Today's Headlines: Tinubu Should be Very Careful with Niger Uprising –Prof. Usman Yusuf; FG Prunes UNGA’s Delegation List

Tinubu Should be Very Careful with Niger Uprising –Prof. Usman Yusuf

Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, has cautioned President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution in handling the crisis in Niger Republic. Under Tinubu’s leadership, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is threatening potential military intervention in the neighboring country if the junta fails to reinstate the ousted President, Mohammed Badou.

Speaking in an interview with THE SUN, Yusuf criticized calls for war, pointing out the longstanding amicable relationship between Nigeria and Niger. He stated that those advocating for war do not have Nigeria’s best interests at heart.

Yusuf emphasized that President Tinubu must prioritize Nigeria’s interests, given his election by the Nigerian people and his role within ECOWAS as a representative of Nigeria.

Yusuf expressed opposition to the imposition of sanctions on Niger, particularly the disconnection of power supply to the country. He highlighted the existing agreement between Nigeria and Niger that stipulates Nigeria’s obligation to provide electricity to its neighbor while Niger ensures the unobstructed flow of the Niger River upstream. Consequently, Yusuf urged President Tinubu to restore power to Niger and advised him to handle the situation directly, suggesting that representatives of other ECOWAS countries be sent home.

FG Prunes UNGA’s Delegation List

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging them to halt the visa processing for government officials planning to travel to New York for the 87th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), unless they can provide evidence of their direct involvement in the official schedule of UNGA activities.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, it was explained that this directive forms part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at curbing the expenses associated with governance.

The statement read: “To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority.

“By this directive of the president, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event. Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process.

“The president wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation.”

Stop Heating up Polity, Denigrating Presidency, Onitiri tells Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been urged to refrain from attacking President Bola Tinubu and stirring up political tensions. Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, a socio-political activist and critic, advised Atiku to await the results of his presidential election petition and avoid resorting to self-help measures.

Onitiri emphasized that Nigeria’s significance surpasses that of any individual, regardless of their societal status. He noted that Atiku has engaged in a prolonged campaign against the president, disseminating negative and malicious content, which has led to a self-help approach.

Although not defending Tinubu personally, Onitiri conveyed that Atiku’s actions since the February election have increasingly frustrated many Nigerians, making the continuation of such behavior untenable.

Additionally, Onitiri believes that Atiku’s conduct is hindering the Presidential Election Tribunal’s role and indirectly attempting to sway public opinion against the tribunal’s eventual decision.

First FEC Meeting: Revive Ailing Economy, Tinubu Orders Ministers

Yesterday, the Federal Government unveiled an 8-point agenda aimed at revitalizing the country’s struggling economy. Emphasizing the challenging economic circumstances inherited by the current administration, including a 24% inflation rate and alarmingly high unemployment, the Federal Government disclosed that the 8-point agenda centers around eight critical areas with predefined objectives slated for accomplishment within the next three years. These focal points encompass food security, poverty eradication, economic expansion, job generation, improved access to capital (especially consumer credit), inclusivity (with a focus on youths and women), enhanced security, a level playing field for individuals and businesses, adherence to the rule of law, and robust measures against corruption.

Furthermore, the government affirmed its commitment to Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will not depend on borrowing. President Tinubu has pledged to be transparent, honest, and accountable to the populace. In line with this commitment, the President has vowed to create around 50 million jobs through the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

Following the inaugural Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, overseen by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, addressed State House correspondents. He highlighted the substantial economic challenges the Tinubu administration faced, including a 24% inflation rate. He clarified that, at present, the Federal Government is not seeking to borrow funds. Instead, the government’s focus is on creating a macroeconomic environment conducive to both local and foreign investment, ultimately leading to increased production.

Additionally, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anite, underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to generating 50 million jobs.

In the meantime, President Tinubu has issued a directive to cabinet members to spearhead the economic revival and enhance the quality of life for the populace.

The marching orders were conveyed during the council meeting, where the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy presented the “Roadmap for the economy.” Edun confirmed that the council acknowledged the economy’s current state and identified eight priority areas with specific targets for the upcoming three years.

He confirmed that President Tinubu has tasked the ministers with implementing policies and programs to facilitate the transformation of the economy.

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