Politics
Simple Actions President Bola Tinubu Must Take Now by Olufemi Aduwo
Published
8 months agoon

Simple Actions President Bola Tinubu Must Take Now
by Olufemi Aduwo
Very Short Term:
The golden rule when you face a crisis of any sort is to allay fears of those concerned, including you, the leader. Fear kills more than bullets.
Mr. President, sir:
1. Get on the television and radio and reassure Nigerians that you are on top of the situation. It should not be a long speech at all but maximum of five minutes. Translate the speech into as many local languages as possible. Let the governors and parliamentarians do the same to percolate to the grassroots.
2. In that speech, plead for more understanding. Tell Nigerians you will address them again, in four weeks latest, on measures to address the situation. Reassure them that you will tackle the situation decisively. Take the advice I will give you here to your cabinet and the National Council of State so they can make inputs and perfect them.
3. Announce cuts in government expenditure especially the lifestyle of political leaders. Sir, don’t you wonder how Nigerians who bear these unbearable inflation survive? It’s not rocket science, Mr. President. The first rule under hyper-inflation is to go back to that rudimentary economics taught in the secondary school: Scarcity, Scale of Preference, Choices, Opportunity Cost.
This present crisis doesn’t need economic experts to solve. We only need to apply common sense!
(a) Prices are soaring because of scarcity.
(b) Our money can no longer buy all the things we used to buy.
(c) We now have to make a scale of preference. We need the things we need (not want) on a scale of preference. Non-essential things are off that list right away.
(d) We now make choices (priorities), purchases within that scale. This means that even not all the items that make that scale will make it in our Naira allocation.
(e) We now increase our earning to cover those items on that scale (remember they are essential) but even essential things vary in terms how essential. Some can tarry for a while.
Summary:
When in hyperinflation, don’t panic. Panic will complicate the problem. And may even kill. Smile broadly. Then, Think. Plan. Be honest. Have that will power.
That is how we have been surviving. Every poor, even illiterate Nigerian family heads; this is what they have been doing, sir. They may not know any economic terms, but that’s what they do. And I am writing here, as a social crusader with common sense; it is for you as the head of the Nigerian household economy, just do the above. Expenditure saved is income earned. It starts from you, Mr. President.
That moves us to the short term.
Short Term (After one year)
1. Stop all new civil projects at the federal level for the rest of the year. Advice states to do the same. Divert money saved to agriculture. It takes between three to eight months for most food crops in Nigeria to be ripen for harvest. Thank God, the food crisis is happening at the very beginning of the agric season. And, sir, a farmer that doesn’t plant at the beginning of the farming season, won’t reap anything at harvest time. That’s what Adam Smith meant in his ‘Theory of Factors of Production’. It doesn’t need PhD to understand and apply, sir.
2. Continue funding of already approved civil projects so that real income will not shrink in the blue collar sector. Do mostly direct labour so income can circulate to Nigerians.
3. Import strategic food e.g. rice, beans, tomatoes, pepper, groundnut oil, etc. There is no shame in this, sir. It’s food first in the hierarchy of needs. Whatever it will take in the short run, make food available to Nigerians. Don’t go into who caused the food problem, for now. ‘Ebi kii wo inu, ki nkan mii o wobe’. (A hungry person will not listen to any other thing except you give him or her food). The dead don’t eat food.
4. NNPCL must start pushing locally refined petrol (and diesel for the real sector). Meanwhile, give NNPCL dollar at controlled rate to import fuel. Call it subsidy or whatever name, if you like. Peg the sales to control prices and monitor ruthlessly. We are in serious crisis. Be ruthless, sir. Some people have said you can fast track Dangote. Anyhow. Just make fuel available, sir. Again, Adam Smith! Production!
5. Identify growers of major foodstuff and support them directly through state governments.
6. Release CBN probe report and government white paper. Sir, you are wasting too much time on this!
Medium Term (12-18 months):
1. Probe the banking sector and follow up with an enabling law to jail culprits.
Trial should be through Tribunals, not courts. Trial should be statute barred so that in ten months, the Supreme Court can give final judgments. From Tribunal to Appeal Court, to Supreme Court!
I know many of them are your paddy. But they have had enough, sir. Tell them ‘O To Ge’ (It’s enough). They will understand, if they are honest. They have bled Nigeria for too long. Nigeria must not die in your hands. Sing Sonny Okosuns hit track to them; “Which way Nigeria”.
Let’s save Nigeria. So Nigeria won’t die
2. Start Civil Servants Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal to jail corrupt civil servants. Like the bankers, the civil servants will also understand. Those doing the damage in the system are not more than two per cent of civil servants! You know this, Mr. President.
3. Rejig the National Food Policy to plan how we can be food sufficient. Sir, we have not been able to feed ourselves in Nigeria. Bible says a man not able to feed his family or household is not fit to head that family. It means if you are president and the nation is not self-sufficient in food production (not food importation), then you are not fit to be president, sir. I am not the one saying so, sir. It’s God. You are the Head of this household called Nigeria now by His grace. God has blessed us too much. What we cannot grow in Nigeria does not exist!
4. License new agric banks (at least 10 of them, facing agriculture funding squarely). They must be operational before the end of this year, nationwide.
To hell with all these criminal banks! License at least 50 small medium industry banks and 50 agriculture micro finance banks to start operations before December 2024. Commercial farming should be the goal here. They must be monitored to stay within their portfolios.
5. Make 40 modular refineries strategically located nationwide to be operational. State and local governments can save 50 per cent of their allocations for four months to own not more than 20 per cent equity in these small refineries within their states. This will not only solve the petrol problem on time but also serve as IGR for them in the near future.
Long Term (2 years and above):
1. Sustain medium-term policies highlighted above. In strategic road mapping, execution is key, sir.
(2.) Resume civil works in the public sector to create employment and incomes.
(3). Start agro processing for exports. No export of raw agriculture products again.
(4). Rejig all Federal Universities of Agric to face agriculture, or scrap them. State governments should start Universities of Agric. A state like Ogun with excess varsities and polytechnics should convert quite a number of them to Agric varsities with emphasis on practical training. All polytechnics should be converted to technical universities to work out how to manufacture so many things that we import, preparatory to banning their importation. Local industries cannot survive if we don’t ban these imports.
(5.) Sir, Adam Smith is turning in his grave, cursing Nigeria. We are poor because we do not produce, our taste is strictly for what we don’t produce! We can never be rich like that, unless we go into banking, politics or religion! Each time Nigerian Customs says it has made billions of Naira, I cry. They should make income from excise income (exports) not imports. Imports increase the need for dollars! Exports bring in dollars! Common sense nah.
(6.) Ban frivolous imports. Notice should have been given right now that in 12 months, these useless imports ‘are gone’. They are the ‘subsidies’ that must be ‘gone’, not the one on petrol. In the real sense, Mr. President, you actually ‘subsidize’ these frivolous items; toothpick, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. name it. Enter any supermarket or market, 80 percent of goods there are bought with dollars. So, when dollar goes up, the prices must go up. Sir, ban them! Don’t follow Reno Omokri’s lame advice that Nigerians should boycott imported goods. Omokri lives abroad. We here can only buy what we see. Enabling laws are needed here, so that if you display banned commodities, you go to jail. Please expand this for effective implementation of these laws.
(7.) My President, I have not suggested Price Controls. They don’t work. I am a practical person. I am driven by theories driven by research. There is no economic theory bigger than the Theory of Demand and Supply. So, do not waste time and money setting up price controls? The moment supply exceeds demand, prices will crash. And when we have excess food, we store, process and export to countries like Niger, Mali. We export to USA and UK. Check out the foodstuff prices in the UK. They are high sir. We can make good dollars and pounds exporting food to them there sir.
Finally, sir, execution is important. Our problem has always been lack of executive will, not lack of ideas. I have never been scared of any crisis in my life. As the crisis is brewing, God is already giving me ideas to tackle it. And it’s so for most Nigerians at household levels.
See, Mr. President, this economic crisis is no big deal if you want to tackle it. I swear. There is no need for any economic wizardry. We need just common sense and discipline or willpower. It’s the same way we manage our household income. It’s the same way my students are managing their incomes and expenditures! My students are fine! They are not happy, but they are fine. They are still making their hairs and coming to classes! But many of them have reduced what they eat and how many times they eat daily.
Me too, I no longer fry eggs. I boil them.
That way I save money on groundnut oil, salt, gas, onion and pepper. And if yam is not careful, I will ban it, like I did bread. No food is bigger than me in my household. I call the shots. Meat is only for my daughter now. At over 50, I don’t need meat. I take fish. Local fish. Not imported fish. It’s only our government and national assembly that have refused to change. They still use uncommon sense. Every household in Nigeria is applying the common sense!
Sir, economics is common sense made difficult!
Thank you for listening and being ready to take these actions, Mr. President.
Your patriotic subject,
Olufemi Samson Aduwo, Permanent Representative, CCDI to ECOSOC/United Nations.
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Politics
Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership
Published
3 days agoon
March 13, 2025
Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos Assembly Crisis, Upholds Obasa as Speaker
President Bola Tinubu has successfully intervened in the lingering leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa’s continued tenure as Speaker despite previous recommendations for his resignation.
The resolution followed a crucial meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The President’s decision, however, runs contrary to the recommendations of a panel previously established to mediate the crisis.
Reversal of Agreement
The panel, led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Chief Gbenga Daniel, along with members of the Governance Advisory Council, initially advised that Obasa should return as Speaker but step down shortly after, allowing for a new Speaker from Lagos West in the interest of political balance.
On March 3, 2025, Mojisola Meranda, who had taken over from Obasa after his impeachment, resigned from her position and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was subsequently reinstated in line with the agreement. However, in a dramatic twist, he indefinitely adjourned the Assembly and refused to step down as originally planned.
Tinubu Brokers Lasting Peace
During the closed-door meeting, Tinubu urged lawmakers to put aside their grievances and work together under Obasa’s leadership to ensure stability in the Assembly and across Lagos State.
“Tinubu met with the lawmakers behind closed doors. They expressed their concerns, and he resolved the issues. Obasa will remain as Speaker, and the lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” a source familiar with the meeting revealed.
Despite dissatisfaction among some Lagos stakeholders over Obasa’s defiance of the original agreement, the source assured that Tinubu would engage all concerned parties to maintain unity.
“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel, but the President will address their concerns to ensure lasting peace,” the source added.
Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit
In a further development, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.
“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and in return, Obasa must withdraw his case against Meranda and the Assembly members in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this arrangement,” another insider disclosed.
Prior to this directive, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had confirmed that despite his reinstatement, the Speaker had not withdrawn his lawsuit, arguing that the allegations against him—ranging from high-handedness to financial mismanagement—needed to be addressed.
With Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court set to hear the case on March 17, 2025, all eyes are now on Obasa’s next move following Tinubu’s directive.
Political Ramifications
The intervention by Tinubu, a towering figure in Lagos politics, signals his firm grip over the state’s political structure. However, the decision to allow Obasa to remain as Speaker could spark further discontent among factions within the ruling party and raise questions about adherence to internal agreements.
For now, the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis appears to have been temporarily resolved, but the long-term political implications remain to be seen.
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Politics
Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly
Published
3 days agoon
March 13, 2025
LOCKED OUT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR DENIED ENTRY TO ASSEMBLY, BUDGET PRESENTATION STALLED
…Fubara Laments Attempt to Frustrate Governance
…Tension Mounts as Assembly Faction Defies Supreme Court Ruling
…Tinubu Pressures Governor to Implement Verdict Amid Growing Political Standoff
Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the Port Harcourt Aba Road temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex, effectively blocking him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Accompanied by his entourage, Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to be met with locked gates, an action seen as a bold and calculated move by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident underscores the deepening power struggle between the governor and Wike’s faction, which the Supreme Court recently recognized as the legitimate Assembly leadership.
48-Hour Ultimatum and Assembly’s Defiance
The legislative crisis escalated after the pro-Wike lawmakers issued Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, challenging an earlier approval by a four-member faction of lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, instead of attending the session, Fubara invited the lawmakers to Government House, Port Harcourt, a move they outrightly rejected.
Governor Fubara Reacts: ‘I Leave Everything to God’
Addressing the development during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment at the obstruction, emphasizing that his priority remained the state’s economic stability and the welfare of civil servants. He lamented the resistance he has faced in executing governance duties despite following due process.
“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 a.m. to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.”
Despite his efforts, Fubara said he was left standing outside the legislative complex, only to hear claims that no official communication was made regarding his visit.
“I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” he added. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.”
Presidential Pressure: Tinubu Orders Compliance with Supreme Court Verdict
The budget blockade comes just 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu reinforced his stance, demanding adherence to the court’s decision to prevent further instability in the oil-rich state.
However, Fubara’s camp views the legislative impasse as an orchestrated attempt to sabotage his administration. His allies argue that the governor is being cornered into submission, with the opposition exploiting institutional control to dictate terms.
Calls for Resignation, Threats of Impeachment
Adding to the already volatile situation, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling could lead to impeachment proceedings. The remarks signal a potential escalation in the crisis, with political forces aligning to push Fubara into a corner.
As tensions mount, Rivers State finds itself at the center of a deepening political crisis. The coming days will determine whether Fubara can navigate the high-stakes battle or if the opposition forces will tighten their grip on the state’s political landscape. One thing remains certain—this is a battle far from over.
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Politics
Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase
Published
4 days agoon
March 12, 2025
Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase
The Lagos State House of Assembly has plunged into further turmoil following the controversial purchase of N5 billion worth of vehicles for lawmakers, exacerbating the already strained relationship between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his predecessor, Mojisola Meranda.
Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that during Obasa’s removal as Speaker, Meranda facilitated the purchase of 39 vehicles for lawmakers. However, it emerged that before his ouster, Obasa had approved N7 billion for the same procurement, with plans to source the vehicles from Dubai. His removal on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers, citing highhandedness and financial mismanagement, paved the way for Meranda to assume the Speaker position.
Meranda’s tenure, however, was short-lived as she resigned on March 3, 2025, after intense pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, allowing Obasa to reclaim the speakership while she reverted to her Deputy Speaker role. Despite this political settlement, legal and financial disputes between the two factions continue to rage.
Legal Battle Over Procurement
The controversy now centers on the legality of the vehicle purchase made under Meranda’s leadership. Sources close to Obasa allege that she acted without proper authorization, thereby undermining his earlier procurement strategy.
“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an anonymous aide to the Speaker disclosed.
Another insider added, “In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles from Dubai. However, after his removal, Meranda changed the process to open bidding, leading to local procurement instead. That is the major difference.”
Meranda’s Defense: A Cost-Saving Measure
Meranda’s camp has firmly defended her decision, asserting that she actually saved the state N2 billion by purchasing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser for N5 billion, compared to Obasa’s planned expenditure of N7 billion for 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prados.
A close associate of Meranda emphasized, “Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew funds from the Assembly’s account. She merely adjusted an existing procurement approval, resulting in significant cost savings.”
He further argued that Meranda’s decision to source the vehicles locally ensured better financial prudence and transparency. “Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were purchased domestically. Also, she did not approve any vehicle for herself as Speaker, unlike past administrations,” he added.
Court Showdown Looms
Despite political efforts to resolve the leadership crisis, Obasa remains steadfast in challenging his removal in court. His lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), underscored the significance of the case, stating, “The allegations against him, including highhandedness and fraudulent practices, are serious and must be legally addressed.”
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has now set March 17, 2025, for the next hearing, after an initial adjournment from March 10, following further filings by Obasa’s legal team.
What Lies Ahead?
The unresolved legal battles and lingering power struggle between Obasa and Meranda continue to cast a shadow over the Assembly’s stability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of the procurement controversy and the broader leadership crisis could shape the political landscape of Lagos in the coming months.
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