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Tinubu Committed to Reforms Despite Challenges, Says Vice President Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu is aware of their concerns and anxieties.
Shettima highlighted that the president is determined to continue with necessary reforms, despite the current difficulties, including those related to the oil subsidy.
This plea came in response to recent nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardship. Shettima emphasized the need for patience amid the consequences of removing the fuel subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange market, among other economic measures.
Speaking at the African Caucus meeting 2024 in Abuja, where he represented the president, Shettima said, “We are here in the wake of recent events in Kenya. There is understandable apprehension in our country, but no matter how long the night, dawn must come. The president made painful yet imperative decisions. We acknowledge the influence of the oil subsidy cabal, but we are resolute in pushing forward. We ask for patience as we endure the current hardships, but we will overcome.”
On Thursday, Nigerians took to the streets protesting rising inflation, food prices, and economic hardship, driven largely by the administration’s policies and reforms. Protesters, advocating for an #EndBadGovernance, demanded a reduction in petrol prices to N200 per litre, an end to insecurity, closure of IDP camps, and electoral reforms.
The initially peaceful protests turned violent in several cities, leading to clashes between police and protesters. Reports indicate that at least 17 people were killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the protests.
In addition, on Friday, police dispersed protesters with tear gas, resulting in numerous injuries.
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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