News
Mr. President, It’s Time to Step Down as Petroleum Minister
The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo once remarked, “The primary responsibility of leadership is catering for and promoting its people so that they may live a full and happy life.” Unfortunately, many Nigerians currently feel far from this ideal, grappling with hyperinflation, soaring living costs, and turmoil in the oil and gas sector.
President Bola Tinubu entered office promising renewed hope. Despite initial support following his controversial inauguration on May 29, 2023, public patience has waned due to rising governance costs and the misuse of public funds.
By August 1, 2024, nationwide protests erupted as citizens became increasingly frustrated with the state of the petroleum industry. How can Nigerians face fuel prices exceeding 1,000 naira while struggling to obtain it? Long queues at filling stations and exorbitant fuel costs are becoming the norm, creating an untenable situation.
Many Nigerians believe the issues extend beyond the presidency; they argue that numerous aides are either incompetent or ineffective. Tinubu’s decision to appoint himself as the petroleum minister, alongside creating the largest cabinet in Nigeria’s history, raises questions about leadership accountability.
Despite stating in May, “I will relieve any cabinet member of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians,” it appears that the current cabinet is racing toward failure. The national grid has collapsed multiple times this year, projects from past administrations remain unaddressed, and food insecurity persists despite agricultural initiatives.
To restore faith in governance, a reshuffle is necessary, beginning with the presidency itself. Leaders should focus on their overarching administrative roles rather than holding ministerial positions. This trend of presidents occupying ministerial roles, initiated by former leaders, has led to mismanagement in vital sectors.
The petroleum industry is in chaos, facing challenges like oil theft and outdated facilities, which undermine revenue and hinder progress. While the end of fuel subsidies was intended to be beneficial, many citizens remain confused as benefits fail to materialize.
With the president also serving as chair of the Economic Community of West African States, it is crucial that he relinquishes the petroleum minister role and appoints a qualified technocrat to oversee the sector. Nigeria’s economy requires his undivided attention, especially in addressing pressing security issues, infrastructure decay, and the growing hunger crisis affecting millions.
To break this impasse, decisive action is essential, starting with the president stepping down as petroleum minister. Only then can the administration focus on delivering real change for the Nigerian people.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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