News
Cost of Governance: Tinubu govt under scrutiny over Dubai summit
The recent dispute surrounding Nigeria’s 1,411 delegates at the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai has sparked serious concerns about the government’s commitment to reducing governance costs in the face of escalating inflation and economic challenges. This arises as the administration continually urges citizens to endure hardships and make sacrifices, leading to widespread criticism that the government is not aligning its actions with its appeals.
President Bola Tinubu’s arrival in Dubai with the largest African delegation, totaling 1,411 individuals, has drawn widespread condemnation, especially given Nigeria’s economic struggles. Many Nigerians have expressed dismay at the high number of delegates, the third-highest at COP28, amid the economic suffering caused by government policies. This criticism follows the government’s claims of inheriting an ’empty treasury’ and ‘bankruptcy,’ as inflation rises and citizens face increased poverty.
Despite public outcry and calls for measures to reduce the cost of governance, the government has not taken visible steps in that direction. Instead, substantial funds have been allocated for a presidential yacht, state house vehicles, and the renovation of presidential lodges, further aggravating public discontent.
In response to criticism, the Presidency clarified that only a fraction of the 1,411 delegates were sponsored by the Federal Government. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, emphasized that a significant portion of the contingent consisted of private sector players, civil society organizations, and delegates from Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta region. However, on Monday, the federal government acknowledged funding 422 delegates to the climate summit.
Various figures and discrepancies in official statements have fueled skepticism and dissatisfaction among the public. Critics, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have lambasted the administration for what they perceive as an extravagant and wasteful delegation.
In an interview, Dr. Reuben Abati criticized the lack of coordination in the government’s response, pointing out contradictions between statements from different spokespersons. Meanwhile, civil society groups and public affairs analysts have raised concerns about the moral justification for sending such a large delegation, considering the pressing issues of poverty and hunger within the country. Calls for the government to prioritize essential needs over frivolous expenses and to address the nation’s critical challenges continue to resonate.
Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has cautioned that Nigerians might eventually face petrol prices of N5,000 per litre.
In an interview with Weekend Trust, Upah criticized the recent increase in fuel pump prices and argued that it contradicts the agreement previously made between the NLC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He asserted that the Federal Government’s claims of restoring the fuel subsidy are untrue.
Upah remarked, “The subsidy was never reinstated as they have stated. So, what justifies the rise in pump prices from N650 to N1,500 or even N2,000?
“This situation suggests that we might not have seen the worst yet. There is a possibility that fuel prices could reach N5,000 per litre. We hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, it will be up to Nigerians to make the decision.”
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the receipt of a two million Naira bank draft from Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, a former student loan beneficiary.
This information was disclosed in a statement by Monalisa Dike from the Corporate Communications Department of NELFUND on Friday in Abuja.
Dike noted that Awomolo had received the loan during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1975 to 1977.
She mentioned that Awomolo had fully repaid the loan, showing his strong commitment to the country.
“The original loan amount was N1,000 for two academic sessions, which played a crucial role in his completion of the law degree.
“Although Awomolo had attempted to repay the loan several times over the years, he was only able to settle it now.
“In his letter to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Awomolo expressed his appreciation for the student loan opportunity provided by the Nigerian government,” Dike said.
She added that Awomolo praised the transparency and accountability NELFUND has shown in managing student loans.
Dike emphasized that Awomolo’s repayment highlights the enduring impact of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative and NELFUND’s continued importance in supporting Nigerian students.
She also mentioned that the repaid funds will be used to support the education of current students in need of loans.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a warning to the public about scammers pretending to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.
The NDDC also noted that registration for the scheme ended on August 31, 2024.
This information was released in a statement on Friday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, and shared with DAILY POST.
The statement reads, in part: “We have received reports of individuals receiving unsolicited messages claiming they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, which includes requests for personal information and an acceptance fee.
“The NDDC does not charge any fees for placing qualified youths in its internship programme. We want to make it clear that these fraudulent selection messages are not affiliated with the NDDC.
“Any official communication from us will only come through our verified websites and social media channels. If you receive a message like this, please ignore it and report it to the relevant authorities. Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
“For genuine inquiries about our empowerment programs, please contact us directly through our official channels.”
-
Sports6 months agoAnthony Joshua to face winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
-
News3 years agoAvram Grant: Former Chelsea Coach Accused Of Sexual Harassment
-
News5 months agoNaira appreciates to N1,000 per dollar at FX black market
-
News4 months agoKing Charles III returns to public duties after cancer treatment
-
News1 year agoTinubu Appoints Akume SGF, Confirms Gbajabiamila CoS
-
News1 year agoSenate Presidency: North-Central Lawmakers Reject APC Consensus List
-
Politics2 years agoTinubu Campaign Group DG, Abdulmumin Jibrin, Dumps APC
-
News1 year agoNBC Has No Powers to Fine Broadcast Stations, Court Rules