Metro

I’m not after your money, I came to work for you, Tinubu tells Nigerians

Published

3 months ago

September 21, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that he is not in office for personal or financial gains but to work and serve them and the country.

Tinubu, who gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly led by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, insisted that his administration was “focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability.”

While addressing his guests, the president was quoted as saying:

“I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me.”

A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled, ‘I didn’t come to look for money, I came to work’, President Tinubu tells forum of former NASS presiding officers,” further emphasized his commitment to working for the benefit of Nigerians despite the current hardship they are going through.

“Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production? We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lay the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living,” the statement said.

“We forgot to educate our children. Go around and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn.

“We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,” he said.

The President also outlined his administration’s focus on addressing these challenges, including improving infrastructure, upgrading Nigeria’s infrastructure to drive economic growth and development,
ensuring compliance with financial regulations promote transparency and accountability, exploring alternative energy sources and providing energy security.

“We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,” Tinubu added.

Sixteen former presiding officers attended the meeting including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.

Related Topics:Economy Featured Hardship Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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Metro

Nigeria’s future is very bright, we’ll overcome challenges, VP Shettima says

Published

4 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed his belief and optimism that the future of the country is very bright despite a myriad of economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Shettima, who expressed his hopes in a Christmas message, reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to economic transformation, national security, and the overall well-being of all citizens.

Shettima assured Nigerians that Tinubu was resolute and was working assiduously to tackle critical issues such as security and economic challenges, as the country prepares for the coming year.

“As we approach a new year, I want to reassure you that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully dedicated to improving the lives of all Nigerians,” the VP said.

“We are committed to tackling economic transformation and enhancing the welfare of every citizen,” he added, while emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, and called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen unity across all regions and faiths, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

“Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. This holiday season offers us the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” he stated.

Shettima reiterated that the present administration will continue to prioritize national security and assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the country’s security forces, emphasising that security personnel would remain on high alert during the holiday period to ensure safety.

“Our brave security personnel will continue to work tirelessly to protect us. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard citizens during the festive season,” he said.

“I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is rolling out various initiatives to empower you, enabling you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima added.

Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.