Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has revealed that no questions were pre-submitted or vetted before President Bola Tinubu’s media chat held on Monday.
Speaking during the Arise TV Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati, who moderated the session, disclosed that the President’s media team did not request questions in advance, nor was there any pre-discussion with the President.
“Nobody asked us to submit questions; President Tinubu didn’t say what are you going to discuss. In fact, we did not see him until he walked onto the set,” Abati said.
“I was impressed that he was in good spirits, ready to engage Nigerians. I recommend that his media team organise such interactions more regularly.”
The media chat, conducted ahead of the Christmas celebrations, saw President Tinubu addressing key national issues, including cabinet size reduction, the challenges surrounding palliative distributions, the removal of fuel subsidies, borrowing, and tax reforms.
During the session, Tinubu expressed confidence in his administration’s trajectory, describing it as the beginning of “a glorious dawn” for Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, emphasiSing that despite being just 18 months into his tenure, his government is on the right path.
On the contentious removal of fuel subsidy, the President stood firm, stating he had no regrets and that the move was necessary for Nigeria’s progress.
He also defended the ongoing tax reforms while hinting at the possibility of negotiating aspects of the Value Added Tax (VAT) reforms.
The President acknowledged the pain caused by his administration’s reforms but assured Nigerians they are designed to secure a brighter future for the country.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
