- Urges citizens to look beyond present ‘temporary’ pains
- President appoints governing councils for federal universities, tertiary institutions across Nigeria
Again, President Bola Tinubu has pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with his administration, assuring them that the country is transitioning from darkness to dawn.
In an official video released by the State House on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing hardships orchestrated by the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
He noted that Nigerians’ pain was compounded by what he described as an “avoidable lag” between the subsidy removal and his helpful plans for the country.
He said, “Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there’s no doubt that it is tough, but I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work. Sadly, there was an avoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online.
“I plead with you; please have faith in our ability to deliver and our concern for your well-being. We will get out of this turbulence, and due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.
“For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon higher education due to lack of money.
“Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On principle, we shall never falter. I assure you, my fellow countrymen and women, that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.”
The president assured that the measures his government has taken would get the country out of the lingering economic crisis.
This address marked the second time Tinubu has addressed Nigerians since the beginning of the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests.
The protests turned violent in some states, including Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna, where demonstrators believed to be infiltrators were seen waving Russian flags and calling for a military takeover.
Nigerians ‘ll soon see positive results from Tinubu’s reforms – Ganduje
Also, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has assured Nigerians that the dividends of President Bola Tinubu’s nail-biting reforms will soon come to fruition.
The former Kano State governor gave the assurance when he received a five-man delegation of the United States chapter of the APC at the party secretariat in Abuja.
Ganduje insisted that the hardship being experienced by the people was a temporary teething problem, which is expected of every positive reform.
He said, “There is no doubt also that even in the so-called developed countries, they have their turbulence (protests) in one way or the other. So, it is not surprising that Nigeria has its own share of the problem. This is not the first time. You will recall that whenever there is a reform agenda, obstacles must be on the way.
“As a result, people must suffer in one way or the other. In the long run, everything will go according to the plan. We are aware that our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came in with the intention to introduce reforms. Our institutions are weak, and unless you have strong institutions, you will find it difficult to implement whatever good policies you have.
“So, Mr. President is doing all that is needed to be done. In a matter of time, we will come out of this because he is working very hard on the economy. Very soon, we will see positive results.”
The APC national chairman praised the US delegation, saying they are quite proud of the massive support the current administration has been getting from them.
“I welcome members of our great Party from America. Today, history is made. It’s a day we cannot forget. They came from one of the farthest places in the world, from the USA to show commitment and love.
“From history, since the time of military politics where we have political parties involved during the AD, AC, ACN, and down to the APC of today, some of you have been in such associations that led to the merger of political parties. So, there’s no doubt that you are committed party men and women, and we appreciate your coming.”
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the five-man delegation of the APC-USA, Prof Adesegun Labinjo, told newsmen they were in the country to show solidarity with the president and the party leadership following the hunger protest that rocked the country.
“We are glad to pay you this courtesy visit in support of the great way you have been leading this party. We cherish you and admire your leadership style. We acknowledge your role as our leader.
“In support of you and our great President, we said since this country is facing turbulence at this time, we’re going there to show our support for our president, for the national leadership of our party, and our great country.
“Despite the discouragement, we insisted on coming. In the face of all the turmoil that they projected will happen or is happening, we are here to support our president, the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and our country,” he said.
President appoints governing councils for federal universities, tertiary institutions across Nigeria
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has appointed 30 individuals to serve on the governing councils of six federal colleges of education located in Kebbi, Benue, Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Sokoto states.
The Presidency announced the appointments on Wednesday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
At the Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State, he appointed Ismaila Gadaka as Chairman of the governing council. Members include Abdulhakeem Adegoke, Pam Ishaya, Abubakar Fakai, and Zara Usman.
At the Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi State, Tinubu named Mohammed Takori as Chairman, while Dauda Onipede, Victor Danzaria, Solomon Ayuba, and Mario Owumi will serve as members.
Baba Homsuk will now serve as Chairman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State, with Kayode Ajiboye, Rex Ogbonna, Jude Ngaji, and John Viko as members.
Tinubu also named Aisha Tahir as Chairwoman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education, Jama’are, Bauchi State. The council members are Dorren Udechukwu, Yaji, Mustapha Shehu, and Joshua Adewale.
At the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto, he appointed Abdullahi Adamu as Chairman, with Olatunji Akinbiyi, Mohammed Malala, Saleh Audu, and Lami Oguogho as members.
The Federal College of Education (Technical), Benin City, Edo State, also received Tukur Jikamshi as Chairman of its governing council. Members include Abdullahi Loko, Asimiyu Alarape, Abubakar Bello, and Christopher Okaeben.
Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State
Temi Harriman — Chairman
Adeola Adeogun — Member
Benedict Aguele — Member
Freeman Kasa — Member
Babangida Abdullahi — Member
Nigerian University of Science and Technology, Abuja
Rabe Bala — Chairman
Akinola Fagbemi — Member
Rakiatou Bagnou — Member
Alwel Egwurugu — Member
Femi Osabinu — Member
Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa State
Bram Baifa — Chairman
Richard Odigbo — Member
Yomi Johnson — Member
Fatima Owuna — Member
Christy Omoruyi — Member
Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State
Ahmadu Salisu — Chairman
Aragbaye Gbolagunte — Member
Talba Bauchi — Member
Akanimodo Adekunle — Member
Chibuike Ikenga — Member
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Katsina State
Habib Ibrahim — Chairman
Yau Abdulkadir — Member
Shehu Kaka — Member
Ibrahim Abbah — Member
Isijola Rasaki — Member
Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State
Rukayyatu Gurin — Chairman
Peter Dogara — Member
Amina Ndala — Member
Owolabi Oseni — Member
Olufemi Lawson — Member
Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State
Yusuf Mohammed — Chairman
Sani Ndanusa — Member
Abdul Oroh — Member
Mary Okaba Agbo — Member
Omasan Agbajoh — Member
Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State
Labiru Musa Kafur — Chairman
Ibitoye Victor Philips — Member
Bamgbose S. — Member
Musa Ayas — Member
Ogenyi Okpokwu Emmanuel — Member
National Institute of Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia State
Victor Ukaogo — Chairman
Anjare Samuel — Member
David Ismaila — Member
Adimchinaka Onwukwe — Member
Ify Okoye — Member
Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State
Awal Morike — Chairman
Mohammed Umar — Member
Monday Nanza — Member
Mohammed Audu — Member
Sheriff Abdullahi — Member
Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State
Usman Shanawa — Chairman
Kabiru Yahaya — Member
Chinenye Moses — Member
Uyiosasere Ekhosuehi — Member
Joshua Adewale — Member
Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Gamboru Ngala, Borno State
Ahmed Wambai — Chairman
Gazali Suleiman — Member
Imam Rahaman — Member
Isah Kwayami — Member
Mohammed Mamman — Member
National Mathematical Centre, Sheda, Kwali, FCT
Edna Njoku — Chairman
Kovie Epetutu — Member
Oyinkasola Okewoye — Member
Ibrahim Musa — Member
Sarah Tukura — Member
Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State
Kehinde Akinola — Chairman
Shehu Maigari Doguwa — Member
Samuel Isichei — Member
Faisal Lawal Halidu — Member
Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State
Anthony Manzo — Chairman
Ngozi Okuoma — Member
Durungunwa Abdulmalik — Member
Biodun Taiwo — Member
Florence Toyin Olorunfemi — Member
The President expects members of the governing boards of these institutions to “serve with integrity and devotion to the enhancement of their structural, academic, and all-around standards,” the statement added.
