By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu has finally admitted that there is hardship in the land, blaming it on some actions of the past.

At a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President expressed confidence that Nigeria can progress through collaboration and inclusiveness.

”Regardless of party differences of the past and difficulty of the present, you still believe in me and what we all plan for this country.”

”I thank you very much; no one will do it better than us. I have travelled the world and seen how developed countries have done it for themselves through collaboration, inclusiveness and financial structure.

”Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production?

“We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living.

”We forgot to educate our children. Go round and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn.

”We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,” he said.

The removal of petrol subsidy on the president’s first day in office had tripled pump price of fuel.

Additionally, the move to to unify exchange rate windows, also a day one policy, pushed the naira to an all-time low, trading at above N1,600 to a dollar from N600 to one dollar he met on May 29, 2023.

Inflation also worsened under Tinubu, making some of his supporters to turn their backs on him as stakeholders continued to ask his government to find lasting solutions.

Earlier this week, former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, took a critical look at the living condition of most Nigerians and concluded that “the hardship in the land is getting out of control”.

Abdulsalami spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, when he received the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, who paid him a birthday visit.

The CD delegation had asked him to prevail on Tinubu to find a solution to the hunger in the land.

The former head of state had lamented, “Everybody is crying of this hardship and it seems to be getting out of control. People cannot afford three square meals, the issue of transportation, the hike in fuel price, the hike in school fees for the children and the lack of funds in everybody’s pocket is making life difficult for everybody.”

However, Tinubu told his visitors on Friday that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

As Edo State electorate goes to the poll on Saturday to elect who will govern them for the next four years, Senator Neda Imasuen said the political fight between the main opposition All Progressives Congress and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state will give an edge to the Labour Party.

The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District said the two leading parties have failed the people of the state in the past 16 years, hence the state needs a fresh and trustworthy person like Olumide Akpata.

Senator Neda Imasuen said what is currently on ground in Edo State today is a clear indication that they need a change of government.

The Labour Party senator was also concerned with the way and manner Governor Godwin Obaseki is fighting with the Benin traditional authority.

“Nobody fights Oba of Benin and go free. It’s a clear situation here in Edo State that Governor Godwin Obaseki is fighting our Oba. No Benin man will tolerate that from anybody, not even the Obaseki.

“And if you go around the state today, you will know that the Obedient is everywhere, just the way it is in 2023 general elections. I can assure you that Labour Party will win this Governorship Election in Edo State.”

On whether he’s pledging loyalty to his former boss, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Senator Neda Imasuen said Urhoghide remained his mentor and he will continue to give him that.

He said in politics, he may differ but he will always remain a loyal person to Senator Urhoghide.

By Ojomah Austin.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made arrests related to suspected vote-buying in the ongoing Edo State governorship election which took place at around 10:00 am, in the Egor Local Government Area of the state.

EFCC officials apprehended three individuals — two men and one woman — who are suspected of being involved in vote-buying activities. However, some residents in the area have protested, claiming that the suspects are being unfairly targeted.

Today’s election in Edo State has three main candidates as the front-runners. Representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is Asue Ighodalo. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding Senator Monday Okpebholo, while the Labour Party (LP) candidate is Olumide Akpata.

There are a total of 17 candidates vying for the governorship position, but the race is largely between the PDP, APC, and Labour Party candidates.