‘We inherited a dire situation’ – Shettima defends Tinubu’s policies
Vice President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a dire situation when it took over in 2023.
Shettima stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he hosted a delegation from the United Nations System in Nigeria on a courtesy visit.
According to him, fuel subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of successive governments in Nigeria.
“We had two options: either we get rid of subsidy or subsidy will get rid of the Nigerian nation.
“We have to be our brother’s keeper, but we were literally subsidising the fuel of the entire West African region,” he said.
He said that President Tinubu’s decision to abolish the subsidy and unify the exchange rates to allow the naira to float freely “created a lot of challenges from the humanitarian end”.
Shettima added that removing fuel subsidy and unifying exchange rates were tough but necessary decisions to rescue Nigeria from economic disaster.
The Vice President, however, assured all that Nigeria would work closely with the UN to address the country’s challenges.
He also promised the UN delegation that Nigeria would close ranks with the global body.
Earlier, Mr Mohammed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, had said that the global body would collaborate with President Tinubu’s administration to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
He said that the UN was of the conviction that the success or failure of Africa depended on Nigeria.
According to him, the progress of Nigeria translates to the development of Africa.
“If Nigeria doesn’t make it, there is no chance for any country to make it.
“If Nigeria lifts it here, not only our sub-region but the entire continent and the world at large will be on track for the SDGs.
“If we succeed in Nigeria today, the whole of the continent succeeds, but if we have challenges or difficulties to succeed in Nigeria, I am sure it is all of our continent that will be pulled down,” he maintained.
On the proposed humanitarian response plan for Nigeria, Fall said that the plan was beyond helping those in need.
“We want to set the ground for a transition towards medium- and long-term development.
“We need to act now. It is the only way to sustain the successes recorded by the government and other partners to reduce vulnerability in society.”
He commended the measures so far taken by the Tinubu administration to reposition the economy and emphasised that Nigeria was critical to the progress of Africa and must be supported to succeed.
Fall pledged the UN System’s support for the reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration.
He sought the partnership of the Federal Government to initiate a social safety programme that would mitigate the impact of the reforms on the most vulnerable in society.
“Your decision is commended everywhere, but we (at the UN) felt that before we get the results, there is a high risk that it could impact harshly on the most vulnerable segments of our community.
“And, at the UN, we stand next to you to try to look for solutions on how we can mitigate those impacts on the most vulnerable people.
“This is what we want, and that is our first initiative—how we can work together to step up our work on the social protection front.
“We want to make sure that a safety net is in place; we want to bring coherence, bring consistency in a way that helps us address vulnerability that is still prevailing in the country.
“The humanitarian situation in the north has improved, and this is thanks to your leadership.
“But, as we speak, there is still a humanitarian need; there is still a need to save lives; there is still vulnerability,” Fall said. (NAN)
I don't know how true the statement is, but a man like Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole would still have influence over the NLC till tomorrow (so the accusation is not all that far-fetched).
Oshiomhole is the brain behind our problems” – Labour Party deputy chairman alleges
The Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Comrade Ayo Olorunfemi, has pointedly accused a former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, of being the brain behind the crisis in the LP.
Oshiomhole, a serving senator, is a former national chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The NLC and the leadership of the LP have been at loggerheads over the ownership of the party.
In an interview with a national newspaper, Olorunfemi said Oshiomhole’s ‘boys’ created a crisis between the NLC and the LP.
His words: ”This party rose from the ashes when former Governor Mimiko won election twice and used it to better the lots of the people of Ondo State.
”He left because Adams Oshiomhole will always seek to control the soul of the NLC. At that time, I was not too active in the party, but now, we will not allow Oshiomhole to take over the party.”
Asked if he was certain Oshiomhole was behind the crisis in the LP, Olorunfemi said:
”He is not playing it openly, but we can see his hands and his imprimatur everywhere. We can see the roles being played by his people and his numerous supporters since the crisis began.
”The people fomenting this crisis are his boys. We know him, we know what he can do, and we know what he has done in the past.
”We saw how he frustrated former Governor Mimiko and others out of the party. We told them that it was dangerous to allow Oshimhole to have a field day. We want Mimiko back in our party, and after this war, we will bring him back.
”That was what the party could not do at that time that made Mimiko and others leave the party.”
Bandits Kill Two Security Operatives, Burn Nigerian Military Vehicles In Zamfara
Bandits have relaunched another attack on Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe local government area of Zamfara State where they burnt two operational vehicles of the military and killed two members of the state security outfit, Community Protection Guards (CPG), in the area.
A source, Malam Usman Tsafe, said the the bandits had besieged the town wielding sophisticated weapons.
According to him, the bandits divided themselves into three different groups with the first group attempting to attack Zamfara State College of Health Science and Technology located in the area, Leadership reports.
The other groups went straight into the town, shooting sporadically into the air for them to get easy passage to kidnap residents and the students of the State College of Health Science and Technology located in the town.
“During the gun duel, two CPG operatives lost their lives and two operational vehicles belonging to the military and Zamfara CPG were also set ablaze by tye bandits,” he stated.
He, however, added that the quick response by a joint team of military, Police and CPG thwarted the bandits’ attack and forced them to retreat back to the forest with gunshot wounds.
Intending Muslim Pilgrims Demand Refund After Nigerian Commission Raised Hajj Fees To N6.8million
Recall that the commission on Sunday increased the fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91 while setting a deadline of March 28, 2024.
Nigerian Muslim pilgrims who had earlier paid for a trip to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj have started demanding for refund after the country’s Hajj Commission instructed them to pay another N1.9million.
Recall that the commission on Sunday increased the fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91 while setting a deadline of March 28, 2024.
It had in December 2023 fixed a fare of N4.9million per pilgrim based on an exchange rate of N897 to a dollar.
However, in its recent announcement on Sunday, the commission asked those who had paid the initial amount to add N1.9million, raising the total amount to N6.8million.
The announcement, however, surprised potential pilgrims, the bulk of whom had begun contacting their pilgrims' boards to request a refund of the N4.9million deposit, according to Daily Trust.
According to pilgrims boards across the North and South of the country, only a few intending pilgrims have begun topping up, while many intended pilgrims have requested a refund because they cannot afford the remaining N1.9million.
However, expressing concern, an intending pilgrim, Mustapha Ahmad based in Kano, said while he envisaged going to hajj even once in his lifetime, he got the opportunity this time around through a loved one whom he could not go back to with the news of increment.
The case is almost the same with Hafsat Yusuf, who got involved with colleagues to raise her hajj fare.
She said: “I am even speechless, we are waiting for the Kano Pilgrims’ Board to announce their own increment but I don’t know how to go about it.
“I spent almost a year saving into contributions with friends. I received mine, sold a plot of land and paid for hajj. Now, what am I going to sell again or where would I go to get money to pay the balance? God will provide but we are in a state of confusion and only God knows how many of us could be able to afford the increment.”
Another intending pilgrim from the state, Hajiya Rakiya Abubakar, said she could not sleep when she heard the news about the increment of hajj fares.
“When I heard the news of the increment, I couldn’t sleep. I am thinking of where to find the money to complete the payment. This is incredible,” Rakiya said.
In Kwara and Lagos State, sources at the pilgrims’ boards in these states said many people have turned up to seek a refund, saying they would not be able to raise the balance.
“As I am talking to you, not more than 50 people have turned up to pay the balance today and we have just two days after today (Monday) for intending pilgrims to complete the money,” a source told Daily Trust.
One of the intending pilgrims, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “All along I have been praying that NAHCON would not announce an increment in fare but alas, this is a bitter pill to swallow, I doubt if I would still be able to go.”
Tinubu to attend burial of 17 soldiers killed in Delta
Nwachukwu said the slain soldiers would be laid to rest at the National Cemetery, Abuja, at 3 pm.
The burial of 17 soldiers recently killed in Okuama Community in Delta State has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
This was announced in a statement by Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu would be the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
Nwachukwu said the slain soldiers would be laid to rest at the National Cemetery, Abuja, at 3 pm.
It would be recalled that the troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed in an ambush while on a mission in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
The military has reported they were on a “peaceful and mediatory mission” in response to a reported communal clash between the community and Okoloba in Bomadi LGA of Delta.
The Nigerian Army is not fond of publicly disclosing the identity of fallen personnel, especially in the case of mass casualties, but it made an exception for the Okuama victims in a publication on Monday, March 18.
You’ll also recall that following the incident, the president in his reaction to the attack granted “full authority” to the military to bring anybody found to have been responsible for the attack to justice.
In a separate statement earlier on Monday, Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said efforts are ongoing to carry out the directive.
“Troops are determined to get to these criminals, there is certainly no hiding place for them,” he said.
yarimo: if you are a criminal repent immediately before army flush you out
If they are innocent victims that you are jubilating to, may it not be well with you and all your generation, may you struggle and suffer for the 3th and 4th generation. May injustice regularly visit you in perpetuity. May those who join you in this evil jubilation share in your cures in JESUS MIGHT NAME AMEN... You will see your sons dead bodies and remember this post.
I need to work harder and get out of this country. just look at some peoples reply. it is a crime to be a young Niger-Deltan male (punishable by DEATH)
Please don't quote me, I look down on all you animals.
yarimo: All criminals must be kill any where in Nigeria
Anywhere, including Lagos and Abuja... No need for court process. Musa can be judge, jury and most importantly; executional... Coming to a place near you.
Nearly 26.5Million Nigerians Will Experience Worse Food Scarcity In June, August, Report Says
The report added that the most vulnerable victims would be residents of the Northwest and the Northeast regions of the country.
A report recently published by SB Morgen Intelligence has predicted that over 26 million Nigerians will experience acute food scarcity between the period of June and August 2024.
The report added that the most vulnerable victims would be residents of the Northwest and the Northeast regions of the country.
The report reads: “Nearly 26.5 million people—approximately 11.5 percent of Nigeria’s estimated population—are likely to experience Crisis— Phase 3—or worse conditions of acute food insecurity during the peak of the country’s upcoming June-to-August 2024 lean season, the period when food is most scarce.
“This projection includes nearly 5.4 million people in Nigeria’s Northwest states of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara and nearly 4.4 million people in the country’s Northeastern Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.”
According to the report, the predicted food scarcity is an effect of the escalating extortion tactics employed by bandits, particularly the imposition of pre-harvest fees on local farmers in the region, which has affected farmers’ productivity in recent times.
The report continued: “Unlike imposing a fixed rate, bandits charge levies based on harvest volume, increasing the financial burden on farmers striving to break even.
“This form of extortion, akin to taxation, hinges on territorial control. As bandits seek greater control of territories and revenue streams, they may instigate territorial disputes and clashes among themselves and with local communities and security forces.
“Consequently, farming, once a major source of livelihood for many villagers, risks losing its appeal due to heavy taxation. Many local farmers may abandon farming altogether in pursuit of alternative means of sustenance.
“This potential shift could embolden bandit groups to seize additional territory, further criminalising farming practices and jeopardising food security.”
Jackanda1: What do you mean by loosing faith? You mean benny is an atheist now?
He has no other skills so he now treats it as a business and enjoys life (live like a sinner and preach like it's his marketing-job with aim to collect donations/seeds).
So yes, Benny Hinn doesn't believe in anything he says (lost his faith almost 20 years ago).
Maritime workers to join NLC protests, says Port operations unaffected
Maritime workers under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Monday announced plans to join the 2-days nationwide protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Speaking exclusively with the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, the President-General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju explained that the protests won’t affect Port operations.
“We will be joining the nationwide protests by the NLC tomorrow, but it won’t affect Port operations.
“We will just select some of our members to come and show solidarity. We won’t be shutting down port operations,” Comrade Adewale Adeyanju told the Nigerian Tribune exclusively.
The Union, earlier on Monday had issued a statement signed by the Unions Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, that it is joining the NLC strike as an affiliate group of the Congress.
According to the MWUN, “The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, will join the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) 2-Day Nationwide Protest holding on the 27-28th, ( Tuesday and Wednesday) of February, 2024, as directed by the Congress after its NEC-In-Session rose from a meeting held today 26, Monday, February 2024 in Abuja, directing all its affiliate members across the nation to strictly comply.
“The protest is coming on the backdrop of the Federal government’s refusal to honour the “October 2, 2023 Agreement signed with the Congress.
“However, the Congress believes that if the Agreement had been honoured and implemented, it would have gone a long way to ameliorate the sufferings and hardships the government ill-conceived and ill-implemented policies have brought upon Nigerian Workers and the citizenry of the Country.
“In view of this, MWUN as an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress would in totality comply with the NLC directive.”
FG to pay youth unemployment benefits, sets up consumer credit programme
The Federal Government on Monday said it would extend its social security payments net to graduates with qualifications from NCE and upwards.
Addressing journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, disclosed that the programme would see unemployed Nigerian youths being paid stipends.
“At this period of heightened food prices, Mr. President has committed to doing all that can be done to assist in giving purchasing power to the poorest and in that line.
“He has committed and instructed that the Social Security unemployment programme be devised, particularly to cater for the youth, for the unemployed graduates, as well as the society as a whole.
“So, we have coming, in the nearest future, an unemployment benefit for the young unemployed, in particular,” the Minister announced.
Similarly, Edun said the FG will urgently establish a consumer credit scheme to alleviate the pains of economic adjustment.
He explained that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, will lead a committee that includes the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Attorney-General of the Federation and himself, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
“There is coming a social consumer credit programme. By making consumer credit available, goods become more affordable, the economy even gets a chance to revive faster, because people have purchasing power that allows them to order goods, products,” he stated.
Edun also spoke on the review implemented by the Special Presidential panel on the National Social Investment Programme, which has submitted a preliminary report to the president.
He noted that the president gave the highlights to the Council meeting noting that what was done was “a review of the existing mechanisms, a review of the existing programmes, and where there have been successes, such as the 400,000 beneficiaries of the GEEP programme.”
He added, “So, the direct payments to 12 million households comprising 60 million Nigerians is to resume immediately with the important proviso that every beneficiary will be identified by their national identity number and the bank verification number.
“Therefore, payments will be made into bank accounts or mobile money wallets. So, that whether it is before or after, there is verification of the identity of beneficiaries.
“Each person that receives 25,000 Naira for a total of three months will be identifiable, even after they have received the money, it will be clear who it went to and when it went to them. And that is the big change that has allowed Mr. president to approve the restart of that direct payments to beneficiaries programme.”
On his part, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijjani, explained that beneficiaries would be vetted through their Bank Verification Number and National Identity Numbers to avoid multiple payouts to one individual.
He said, “One of the initial moves that we’re making is leveraging the existing dataset that we have on our people. As you know, the BVN is well known to be extremely credible. NIN on the other side, which is now the most popular data identity system for Nigerians, is also to a largest and credible, and it covers quite a significant number of people as well.
“And what we’re looking to do here is the triangulation of this data set to ensure that not only are we using the register that has been properly populated, but that we also do proper verification of every individual that will benefit from that social investment programme, which means we will get commitment to ensuring that no one is paid twice, because you have to be properly IDed before you can benefit from that programme.”
Politics / Re: VP Shettima's Shocking Revelation: Harsh Reality Of Inherited Buhari's Crisis by sketching: 10:22pm On May 03
