Politics
President Tinubu on The Right Path To Accelerate Development -Arewa Professionals UK President, Yunana Shibkau
President Tinubu on The Right Path To Accelerated Development
-Arewa Professionals UK President, Yunana Shibkau
Engr. Yunana Shibkau is the pioneer National Vice Chairman, of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and is currently, the President of Arewa Professionals in the United Kingdom. He speaks in this interview about President Tinubu’s administrative style and expectations. Excerpts…
What is your assessment of President Tinubu’s administration so far, does it herald hope for Nigerians?
Of course, Mr. President means well to Nigerians. Do not forget that President cannot say “Let there be food” for example and there will be food, a gestation period is required. He proclaimed a state of emergency on food security after noticing the high cost of food items; there are numerous factors to consider when it comes to food security, and transportation and preservation are crucial. Farmers would soon have access to funding for planting, and the narrative would have altered in less than seven months. The government has provided grains as a temporary fix. I want to appeal to Nigerians, that supporting government policies and decisions is one part of keeping it on the path of prosperity and development, while keeping track of government activities, being vigilant about them and highlighting loopholes in policies are also needed in a democracy. The President would never take any irrational decision for the happiness and prosperity of the masses. It is envisaged that Mr. President’s ambitious initiatives to reform the economy and the political system that would follow would elicit politicised responses. Let us think about the removal of subsidies for petroleum products (PMS). Aside from Mr. President, who promised Nigerians during the campaign that he would end the subsidy, Obi and Atiku also made the same pledge. Unfortunately, they disagree after the removal; how could anyone trust such political figures? Mr. President has stayed less than 100 days in office, I implore Nigerians to give him the benefit of the doubt and keep holding out hope that, after a year, his initiatives would begin to bear fruit.
President Tinubu has commissioned an economic team who are to advise on fiscal policies for the country, what are your expectations?
Even though I left the country for the United Kingdom many years ago, I can declare with confidence that I have been one of Mr. President’s close friends from the northern part of Nigeria since 1999 until the present. I know he has set up the fiscal policy and tax reforms committee. When you take a look at the mandate given to the committee, it shows clearly that President Tinubu is ahead of the economic crisis. lam a member of the lnstitute of Engineering and Technology (IET) UK and royal lnstitute of lnternational affairs of Chatham house United Kingdom many potential investors interested in Nigeria’s economy are of concern about multiple taxation and collection which give room for underpayment and leakages. The committee’s main objective is the
advancement of viable and cost-effective solutions to issues such as the multiplicity of revenue collection agencies, the high cost of revenue administration, the excessive burden of compliance on ordinary taxpayers, the lack of effective coordination between fiscal and other economic policies within and across levels of government and poor accountability in the utilisation of tax revenue. This is set to improve the country’s revenue profile while hoping to make the business environment more conducive and internationally competitive and the foreign investors would rest assured that the process is of the best standard. Mr. President would set up Economic Management Team (EMT) made up of members from fiscal and monetary sectors made up of Ministries of Finance, National Planning, a Special Adviser on Revenue mobilisation, the Central Bank Governor and his deputies and other experts in micro and macro economies regardless their portfolios. I remember, Ribadu as EFCC Chairman was a member of the Obasanjo economic management team, they must jointly take decisions and by so doing monitor each other. Lack of monitoring of the immediate CBN Governor, Emefiele brought the Nation to these present monetary policiesrelated matters crisis we are witnessing. With the set of these financial and economic experts of Wale Edun, the former Deputy Governor of Central Bank, Adelabu, Special Adviser on Revenue mobilisation and others, these are tested professionals, there would turn around of our economy that would manifest soon.
Nigerians are groaning under the crunch of skyrocketing foreign exchanges alongside the removal of subsidies. Do you expect a more vibrant economy going forward?
On the foreign exchange issue, the acting CBN Governor said yesterday that the bank would intervene. I think we have saboteurs within, to my understanding, it seems there is a huge amount of dollars in circulation. Why should the banks pay customers in dollars instead of the naira equivalent, since the rate is the same? I send money home through banks and the receivers collect dollars, the banks refuse to buy or exchange in naira. The same bank officials direct the receivers to black market buyers to exchange for naira. I strongly believe the economy would pick up soon. How could a country where more than 80 per cent of revenue is used to service debts, mind you we are not paying the principal amount borrowed yet and the same country is importing refined petroleum products and paying in dollars, if the President did not take that bold decision of subsidy removal, the country could have been in a more serious mess. Emefiele as the Chief Monetary Officer of the Federation disappointed Nigerians. I read recently, that between 2021 and 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria under Emefiele spend N2.66bn to mint coins, for God’s sake, are we still spending coins in Nigeria, you should know more than me.
On the size of the cabinet, what can you say?
The size is not the issue in as much as they are relevant but I have an issue with the number of MDAs and its duplication. For example, what is the duty of the National Orientation agency that operates offices across the 36 states and in 774 LGs? I think such an agency should be merged with Human Rights Commission. National Emergency Management Agency and National Commission for Refugees should be merged and many others.
What is your response to those that are calling for a coup?
I want to admonish the military against heeding calls for them to seize control because it would be bad for the country. If the coup threat is real, the military and DSS should use their intelligence to detain and warn individuals who are asking for a change of government illegally. It has recently been done in Sierra Leone. A few coup plotters were detained. If capturing the formal institutions of state power is what all politicians are interested in, democracy would always fail. People’s attitudes will shift organically once democracy is seen as a set of principles including everyone’s shared effort.
Rivers Crisis: PDP Governors Challenge Emergency Rule at Supreme Court
By George O. Sylvester
The political climate in Nigeria has taken a dramatic turn as governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The emergency proclamation, made on March 18, saw Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly suspended for six months. In their place, the president appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
This move has sparked nationwide debate, with the PDP governors contending that it constitutes a flagrant violation of constitutional provisions. The plaintiffs—governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states—assert that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor. In their submission, they argue that the appointment of a sole administrator is not only unconstitutional but also sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
A Legal and Constitutional Showdown
According to court documents filed by the PDP governors, the emergency proclamation contravenes several sections of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 1(2), 5(2), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Section 1(2) of the Constitution explicitly states that “the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.” The plaintiffs argue that by suspending the duly elected governor and deputy governor, the president has usurped powers that the Constitution does not grant him.
Furthermore, the governors maintain that Section 305, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared, does not empower the president to suspend elected officials. The section provides that a state of emergency may be declared in the case of war, natural disasters, public disorder, or breakdown of law and order. However, the plaintiffs argue that the situation in Rivers State did not meet these stringent conditions.
The Eleven Flaws of President Tinubu: A Critical Analysis
By George O Sylvester
President Tinubu’s administration has been marred by several controversies and criticisms since its inception. This article provides an in-depth examination of eleven flaws that have been identified in his leadership style and policies, which may potentially impact the effectiveness of his administration.
1. The Insignificant Vice President:
The role of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the administration has been rendered insignificant, with many questioning his continued relevance. The Muslim-Muslim ticket that was used to woo Northern votes has been exposed as a mere gimmick, leaving the North East region feeling betrayed. According to Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, “The Vice President’s role has been reduced to mere ceremonial functions, a far cry from the robust engagement we expected.”
2. The Weak National Chairman:
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s corruption allegations have continued to plague his tenure, despite his denials. The opposition has capitalized on these allegations, using them to attack the Federal Government. Governor Samuel Ortom noted, “Ganduje’s corruption allegations have damaged the APC’s reputation, and his continued stay as National Chairman is a liability.” Furthermore, Ganduje’s home state of Kano is now controlled by the opposition NNPP, led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
3. The Liability Senate President:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lost credibility due to his handling of the Senate, which has been criticized for being chaotic. His corruption allegations and sexual harassment charges have become synonymous with his name, leading many to question his character and humility. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege stated, “Akpabio’s leadership style has been divisive, and his handling of the Senate has been chaotic.”
4. The National Security Adviser’s Questionable Integrity:
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s threat to sue Najaatu Mohammad over corruption allegations against President Tinubu ended in embarrassment. His failure to follow through on his threat and subsequent denial of ever accusing the President of corruption have tarnished his integrity. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi noted, “Ribadu’s failure to take action against corruption allegations has raised questions about his credibility and integrity.”
5. The Minister of FCT’s Divisive Politics:
Minister of FCT Nwesome Wike’s appointment has been marked by controversy, with many questioning his suitability for the role. Wike, a former PDP member, played anti-party politics in Rivers State to support President Tinubu’s candidacy. Senator Ali Ndume stated, “Wike’s appointment has been a disaster, and his actions have further polarized the polity.”
6. The Buhari Camp’s Growing Discontent:
The politicians who supported President Tinubu’s candidacy, known as the Buhari camp, feel sidelined and are quietly regrouping to challenge the President. Former governor Nasir El-Rufai warned, “The Buhari camp feels betrayed, and their discontent may boil over into a full-blown crisis.”
7. Political Mercenaries:
Reno Omokri and Senator Shehu Sani, once vocal critics of President Tinubu, are now his vocal supporters. Their accusations against the President, ranging from Chicago controversies to drug trafficking allegations, have been conveniently forgotten. Senator Dino Melaye said, “Reno Omokri and Shehu Sani’s sudden U-turn is a classic case of political opportunism, driven by self-interest rather than principle.”
8. The Muslim-Muslim Ticket Mantra:
The Muslim-Muslim ticket mantra used to woo Northern votes has been exposed as a ruse. Northerners are poised to make fresh demands come 2027, which may not bode well for the APC-led government. Hon. Mohammed Monguno predicted, “The Muslim-Muslim ticket was a gimmick that has backfired, and the APC will pay the price in 2027.”
9. Nepotism in Appointments:
President Tinubu’s appointments have been criticized for favoring Yoruba elites, creating a perception that the President is building the Yoruba people above all other tribes in Nigeria. Forner Governor Ifeanyi Okowa noted, “The President’s appointments have been lopsided, favoring Yoruba elites at the expense of other regions.”
10. Seyi Tinubu’s Involvement in Underground Campaigns:
Seyi Tinubu’s involvement in underground campaigns is unlikely to yield positive results for the APC. This move exposes the President’s parental weakness, drawing parallels with the Abacha era. Seyi’s actions are disrupting Lagos’ political landscape, relying on financial influence rather than integrity. Senator Kabiru Gaya stated, “Seyi Tinubu’s actions are a reflection of the President’s weakness, and his reliance on financial influence rather than integrity will ultimately harm the APC.”
11. President Tinubu’s Shift in Leadership Style:
President Tinubu has transformed from a wise leader to a powerful one since taking office. He no longer values consultations, lobbying, and persuasions.”The President’s maiden speech was a clear indication of his disregard for democratic principles, and his unilateral decision-making style will lead to chaos.” – Hon. Kingsley Chinda
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