Tinubu hits ground running, removes fuel subsidy.
President Bola Tinubu said yesterday said that the era of petrol subsidy was gone, noting it was not sustainable.
He also promised to review the naira re-design policy of the immediate past administration and unify the country’s exchange rate windows.
The President equally said the February 25 presidential election that brought him to power was the hardest fought since the First Republic, describing it as also the best so far.
He noted that his victory does not make him more Nigerian than others, adding that the wisdom of the opposition would not be ignored.
In his inaugural speech at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Tinubu, who said Nigerians had endured hardship that would have made other societies crumble, assured that the mandate given to him was not misplaced and that he would govern and not rule.
He said the recent currency swap introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was too harshly implemented, given the number of unbanked Nigerians.
He said the policy will be reviewed and that his administration will treat both the old and new currencies as legal tender.
Speaking on fuel subsidy removal, Tinubu contended that since there was no provision for subsidy in the budget after June by the previous government, the money to be used for it would be channelled to other sectors.
‘Subsidy must go’
He said: “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.”
On monetary policy, the President said: “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.”
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the mandate given to him and promised not to let them down.
Tinubu said: “My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, is 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.
‘Nigerians have endured hardship’
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.”
While describing his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, as an honest and patriotic leader who had done his best for the nation he loved, the President said: “On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.’’
On the unity of the country, he said: “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?
‘I’ll govern, not rule’
“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. February 25 election, hard-fought contest
“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 labour 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.”
President Tinubu thanked his supporters and extended his hands of fellowship to those that didn’t vote for him.
He said: “I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political colouration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians. May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.
‘The Nigerian ideal’
“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:”
On the principles that will guide his administration, he said: “Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and rule of law. We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.
“We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end to extreme poverty. In our administration, women and youth will feature prominently.
“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.”
On security, Tinubu said: “Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amid 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 President, who said his administration would target a higher GDP growth and significantly reduce unemployment, stated: “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 taxations and various anti-investment inhibitions.
“We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home.”
He said his administration must create meaningful opportunities for the youth, adding that “we shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.
‘Omnibus Jobs and prosperity bill’
“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.”
He said the 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 the 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,’’ Tinubu said.
He promised to continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure and that the progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention. He said his primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and 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,’’ the President said.
Present at the inauguration were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience, immediate past Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Among those that witnessed the event were some heads of government, including the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, President Paul Biya of Cameroon; President Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia; Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and George Weah of Liberia, among others.
Also present were members of the diplomatic corps, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, ministers, the chairman of the ruling APC, Senator Adamu Abdullahi; traditional rulers, clergymen and many more.
By Richard Koomson| mediacentralonline.info |Ghana
kindly send us your stories on our WhatsApp line 0500004727
