Tinubu cites smugglers in his latest blame card, after fingering politicians
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bola Tinubu has scrambled to send out at least two surrogates to once again blame others for the hunger in the land under his watch, exonerating himself still, even though he is the President with constitutional power to tackle problems.
The President previously accused opposition parties – euphemism for Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) – of instigating the protest by citizens against the excruciating hardship and hunger North and South, which began spontaneously in December last year when Tinubu visited Lagos, his home state.
Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris, said on Tuesday the government is aware of the rising cost of staple foods but will stick with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the panacea for the nationwide hardship.
Vice President Kashim Shettima punted blame for the hunger protests to smugglers and politicians ferrying food across the borders to sabotage Nigeria’s economy.
He made the claim at a Public Wealth Management Conference in Abuja, saying the plan of the rogue elements is to undermine the Tinubu administration.
Shettima disclosed 45 trucks loaded with maize were intercepted making their way to neighbouring countries at midnight last Sunday.
“We know the consequences of unveiling the masquerade. Forces are hell bent on plunging this country into a state of anarchy.
“Those that could not get into power through the ballot box. Instead of waiting for 2027, they are so desperate; this country can fall apart as far as they are concerned. But we are going to visit them.
“Just three nights ago, 45 trucks of maize were caught being transported into a neighbouring country. There are 32 illegal routes.
“At the moment, when they were intercepted, the price of maize fell by N10,000, from N60,000 to N50,000. So there are forces that are hell bent on undermining our nation but this is the time for us to come together.
“Rally round our President, rally round our Governors, and rally round each other. We have the resources, we have the intellect, and we have the resources. I am assuring you that we have crossed the rubicon.
“We are on the way to improved economic performance. Let’s unite. What binds us together supersedes whatever that divides us.
“We have to make this country work. We have to move beyond politics, we are now in a place of governance. Sadly, sadly, some of our countrymen are still in the political mud.
“They are the practitioners of violence, advocating that Nigeria, our one and only country, should go the Venezuela way. Some are advocating that we should go the Lebanon way.”
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Tinubu directs federal agencies to coordinate with Governors to check food hoarding
Idris made his own pitch at the 2024 conference and annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Niger State chapter, in Minna
The theme of the conference was “Public Relations in a Challenging Environment: The role of Stakeholders and Communication in a New Niger Agenda”.
Idris, represented by Voice of Nigeria (VON) Director General Jibrin Ndace, said practical steps are being taken to ameliorate the hardship, disclosing Tinubu has directed federal agencies to coordinate with Governors to check those hoarding food to ensure price control.
“On behalf of the federal government, I applaud the effort of Niger State Governor Umaru Bago for his timely decision to halt bulk buying of food items for hoarding.
“This no doubt helped in the recent reduction of the cost of food items in the state,” Idris said.
In the last seven months, he added, Tinubu has been on track to fix the economy, fight insecurity, attract foreign direct investment, and consolidate foreign policy on the world stage.
According to him, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains resolute that Nigeria will not fall as a true giant of Africa.
