Nigeria is currently grappling with a multitude of challenges that have dominated national discourse in recent times. The resignation of President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, the hike in fuel prices, the President’s trip to China, the readiness of Dangote Refinery products, and the federal government’s sale of rice for N40,000 have all been making headlines.
The resignation of President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
The Ngelale, who was a key member of the President’s team, cited personal reasons for their decision to leave. According to him in a statement on Saturday “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.
“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.”
However, sources close to the presidency suggest that the resignation may be linked to internal power struggles within the administration. A report by FIJ quoted anonymous sources ‘in and around the presidency’ that Ngelale’s exit was not triggered by a family health emergency, but rather his loss in a power tussle with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Fuel hike
Meanwhile, the recent hike in fuel prices has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians. The government’s decision to raise the price of fuel has sparked strong opposition from labour unions, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens.
President Tinubu has publicly addressed the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, explaining that the fuel price hike is a result of tough decisions necessary for economic prosperity.
During a meeting with Nigerians living in China on Friday, Tinubu addressed concerns about the petrol price hike, emphasizing that his administration’s reforms are intended to establish a strong foundation for Nigeria’s future economic prosperity.
Tinubu said, “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are making bold, unprecedented decisions. For instance, you may have heard about the recent changes in fuel prices back home,” as quoted by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.
Many have argued that the hike will only serve to exacerbate the already dire economic situation in the country.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has warned the Federal Government not to take Nigerians’ patience for granted. Yerima Shettima, President General of the forum, commented on the recent price increase, stating that it’s becoming increasingly clear that the current government may be out of touch with reality.
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has also criticized the recent hike in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and demanded an immediate reversal, labeling it as untimely and a unilateral action.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by its leader, Rep. O. K. Chinda, the caucus declared, “This development is not only poorly timed but also grossly insensitive to the harsh economic conditions currently faced by Nigerians across the country.” https://tribuneonlineng.com/reps-minority-caucus-kicks-against-fuel-hike/
Tinubu’s journey to China
In a bid to bolster economic ties with China, President Tinubu recently embarked on a trip to the Asian giant. Tinubu during the journey made certain revelations on the current and future expectations of the federal government.
The trip, which was seen as a strategic move to attract investment and boost trade between the two nations, has been hailed as a success by the presidency.
Addressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, Tinubu observed that China is a disciplined nation, saying that Nigerians must as be disciplined and show commitment to grow and be respected everywhere.
“I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a very disciplined society and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.
“We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country,” the President said.
However, critics have argued that the trip was merely a publicity stunt and that the government has failed to address the pressing issues facing the country.
Dangote Refinery products ready
The Dangote Refinery, which has been touted as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, has announced that its products are ready for sale. But it was ironically for Nigerians as the announcement was greeted with fuel hike from N568 per litre to N855, after months of scarcity.
The Dangote Refinery, owned by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, has been celebrated as a significant accomplishment for the country’s industrial sector.
However, NNPCL announced on Saturday that the commencement of petrol lifting from the Dangote Refinery does not guarantee a decrease in fuel prices.
NNPCL is set to begin lifting petrol from the Dangote Refinery on September 15.
Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer for NNPCL, clarified that the pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery Ltd, is influenced by global market forces.
Despite this, there are doubts about the refinery’s capacity to meet the country’s fuel demands.
FG’s sale of rice for N40,000
In a bizarre move, the federal government has begun selling 50kg bags of rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000, requiring buyers to present their National Identification Number (NIN) for verification. The move, which has been described as a desperate attempt to address food insecurity, has been met with widespread criticism.
Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced this during the inauguration in Abuja on Thursday, stating that the initiative will be implemented nationwide.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this historic, all-important, and long-awaited inauguration of the sales of 30,000MT of federal government-milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50 kilogrammes,” said Kyari.
Many have argued that the price is exorbitant and that the government should be doing more to address the root causes of food insecurity in the country.
