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AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:

Published

6 months ago

May 3, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:

President Tinubu Taking Wise, Statesmanly Decisions – Assures VP Shettima
Lists subsidy removal, other policies as options taken to save Nigeria
Says nation’s economy will witness positive changes after the sacrifices

By: Our Reporter

Again, Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the ship of state through the economic turbulence and storm he met on ground on assumption of office.

“Soon, Nigeria’s economy will experience significant growth once we’ve overcome these sacrifices. Positive changes will soon be evident across all economic indicators – inflation, per capita income, GDP numbers, poverty reduction, food security, and all aspects close to the hearts of our people,” he declared.

Senator Shettima made the appeal on Thursday during the 2nd Chronicle Roundtable organized by 21st Century Media Services, publishers of 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE, as part of its public service enlightenment series, at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The Vice President who was the Guest Speaker at the roundtable explained some key policy decisions taken by the Tinubu administration as well as its Economic and Social Agenda, including the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, which he described as the ‘biggest elephant in the room’ before President Tinubu took charge.

Appealing for patience and time to address the serious challenges he said they met on ground, especially the nation’s ailing economy which was already tottering towards an eclipse, Shettima said, “We look forward to the positive impact on the economy that will be brought by some of our new initiatives in the oil and gas sector, creative arts sector, the newly rejigged steel and solid minerals sectors, our housing sector, the blue economy, and the digital sectors, to mention but a few.

“There is no doubt that there’s a time to plant and a time to reap. In between those times, we appeal for patience and seek collective sacrifice from all, especially from us. We wish there were a way to treat this ailment without surgery”.

While delivering his speech titled, “Because These Shortcuts Are Not The Right Ways,” the VP noted that though the decision to remove fuel subsidy was quite tough considering its negative impact on the lives of the citizens, it became an inevitable option when it was discovered that the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari did not make provision for it in the 2023 budget.

He explained: “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chose the option that would save the life of the nation, instead of one that would merely prolong its imminent and predicted economic death. Before we took charge, the biggest elephant in the room was the question of fuel subsidy removal.

“We understood why our predecessor made the decision to remove it and refused to budget for it in their final fiscal year. The year before we took office, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had grown to 111.8%. The anticipated debt crisis may sound like fancy economic jargon to the man on the street, but you and I are in a better position to understand how such miscalculations have played out in other countries. It’s an economic death sentence.

“In plain terms, our debt servicing was such that if you earned, say, N100,000, the entirety of the money wasn’t only paid to your debtor; you were forced to borrow an additional N11,800 to pay the debtor. How do you intend to survive this, and how many more loans before you become a pariah?

“We are not even discussing the nation’s budget deficits, diversions of resources from critical sectors of the economy, and corruption masterminded in the subsidy regime.”

Acknowledging that government is a continuum, the VP said whoever had “succeeded the previous government would have either chosen to steer the ship through the storm as President Tinubu is doing or jumped ship and let the country implode.”

He observed that those who contested the presidency with President Tinubu did not feel morally justified to question the decision to remove fuel subsidy because it was part of the solutions they also tabled before Nigerians.

“This was because, whether in handling the subsidy matter or the forex crisis, they had also promised the solutions we had adopted. Those who attempted to eat their words were instantly proven wrong by data, history, and their antecedents—those emotionless reality checkers,” he pointed out.

Senator Shettima regretted that for long Nigeria had endured economic sabotage, leading to the resolve by Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, “to take matters into their hands to neutralise the overpowering influence of currency manipulators who had conspired to frustrate our reforms.

“Today, I stand proud to say that their interventions have translated into desired results, and Naira’s pushback against all odds is an inspiring journey that doesn’t have to be learned in Buenos Aires, as some would want us to do,” he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and former Finance Minister, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, praised the content of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, describing it as one of the most detailed and carefully crafted policy document in the history of the country.

He stressed the need for the Renewed Hope Agenda document to be reviewed and integrated into the medium and long-term development framework of the country, noting that policy consistency with a long-term vision to transform critical sectors of the economy, is the way to go.

Dr Usman also commended the administration’s establishment of a central coordination delivery unit to track the performance of programmes, policies and key interventions of the Federal Government, insisting that the monitoring of key performance indicators in the policy document was critical to the success of the government.

On his part, the CEO of 2nd Chronicle Newspaper, Malam Mahmud Jega had while welcoming guests to the event, said the need to critically analyse government policies and programmes was not just an expectation from the media but indeed borne out of the necessity to collectively contribute in shaping the nation’s development trajectory.

Also present at the event were the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed; Chairman of 21st Century Chronicle, Amb. Gbara Awanen; notable leaders in the media industry, Dr Ishaq Moddibo Kawu; Mallam Garba Shehu; Mr Segun Adeniyi, and Malam Mahmud Jega, among others.

AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:

Related Topics:President Tinubu Taking Wise Statesmanly Decisions - Assures VP Shettima

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Senator Lawan, Defense Committee, condoles Tinubu over Lagbaja’s demise.

Published

2 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Senator Lawan, Defense Committee, condoles Tinubu over Lagbaja’s demise.

By: Yahaya Wakili

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD GCON, Yobe North Senatorial District, Chairman Senate Committee on Defense, on behalf of the Senate Committee on Defense, extend their deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation on the demise of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

In a press statement issue and signed by him made available to newsmen in Damaturu. He said Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a dedicated and patriotic officer who served the country with distinction. As Chief of Army Staff, he played a significant role in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges confronting our nation.

“His leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians will be sorely missed.” Senator Lawan said.

According to Senator Lawan, during his tenure, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja initiated and implemented several innovative strategies that significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

He was instrumental in enhancing the welfare and morale of troops, ensuring that they were adequately equipped and trained to effectively discharge their duties.

The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is a great loss to the nation. His experience, resolve, and patriotism that characterized his illustrious career will be deeply missed.

“The Senate Committee on Defense is committed to honoring the memory of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja by ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable and effective force capable of safeguarding our nation.

He prays, May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.

Senator Lawan, Defense Committee, condoles Tinubu over Lagbaja’s demise.

News

Nigeria Seeks Support for UN security council seat from West African Countries

Published

2 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Seeks Support for UN security council seat from West African Countries

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has concluded a tour of West African countries, fostering bilateral relations and garnering support for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The move is part of Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives, which prioritize promotion and protection of national interests, African integration, and international cooperation.

Tuggar disclosed that during his
visit to Togo, discussion on investment opportunities, particularly in the phosphate industry, which is used in fertilizer production was held. He noted that Nigeria has numerous fertilizer blending plants, and Togo’s rich mineral resources present a lucrative partnership opportunity.

In Guinea-Bissau, the Minister said emphasis was made on the need for stability and harmony. He said Nigeria’s ongoing support through troop deployment and mediatory efforts is aimed at building peace in the country, noting that Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring Nigeria’s continued role in promoting regional peace.

Tuggar said Gambia, with its long-standing relationship with Nigeria, was another key stop. He highlighted Nigeria’s importance in Gambia’s development, particularly in education, through the Technical Aid Corp’s provision of Nigerian professionals.

He said Cote D’Ivoire, a significant economy in the ECOWAS region, was the final destination, where discussions centered on strengthening economic ties, particularly through the Abidjan-Lagos trade and transport corridor. He said the two nations also explored partnership opportunities in cashew production and other agricultural sectors.

Tuggar stressed Nigeria’s qualifications to represent Africa on the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s selfless history of promoting regional and continental interests. With 68% of Security Council decisions affecting Africa, Nigeria’s presence is crucial.

The Minister secured support from visited countries for Nigeria’s Security Council bid and its candidate, Femi Elias, for the International Court of Justice. This diplomatic tour marks the first phase of shuttle diplomacy in the West Africa region.

Regional integration is vital to Nigeria’s foreign policy, and the country’s membership in multiple regional organizations reflects this commitment. Nigeria’s role in regional security policy is significant, and its efforts in promoting peace and security in the African continent are well-documented.

As Nigeria continues to promote its national interests and regional influence, its bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is a testament to its growing global relevance.

Nigeria Seeks Support for UN security council seat from West African Countries

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ECOWAS Court Dismisses Objection by Nigeria against Hearing Case of Violation of Rights of Nigerian Inmate on Death Row for 30 Years

Published

8 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Court Dismisses Objection by Nigeria against Hearing Case of Violation of Rights of Nigerian Inmate on Death Row for 30 Years

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has dismissed all objections raised by the Federal Republic of Nigeria challenging the Court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of a case alleging the violations of the human rights of Mr Vincent Ogueri, a Nigerian man on death row.

The ruling delivered on Thursday by the Judge Rapporteur, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, paved the way for Mr Ogueri’s case to proceed for hearing of the substantive matter.

The case ECW/CCJ/APP/13/21 was brought by two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered in Nigeria – the Incorporated Trustees of Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Africa, and Rethink Africa Foundation, on behalf of Mr Vincent Ogueri, a 72-year-old inmate in a Nigerian maximum-security prison.

The two NGOs which described themselves at the first Applicants in the case claim that the second Applicant, Mr Ogueri’s long incarceration under inhuman and degrading conditions has caused his health to significantly deteriorate. They sought the immediate release of Mr Ogueri who has spent nearly 30 years on death row, and the payment of a N55 million compensation to him.

Relying on provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGOs alleged that Mr. Ogueri has been subjected to extreme mental torture and degrading treatment in violation of his rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

On their part, the Respondent, Federal Republic of Nigeria, raised several objections arguing that the Court lacked jurisdiction and that the case was inadmissible for various reasons including a claim that the case was statute-barred. The Respondent also argued that the Court was not an appellate court and therefore lacked the mandate to overrule Mr Ogueri’s original conviction.

In its findings, the Court noted that it had jurisdiction over the matter as the case raises allegations of human rights violations which fall under its purview according to Article 9(4) of the Court’s Protocol.

Furthermore, it rejected Nigeria’s assertion that the case was statute-barred, clarifying that the three-year limitation in Article 9(3) of the Court’s Protocol applies only to cases of extra-contractual liability involving the ECOWAS Community itself, not human rights claims against Member States.

In addition, the Court reaffirmed it was not an appellate court to review national court decisions. However, the Court stated that it had jurisdiction to determine whether the alleged treatment of Mr. Ogueri while in prison breached Nigeria’s international obligations under the African Charter.

Further, the Court ruled that the NGOs, Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Africa, and Rethink Africa Foundation, lacked the legal capacity to bring the case before the Court, as they failed to demonstrate sufficient connection or representational authority to act on Mr Ogueri’s behalf. Consequently, the NGOs were struck off the case, leaving Mr. Ogueri as the sole Applicant.

Following this ruling, the Court will proceed to hear the substantive case concerning Mr Ogueri’s claims of inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of his fundamental rights.

Also on the panel were Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding) and Justice Dupe Atoki (member).

This Decision marks a significant step in the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS’ role in upholding human rights standards and addressing alleged human rights violations within its Member States.

ECOWAS Court Dismisses Objection by Nigeria against Hearing Case of Violation of Rights of Nigerian Inmate on Death Row for 30 Years