The phrase “Uneasy they say lies the head that wears the crown” suggests that the new president has faced challenges in the first few days of his tenure, particularly due to the need to address subsidy issues while also dealing with election petitions. Despite these difficulties, there are those who believe that Tinubu has demonstrated commendable qualities in the early days of their presidency. Therefore, we aim to examine the president’s actions during this short period and evaluate their impact and benefits for the Nigerian people.
1. He met with service chiefs and national security adviser
Recognizing the significance of security in restoring economic stability and ensuring the well-being of citizens, the president prioritized a crucial task early on: convening a meeting with the Service Chiefs and the National Security Adviser.
During this meeting, Tinubu emphasized the vital role of information and intelligence sharing among security and intelligence agencies to eliminate wastage of resources in the fight against terrorism. The president underscored that prioritizing security is essential for achieving economic revival, prosperity, and overall development.
In essence, the president stressed the need to support security efforts with knowledge, recognizing that a secure environment is paramount for restoring the country’s economy and promoting the welfare of its people.
2. He had a forum with the 36 states governors
Additionally, the president convened a forum with the governors from all 36 states, emphasizing the need to set aside differences and directing collective attention towards alleviating the hardships faced by the people.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of viewing the nation as a unified family and highlighted that good governance is crucial for safeguarding the future of democracy.
3. He Appointed Gbajabiamila As Chief of Staff
Another significant decision made by the president was the appointment of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as Chief of Staff. Furthermore, during a meeting with progressive governors, the president also appointed Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff.
This move was widely recognized as a strategic one, setting the tone for the composition of the president’s cabinet and showcasing the caliber of individuals Tinubu will collaborate with to restore Nigeria’s progress.
4. He made Akume As SGF
Following the same pattern, the president nominated Senator George Akume to assume the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Commenting on this appointment, the president expressed confidence that Akume would make significant contributions to the nation in his new role as SGF.
5. Charged prominent oil marketers
In response to the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, the president held a meeting with representatives from major oil marketers in Nigeria. During the meeting, he urged them to collaborate with his government to address the needs and demands of Nigerians.
Following this meeting, the Oil Marketers Association announced their intention to contribute fifty to a hundred mass transit buses, each accommodating 50 passengers, as a means to assist the general public. The estimated cost of these buses is around 100 million naira each, totaling 10 billion naira collectively. This initiative aims to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal within the next 30 days.
Furthermore, the president engaged in discussions with executives from Exxon Mobil as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to foster cooperation among key stakeholders in the oil sector. These efforts seek to ensure stability, transparency, and fair competition within the sector.
6. Asked VP to find palliatives for subsidy
After the president’s meeting with the oil marketers, he instructed the National Economic Council (NEC) under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima to formulate a strategy and initiate the implementation of interventions aimed at reducing the adverse effects of subsidy removal on the Nigerian population.
The NEC has been tasked with developing palliative measures to support Nigerians during the transitional period as the nation adapts to the absence of subsidies.
7. He held a meeting with traditional leaders
During this timeframe, the president also engaged in meetings with traditional rulers, during which he assigned them the responsibility of backing the administration’s endeavors to establish enduring peace and unity. He encouraged them to foster responsible conduct and promote patriotism among the populace.
Moreover, the president assured the traditional rulers of his government’s unwavering support as they persist in their crucial role as guardians of the nation’s distinct cultural heritage.
8. Selected and got approval for 20 special advisers
In his commitment to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian citizens and make well-informed decisions, the president handpicked a team of 20 Special Advisers.
The president submitted a formal request to the Senate, without explicitly disclosing the names of the 20 Special Advisers or outlining their specific responsibilities. Nonetheless, the Senate promptly granted approval for the request.
The Senate deemed the request as urgent, emphasizing the need for swift approval to enable the president to fully engage and commence his duties without delay.
9. He Negotiated with JOHESU
After several days of industrial action, the Health workers’ union, represented by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), decided to suspend their 12-day-long strike following a meeting with the president.
Obinna Ogbonna, the National Vice-President of JOHESU, informed the press that the strike was put on hold due to positive developments during discussions with President Bola Tinubu.
Following the meeting with the president, the health workers held internal deliberations and subsequently decided to end the strike, providing the government with a 21-day timeline for further progress to be made.
10. Reach agreements with NLC
Likewise, the president successfully facilitated an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), leading them to halt their intentions of organizing a strike and protests regarding the removal of subsidies.
According to official sources, the president was able to secure seven essential agreements with the NLC and other labor unions, effectively averting the strike.
11. He Signed 2023 Electricity Bill into Law
During the mentioned timeframe, the president officially enacted the 2023 Electricity Act, which aims to promote competition and remove monopolies in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution on a national scale.
By signing the electricity bill into law, the president has granted state governments, companies, and individuals the authority to engage in electricity generation, distribution, and transmission activities, thereby empowering them in the sector.
12. He signed a bill that establishes a new retirement age for judicial officers.
Likewise, by utilizing the authority granted to him by the amended 1999 Constitution, President Tinubu has given his approval to a new amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He has enacted the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.37), 2023” as presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly.
With the endorsement of the Constitutional amendment Bill, the retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers have been harmonized, along with other related matters.
As per Abiodun Oladunjoye, the president’s spokesperson, during the signing of the amendment Bill into law, Tinubu expressed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the judiciary, upholding the rule of law, and equipping judicial officers to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
13. Made fundamental declarations regarding subsidy
During a interactive session with the Royal Fathers organized by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the president made several statements that evoked strong responses from the public. One of these statements emphasized that the nation cannot continue to provide resources to smugglers and act as a generous benefactor to neighboring countries.
At the session, the president reiterated his dedication to implementing decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy, enhancing security measures, fostering job creation, and preserving the environment.
14. He met with opposition leaders
In keeping his promise of inclusivity and willingness to collaborate, President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with members of the former G-5, which included Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), and the current governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
Although the exact purpose of the visit has not been disclosed yet, Governor Makinde informed the press that the group met with the President to update him on recent developments.
He stated, “Nation building is an arduous task that requires constant evaluation… understanding your actions and direction. Therefore, we continue to meet with the President to keep him informed about ongoing events. We also came to reiterate our commitment to fairness, justice, and equity.”
Regarding the new focus of the G-5, he added, “We are rallying behind Mr. President, advocating for fairness, justice, and equity in Nigeria.”
15. He suspends Emefiele
In a move that has been described by some as highly significant, the president took the decision on Friday to suspend Godwin Emefiele from his position as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The presidency has stated that this action is a result of the ongoing investigation into Emefiele’s office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the country’s economy.
Emefiele has been instructed to immediately transfer the responsibilities of his role to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, who will serve as the acting Central Bank Governor until the investigation and reforms are concluded.
Credit: channelsTv
