Abiola, Kudirat, Rewane, Yar’Adua gave their lives so we can enjoy today- Tinubu
The choice of Nigerians to elect a civilian leader to transition from military rule was the seed that germinated into the longest democratic transition that the country is enjoying today, says President Bola Tinubu. The president stated this during his National Broadcast to mark the June 12 Democracy Day on Monday in Abuja. He said that this was largely due to MKO Abiola’s sacrifice to patriotically stand in defense of the ideals of democracy and forgo a life of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. “For the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter. “We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. “He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. “There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. “He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.’’ Tinubu said the country also owed a debt of gratitude to other Pro-June 12 advocates that sacrificed their lives for the future of the people. “Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. “We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today. “The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel. For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it,’’ he said. Read full speech below: TEXT OF DEMOCRACY DAY NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON JUNE 12, 2023. Fellow Nigerians, 2. It is exactly three decades today that Nigerians went to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to elect a President of their choice to lead the transition from military dictatorship to a representative government of the people. 3. The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999. 4. In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity. The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed was the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960. 5. Just like the anti-colonial movement, the pro-June 12 vanguard demonstrated, once again, the enduring validity of the 19th century historian, Arnold Toynbee’s eternal postulation, that civilization and societies experience progress as they are forced to respond to challenges posed by the environment. The unjust annulment of a widely acknowledged free and fair election was a challenge that elicited resistance by a resurgent civil society, leading ultimately to the attainment of our ‘second independence’ as exemplified by the return of democratic governance in 1999. 6. Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter. 7. We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself. 8. Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd) who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today. 9. The point is
Subsidy: We’ll repay Nigerians’ sacrifice with massive infrastructural developments -Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that his administration will repay Nigerians’ sacrifices caused by the removal of fuel subsidy by investing heavily in social amenities. The President said this Monday during a National broadcast to mark Democracy Day (June 12), on Monday in Abuja. According to him, with the removal of fuel subsidy and the accruing revenue, Nigerians should expect better services that would improve their quality of life. He said Nigerians should also expect massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities. The new president said that the government would not take the sacrifice of Nigerians for granted, adding that the removal of fuel subsidy was a necessary process for a better country long strangulated from unnecessary expenditures. “It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use of the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich. “I admit that the decision will impose an extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. “This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements. “Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. “The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives,’’ Tinubu said. The president also spoke on the struggle of late MKO Abiola and the passion he ignited during the 1993 presidential election. “The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfilment and happiness. “That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.’’ At a recent function with traditional rulers from the country, the president had given reasons why fuel subsidy was no longer sustainable. “Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas? “The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have the potential to encourage ourselves?” Some of the advantages of fuel subsidy removal include ensuring the availability of petrol and curbing the greed for higher profits and sabotage by a few players in the oil industry. The Federal Government, after a meeting with members of labour unions, proposed a number of initiatives to ameliorate the effect of the subsidy removal on Nigerians. The Government, TUC and NLC agreed to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for a wage increase and establish a framework and timeline for implementation. They will also review World Bank-financed Cash Transfer Scheme and propose the inclusion of low-income earners in the programme. The parties will revive the CNG conversion programme and work out detailed implementation and timing. It also includes reviewing issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector, a framework for completion of refineries rehabilitation, road maintenance and expansion of rail networks across the country.
Tinubu’s 6% GDP growth in 4 years over-ambitious, not feasible – KPMG
KPMG, a global consultancy Firm, providing audit, Tax and Advisory services has said that the plan by President Bola Tinubu to grow the nation’s economy by six percent is over-ambitious and as such cannot be achieved in four years. In its “Eight Flashnotes” posted on its website at the weekend, the company noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to grow Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from N74.6 trillion in 2022 to N92.5 trillion by 2026, representing an increase of N17 trillion in four years, is “not feasible.” The report notes that while the GDP growth of three percent is assumed in the first year going by World Bank’s projection for 2023, the economy will then have to grow by an average of seven percent for the subsequent three years and move growth from a forecasted three percent in 2023 to at least seven percent in 2024 and afterward, which seems overly ambitious, adding that the best possible GDP growth rate to be achieved within the next four years would be between four to 4.5 percent. “We are of the opinion that there is very limited space to attain a 6 pet cent average real growth rate in four years or an increase in real GDP by N17 trillion and an average GDP growth rate of between 4-4.5 per cent at the best is more feasible in the next four years. Even this will require the country to get its policies right and keep consistent faith with macroeconomic reforms,” the report read. It stressed that a challenging macroeconomic environment and various constraints such as inflation, subsidy removal, and infrastructure limitations are some of the challenges the government would face to maintain a fine and delicate balance across economic variables. Giving further reasons, the multinational company said, “For example, to grow government revenue to expand government consumption and investment, it might increase taxes and /or borrow from the private sector. However, increasing taxes can lower purchasing power and slow consumption expenditure growth. At the same time, private investment may be curtailed as business earnings are squeezed from slowing demand, higher costs from higher taxes, and higher interest rates as government borrowing crowds out private-sector lending and then pushes rates up. “GDP, using the expenditure approach, is the cumulation of household and government consumption expenditure, private and public investment, and net exports which means the president will have to introduce policies and take decisions that will lead to growth across these variables. However, taking decisions in one variable can lead to a decline in another. “The initiatives government and the private sector may also have to put in place to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy may also worsen the costs of businesses and leave less for expansion in the short-to-medium term which covers the duration of the president’s first term and the focus of his growth targets. “Household consumption expenditure which is the largest share of GDP and the easiest to grow is, however, constrained by high double-digit inflation which is expected to get worse with the subsidy removal, the implementation of the finance bill 2022 and the unification of the Forex rate whenever it is implemented within the next four years, in addition to the perennial supply and transportation bottlenecks, security concerns and power and other infrastructural constraints to doing business in Nigeria will affect costs of production and price of goods and services,” KPMG stated.
TAMPAN seeks FG’s collaboration in creating film villages
The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has called on the Federal Government to render more support to the creative industry by establishing film villages across the states to ensure ease of shooting movies by filmmakers. Bolaji Amusan, National President of TAMPAN, made the call on Sunday in Lagos. Amusan said to upscale the entertainment industry in Nigeria, film villages were needed where actors could use as their permanent movie locations. He said this would not only protect actors from harassments by hoodlums and street urchins but also position actors to work better. “We call on President Bola Tinubu to support us as actors, we want film villages to be built across states to make our work as actors easier. “The film villages will be used as our movie locations where we can design and redesign to soothe our productions. “We have suffered a series of harassments from street urchins who just come to siphon money from us while shooting our films. “When we have designated film villages known by all, the activities of these individuals will be checked out rightly and we will be able to produce more. “This is what is obtainable in other climes, ours should not be an exception,” he said. Amusan urged the new administration to provide accessible soft loans with minimal interest rates as well as grants for actors, to improve the quality of Nigerian movies. He further pleaded that legislation should be made to combat the age-long problem of piracy. He noted that it was high time Nigeria took a cue from other developing nations to put in place the needed infrastructure for the entertainment industry to thrive. He said the consistent problem of power outages must also be addressed as this is needed for the seamless running of film productions. ”It is unfortunate that the immediate past government did not support the creative industry at all, except the governor of Lagos state, Governor Babajide Sanwolu, who helped in building the industry in so many ways. “We want access to airports, seaports, and other federal government properties or establishments so as to make it easier for us to ply our trade. “We also need support in the area of actors’ training, this will help in improving the quality of movies we churn out,” he said.
Federal Fire Service saves 2,322 lives, N25trn property
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) says it has saved 2,322 lives and property worth N25.741 trillion in fire outbreaks from 2015 till March 2023. This is contained in a National Fire Statistics signed by the Spokesman of the Service, Mr. Paul Abraham, on Sunday in Abuja. A breakdown of the figures showed that the Service received 12,471 fire calls within the period under review. It showed that the Service recorded 3,555 fire calls in 2020; followed by 2022 with 2,860 and 2,845 in 2021 while 713 fire calls were received between January and March 2023. “A total of 698 fire calls recorded in 2019; 531 in 2015; 478 in 2018 and 400 in 2017 while 391 calls received in 2016,” it said. The fact sheet showed that more lives were saved between 2019 and 2022 compared to the minimal number between 2015 and 2018. “The year 2020 had the highest number of 1,100 lives rescued, followed by 2021 with 587; 418 in 2022; 99 in 2019 and 55 in 2015 while 9 persons were rescued in 2018; three in 2016 and two in 2017. “Forty-nine persons were rescued from January to March 2023,” The FFS said. It added that the Service saved N18,996.47 trillion worth of property in 2021; N2,844.24 trillion in 2018; N1.35 trillion in 2020 and N1,181.99 trillion in 2019, respectively. “The Service saved N593.9 billion in 2020; N426.5 billion in 2017; N273.12 billion in 2015 and N57.5 billion in 2016 while N16.1 billion saved from January to March 2023, respectively”. The FFS also procured and distributed 106 modern fire-fighting trucks; 15 dual-purpose water tenders, 15 rapid intervention fire engines, 20 ambulances and one hydraulic platform to zonal commands within the period under review. It indicated that the hydraulic platform was deployed to Lagos while contracts had been awarded for the refurbishment of 44 state-of-the-art firefighting trucks. The Service had recruited 2,500 officers and men to enhance its capacity and foster work delivery. “The increase in lives saved from 2019 till date could be attributed to the procurement of additional firefighting trucks and recruitment of personnel,” it said.
NDLEA uncovers meth lab, recovers packs of illicit drugs in Lagos
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a secret laboratory producing the deadly substance, Methamphetamine, in Ikeja, Lagos. This is contained in a statement by Mr Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, on Sunday in Abuja. Babafemi said that packaged sachets of the drug and various precursor chemicals used in the production were recovered. He said that the clandestine laboratory located at No. 4, Bode Oluwo Street, Mende, Maryland in Ikeja, was raided by anti-narcotics officers on June 6. This, he said, was after credible intelligence and surveillance confirmed illegal drug production taking place in the building. “At the end of the search, one kilogramme of already produced and packaged methamphetamine, quantities of precursor chemicals were recovered. “Other items used for the production of the deadly drug were recovered from the house while efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing owner of the house,” he said. Babafemi also said that officers of the agency, on June 5, arrested two suspects, Wasiu Saliu and Afolabi Banjo with 247 kilograms of skunk in Oyingbo area of Lagos. He said that another suspect, Tijani Damilola was nabbed at Isheri with 12.5 litres of skuchies and 98kg of cannabis sativa belonging to a fleeing suspect. The director added that 12.5kg of same substance was recovered from one Adebowale Babatunde after his arrest at Mushin on June 8.
Police bust robbery syndicate in Jigawa
Police have busted a robbery syndicate in Jigawa and arrested two suspects. A statement on Sunday by the Police spokesperson in the state, Mr Lawal Shiisu, said that the suspects were arrested in Ringim Local Government Area. “On June 2, 2023, at about 1930hrs, a team of Policemen led by Divisional Police Officer Ringim Division, acting on credible intelligence were notified about some specialised armed robbers. “They had perfected their evil plans to move out for notorious operation along Wudil and Garko Road in Kano state. “The team of Policemen and local vigilantes swung into action and arrested one Hamza Abdullahi, 22, (aka Chumo) of Wangara Fulani settlement, Ringim area. “Also arrested was one Hassan Ya’u aged 25 of Tsoma Fulani settlement in Ajingi area of Kano state, in possession of one locally made fabricated revolver Pistol and two motorcycles.” Shiisu added that the suspects had confessed to blocking Dundubus-Gamoji Road on May 6, during which they abandoned two motorcycles on sighting policemen. According to him, the suspects also confessed to participating in armed robbery operations along Gujungu-Miga Road, Kiyawa-Shuwarin Road, and Fanisau-Kano Road, all in Jigawa. He said that the two suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Ekot, appreciated the people of the state for their support and urged them to continue providing useful information to tackle criminal elements.
NDLEA intercepts UK-bound skunk, tramadol pills in women’s hair
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of 3.20kg skunk concealed in native black soap heading to the United Kingdom. The Director, Media and Advocacy (NDLEA), Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Babafemi said that the drugs were intercepted at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos on Wednesday. He said that a freight agent involved in the attempt to export the illicit drug was arrested. Similarly, a bid to export 3,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg concealed inside women’s hair attachments to Monrovia, Liberia, by a cargo agent, through the MMIA was thwarted by NDLEA operatives. Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives arrested the agent during the outward clearance of passengers at the departure gate of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport. Also, in Benue, a suspect was arrested during a routine stop and search of vehicles at the Vandeikya checkpoint with a total of 61,790 pills of tramadol on Thursday. Babafemi said that another suspect was nabbed at Otuo-Agor, Owan East LGA, Edo with 208kg cannabis hidden in his Toyota Camry car marked ABJ 117 MR. “No less than 235 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23.5 litres and 1,500 pills of Tramadol and Swinol were recovered on Friday from a 35-year-old man, along Owerri- Onitsha expressway, Imo. “NDLEA operatives in Ondo state arrested two suspects with 30kg cannabis at B-Ali Junction. “10.4kg of the same substance were recovered from the home of a fleeing suspect at Oke Odowo, Idanre on June 6 when operatives raided some drug joints in the town,” he said. Meanwhile, in Kebbi, two middle-aged persons were arrested on Thursday at Goran Maiyaki, Gwandu LGA with 5.9kg of cannabis and 3,792 tablets of diazepam. Babafemi said that an 18-year-old man was nabbed on Friday along Mararaban Yauri-Kebbi road, with 6kg of cannabis and 658 tablets of diazepam. He added that a total of 115.9kg ofcannabis was recovered from a suspect at Araromi Oke Odo in Ife South LGA, Osun. He added that two suspects were nabbed at Gbokuta village in the same LGA on Monday.
World Environment Day: Foundation, partners rid Elegushi Beach of plastic waste
As part of activities to mark World Environment Day, an NGO, Sterling One Foundation, and partners have carried out a clean-up exercise at Elegushi Beach to rid it of plastic waste. The event, which took place on Saturday in Lagos, was in commemoration of World Environmental Day (WED). Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, said that plastics had become a threat to the environment, health, and sustainability of the earth. Ibekwe said that the theme of the 2023 WED – “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”, called for collaborative action from governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to put an end to plastic pollution. She said that the foundation was delighted in joining its partners who love and care for the environment to ensure that Elegushi Beach was free of plastics. “It is something that we have always prioritized at the Sterling One Foundation; we prioritise climate action, and one of the ways we ensure that we execute our programs is to adopt beaches for clean up in a sustainable way. “Today we are commemorating WED with our partners. We are picking plastics from the oceanfront to ensure that they do not get into our oceans and be part of the plastic that reports say will be more than fish in the oceans by 2050. “We are also here to sensitise the community on the need for us to be intentional about ensuring that plastic is not just looked at as waste, but also a resource that can go back into our economy and help in job creation and poverty reduction,” Ibekwe said. She expressed gratitude to Sterling Bank and other partners who made the event worthwhile. Also speaking, Dr Mobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, said that plastic pollution was a major challenge to the world. Represented by Mr. Bolajii Osinowo, the Chief Scientist Officer in the Ministry, Gaji said that a minimum of 400 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated annually. Gaji said that if the wastes were left unused, they find their way into drainages, and the wetlands causing challenges to the environment. “It is advisable that we adopt the reduce, reuse, and recycle policy of the Lagos State Government on plastic waste. “This will help to reduce the volume of plastic waste that we generate,” Gaji said. The Permanent Secretary also expressed concern about the use of plastic chopping boards in the kitchen. He said that over time, particles of plastic (micro/nano plastics) find their way to the food we eat, of which is harmful. He added that the burning of plastics to light firewood or charcoal for cooking emits Green House Gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, causing climate change. Also speaking, the Aroba of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Olalekan Bakare, called for a cleaner environment. He expressed gratitude to partners and volunteers who came to help in cleaning the beach. According to him, the Ikate Kingdom along the coast is one of the fastest-growing real estate areas in Lagos State with an increasing population. “It is also very important that whilst we are making sure that the residents and businesses are safe, we also have to make sure that the environment is kept clean. “It is very important to create awareness on waste disposal, recycling, and the importance of keeping the environment clean,” the royal father said.
Tinubu proclaims inauguration of 10th Assembly
Following the Proclamation by the President, Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it has been indicated through a release by the clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal, that all Senators and Members-Elect be available for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly scheduled to hold on Tuesday 13 June, 2023 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. It was also stated that, all in-coming federal legislators shall be required to come along with the Code of Conduct Clearance, Certificates of Return and valid I.D cards for registration, scheduled to start by 10.am on Monday, 12th June, 2023 at the House of Representatives Conference Room 301 and Senate Conference Room 231. The 9th Assembly that was inaugurated on the 11th of June, 2019, was formally brought to a close on Saturday, June 9th, 2023 after an emotional valedictory session.