state governors were likely to abuse the privilege of state police by using it for political gains, leading to possible abuse of power and abuse of human rights.

“State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security. There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction,” he noted.

Kam2021:
Why did he sign the resolution?