FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU 29 MAY 2023 - AfrobadooTV
Connect with us

FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU 29 MAY 2023

Published

on

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

THE NIGERIAN IDEAL

My Fellow Citizens,

I stand before you honoured to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity.

This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation.

As a nation, we have long ago decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.

The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.

For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.

This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.

We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.

Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.

To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.

The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.

Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.

For many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.

Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.

Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us.

Instead, we stand forth as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the Black Race.

As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.

Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.

We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.

Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.

We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.

In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.

They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.

Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation.

We must never allow the labor of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.

Let us take the next great step in the journey they began and believed in.

Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.

My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.

May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.

My fellow compatriots,

The Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the fullness of our story.

Our mission is to improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.

The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.

Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.

In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives that define our concept of progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal:

The principles that will guide our administration are simple:

1. Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.

2. We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.

3. We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.

4. In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.

5. Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

 

SECURITY

Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE.

We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.

THE ECONOMY

On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment.

We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:

First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.

Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.

Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.

I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.

We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.

JOBS

My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.

Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.

Agriculture

Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.

Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.

Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention.

FUEL SUBSIDY

We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.

MONETARY POLICY

Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning. The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.

Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.

Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.

FOREIGN POLICY

Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.

The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood are of pressing concern.

As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.

As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity.

Conclusion

This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria.

On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever.

The course of our past and the promise of the future have brought us to this exceptional moment.

In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.

With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God bless you and May He bless our beloved land.

 

Advertisement

You may like

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Politics

GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA COMMENDS IPMAN ON THEIR SERVICE TO NDI IMO WHILE CALLING FOR MORE

Published

on

GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA COMMENDS IPMAN ON THEIR SERVICE TO NDI IMO WHILE CALLING FOR MORE

Governor Hope Uzodimma has commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers’Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Imo State Chapter, on their uninterrupted service delivery to ndi Imo despite some challenges they face.

The Governor made the remark during a meeting with the leadership of the union yesterday, during which he advocated for more patriotic service by the union even though they are in business for profit.

In their presentation, the union appealed to the Governor for an interface with Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited for more allocation of refined products to members of the union in the State. This is to ensure an improved service availability to ndi Imo.

While giving node to their appeal, His Excellency noted that he will also review their request for land allocation to enable them build their corporate office in the State.Governor Hope Uzodimma

Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of the union, Sir Chidiebere Okoroafor, expressed satisfaction on behalf of his colleagues, on the Governor’s warm reception and listening ears to the appeal of the union. He further assured of a harmonious relationship with the State Government as they put the interest of the people above any other.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Nigeria is Bleeding – National Association of Seadogs

Published

on

National Association of Seadogs

National Association of Seadogs – Nigeria is Bleeding: Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Independence Day, 1st Oct 2023

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, NAS/PC, wishes to, on the occasion of your first Independence Day Anniversary as President, interrogate early steps of your administration in the face of the electioneering promises you made to Nigerians and suggest improvements to make life better for Nigerians.

We have taken note of the policies, programmes and pronouncements of your administration since assumption of office as President. We are aware of the inherited economic challenges from your predecessor, as well as the steps taken by your government to revive the comatose economy you met from the previous government of your party, to inspire hope by making economic and political adjustments to revive the ailing economy.

However, in spite of your best efforts so far to convince Nigerians that your administration means well for this country, the truth remains Nigeria on your watch is bleeding profusely. As an international human rights and social advocacy organization, we must bring to your attention some observations pertinent to the survival of this country, on this Independence Day celebration.

Firstly, the general insecurity which you vowed to end still persists. Before your assumption of office, you had promised a “secure, prosperous and united Nigeria”, but so far this promise has been a mirage. On your watch, the insecurity that ravaged Nigeria under your predecessor has continued unabated. The hope rekindled in Nigerians with the change of the Service Chiefs has not been sustained. Insurgents and other non-state actors are operating unchecked across the country.

Data from SBM Intelligence and the Council on Foreign Relations National Security Tracker (NST) indicated that in just three months of your administration between May 29 and July, 2023 over 600 Nigerians have been killed while over 276 have been kidnapped. In August, 22 soldiers including officers were ambushed by bandits in Niger State. Reports in Nigeria media indicate that insurgents are in control of 23 local government areas in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. In August eight prospective Corps members travelling from Uyo, Akwa-Ibom to Sokoto State for national service were abducted by kidnappers. These young Nigerians are still with their abductors over a month after their kidnap leaving their parents and family members in utter anguish. On September 22, bandits breached the security of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State and kidnapped 30 female students, who were rescued a few days later.

In the South- East, terrorists are on the loose, wreaking havoc on lives and property. A combined team of security personnel were on September 20 ambushed at Umualuku, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. They were killed and their bodies burnt. On September 21, gunmen attacked and killed two Mobile Policemen at Udi-Ozalla Road in Enugu State. The situation is no better in the South- South where oil theft is still rampant. Criminal gangs operating in Rivers State recently beheaded a Divisional Police Officer (DPO). Kidnappings are rife in South-West, while the campaign of terror by Fulani herdsmen is active in Benue and Plateau States.

Mr President, your economic policies so far have been catastrophic. Your decision to implement the fuel subsidy removal initiated by your predecessor without any clear-cut strategy to cushion the effects on Nigerians has been disastrous, pushing more Nigerians into poverty and destitution, adding to the 133 million Nigerians already in multidimensional poverty. Worse still, unification of the naira exchange rate has failed to stem the fall of the naira. While we acknowledge that the Central Bank of Nigeria you inherited was inefficient and tainted with messy politics, your hasty exchange rate unification policy has been ineffective. The double effect of high petrol prices and the free fall of Naira has pushed inflation up to an alarming level.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) latest data on inflation from the Consumer Price Index indicates that it is now 25.8%. According to the NBS, food inflation is 29.34%, unemployment stands at 33.3% while it is 53.4% among the youth. Hunger and poverty stalk the land; Nigerians are suffering.

In the midst of these woes, an agency under your administration, the Revenue Allocation Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFC) is proposing salary increments for yourself, the Vice-President, lawmakers, and other public officers. Aside from being unjustifiable, this is certainly insensitive, irresponsible and reckless. Salary increments for the political leadership of a country, who should lead by example in receiving pay cuts, showcases a gross dereliction of duty and poor leadership vision.

Mr President, National Association of Seadogs/Pyrates confraternity recommends that you take deliberate steps to crush insecurity. The unbridled insecurity ravaging the country especially in North-West and North-East has contributed to the worsening inflation in the country with many fleeing their farms.

We reiterate our previous demand for a decentralised policing system to tackle insecurity in Nigeria. The majority of Nigeria’s Police personnel are away from core police duty and guarding political leaders and other VIPs, leaving hapless Nigerians at the mercy of criminal elements. We believe it is imperative now that you summon the political will, mobilise the State governors and the National Assembly to amend the 1999 constitution for the creation of State Police.

NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike For 30 Days

It is crystal clear that extant strategies are not working therefore now is the time for the security agencies to drop their petty rivalry and work for the collective good of Nigerians by adopting new strategies to combat insecurity. The Department of State Security (DSS) should pay less action to ‘so called enemies’ of the government and provide the much-needed intelligence to smoke terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, and their sponsors, from their hideouts. The new security strategy should involve personnel of the security agencies winning over the hearts and minds of locals in the bid to flush out undesirable elements tormenting innocent Nigerians. No security will work if it does to inspire confidence in the people prompting them to volunteer information. Nigerians have become weary of ineffective directives to security agencies, they demand protection from the onslaught of criminal gangs.

National Association of Seadogs/Pyrates confraternity believes with the appointment of Mr Yemi Cardoso as the new CBN Governor, there is no more excuse for failing to rescue the naira and save the economy. We ask that the CBN Governor be given the necessary independence to restore the autonomy of the apex bank which is the cornerstone of central banking. Nigeria needs a CBN that is free of corruption and truly politically independent and efficiently professional. He should strike a balance between the fiscal and monetary policies which are needed to accelerate productive activities to help save the Naira.

More importantly, you need to galvanise the National Economic Council (NEC) to urgently seek ways to invest in Small Medium Scale industries, agriculture and manufacturing. This is why we are of the considered view that you need to unveil your plan to boost power supply in the country. Increased electricity supply is one of the missing links to stimulate growth in Nigeria’s economy.

Mr, President, these are urgent observations that require your swift action if indeed you are serious about hitting the ground running. We wish you all the best as you aim to surmount the onerous task before you..

Happy Independence Day Celebration!

Abiola Owoaje
NAS Capoon,
Abuja

 

Kindly Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel

Continue Reading

News

NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike For 30 Days

Published

on

NLC

NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike For 30 Days
… .FG To Pay Workers N35,000
.. Sign 15-point agreement with FG

Organised labour have suspended its planned nationwide indefinite strike action for the next month.

This was contained in a memorandum of understanding signed Monday by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; as well as the TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.

The three-page document was also signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

“The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023,” the MoU reads in part.

“The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand
Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of
September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have
been signed into law.”

The decisions come at the end of an hours-long meeting between the Federal Government, NLC, and the TUC on Monday.

See the full MoU below:

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA AND THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (TUC) AS A RESULT OF DISPUTE ARISING FROM WITHDRAWAL OF SUBSIDY ON THE PRICE OF PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT (PMS) ON MONDAY, THE 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 2023

Arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a strike notice which had elapsed and they were poised to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023. Consequently, a meeting was called by the Federal Government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:

The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.
A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.
Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.
Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.
The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.
On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.
The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.
The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.
The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.
The Federal Government should urge State Government through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.
The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.
A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.
All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.
The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.
This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.
Signed:

NLC:

Comrade Joe Ajaero
President NLC

Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni
General Secretary

TUC:

Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo
President

Comrade Nuhu A. Toro
Secretary General

Federal Government:

H.E. Simon Bako Lalong
Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment

Hon. Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment

Mallam Mohammed Idris
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.

%d bloggers like this:

Кракен Сайт Площадка