Connect with us

News

Economic reforms: Rise above personal interests, FG replies Emir Sanusi

Published

on

By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government on Thursday reacted to recent remarks by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who commented on the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sanusi II, who spoke at a public event in Lagos on Wednesday, acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but revealed his decision not to publicly advise the government, citing personal reasons.

In a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government acknowledged Sanusi’s right to express his views.

Advertisement

However, it criticised his admission of withholding support, suggesting it stemmed from personal grievances rather than an objective assessment of the policies.

It urged the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run.

“However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

Advertisement

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

“This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated,” the minister noted.

The government reiterated the necessity of the reforms to address Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges.

Idris noted, “The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a ‘necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management’ more than anything else.”

Advertisement

It pointed to achievements such as the unification of exchange rates, which has increased investor confidence and foreign reserves, and the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has freed up resources for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Projections from international organisations, including the World Bank, were cited to demonstrate the positive impact of these measures on the country’s economic recovery.

The statement expressed disappointment at Sanusi’s perceived shift in loyalty, urging him to focus on contributing constructively to national development.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

Advertisement

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

“Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions,” he noted.

The government stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among leaders during this critical period, emphasizing that divisive rhetoric undermines public trust and progress.

Tinubu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable economy, welcoming constructive dialogue with stakeholders.

Advertisement

The government concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise collective prosperity over personal or partisan interests, highlighting the shared goal of a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

News

Passengers Escape Death By Whiskers As Bus Burst Into Flames In Lagos

Published

on

By

The driver and conductor of a BRT bus have fled for their lives, abandoning passengers to their fate, as a BRT bus caught fire at Maryland, Lagos State, on Saturday morning.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the incident, said that the vehicle departed from Ikorodu en route to CMS when the sad incident occurred.

As of the time this report was filed, emergency responders, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), fire services, and local security personnel, arrived at the scene to contain the blaze.

Firefighters at the scene.
One of the passengers on the bus told our correspondent the fire started as smoke from the driver’s side.

Advertisement

According to her, the passengers initially thought the smoke emanated from other buses; however, the slight smoke soon worsened, immediately sending them into panic mode.

“As soon as we saw that the smoke grew bigger, we immediately rushed off the bus before the fire ignited”, she said, adding that none of the passengers sustained any injury.

She added that the driver fled the scene immediately after the fire started.

“The driver and the conductor ran away. They didn’t even wait to see what would happen to us.

Advertisement

“Definitely, they knew what happened. They knew the bus was bad before putting it on the road and risking our lives,” she alleged.

Channels

Continue Reading

News

VOA Halts Operations In Nigeria, Others Over President Trump

Published

on

By

The United States-funded Voice of America (VOA) has gone off air in Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, and several other African countries after President Donald Trump cut financial support to the global broadcaster.

The shutdown, first noticed by millions of listeners in northern Nigeria, sparked panic when music began playing in place of scheduled broadcasts, a haunting reminder in the region of military coups or political takeovers.

“People started calling in, worried that there had been a coup in America,” Babangida Jibrin, a journalist who worked with VOA’s now-defunct Hausa-language service was quoted by Daily Trust.

The station’s abrupt disappearance from the airwaves last month left stunned reporters scrambling to explain what had happened to their loyal audience.

Advertisement

VOA’s Hausa service, a lifeline for millions of listeners in rural and conflict-prone areas of Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Niger, had become a trusted source of international and regional news, especially in places where local media is either censored, inaccessible, or compromised by state influence.

With internet access unreliable or non-existent in these regions, shortwave and radio broadcasts like VOA filled a crucial void.

“People are now cut off from the world, especially from critical international news,” lamented Moussa Jaharou, a listener from southern Niger.

He described the shutdown as a “deliberate silencing of the poor.”

Advertisement

Founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA later became a major player in Cold War-era broadcasting, offering an American perspective against Soviet disinformation.

Over the decades, it evolved into a beacon of credible journalism worldwide, particularly in authoritarian regions where press freedom is under attack.

In northern Nigeria, where insurgency, banditry, and government corruption are everyday realities, VOA Hausa provided in-depth, unbiased coverage that is often missing in local media.

Its disappearance has now left a gaping hole in a media landscape already struggling with state repression and misinformation.

Advertisement

Critics blame Trump’s ideological war on independent institutions and his administration’s push to dismantle U.S.-backed international media.

The US president slashed VOA’s funding as part of a broader effort to bring the outlet under tighter political control, effectively killing off several regional language services.

It was also reported that over 1,100 “Hands Off!” protests and meetings were scheduled to take place across all 50 states in the U.S. on Saturday.

This was in response to the significant cuts to the federal workforce, reportedly overseen by Trump adviser and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Advertisement

These nationwide demonstrations aim to voice opposition to the dramatic reductions in the federal workforce, which organisers believe are part of a broader effort to dismantle public services, including Social Security, Medicaid, and public education.

The protests are being organised by a coalition of over 150 organisations, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Service Employees International Union, and the American Civil Liberties Union, according to Yahoo News.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them,” the organisers say on their website. “They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Police rescue 14 kidnapped passengers of Benue Links

Published

on

By

The Benue State Police Command said they rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links Company who were abducted in Otukpo last Thursday.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Steve Yabanet disclosed this in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday.

The statement said, “On 3/4/2025 at about 2030hrs a Toyota Hiace bus of Benue Links transport company was conveying passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo, on reaching Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, a gang of armed kidnappers shot sporadically at the driver and a passenger at the front seat, causing the driver to stop on the high way.

“Upon receipt of this information, the police in collaboration with members of the Benue state Civil Protection Guard swiftly moved to the scene and found the driver and one passenger who sustained gunshot injuries in the vehicle while others were whisked away by the kidnappers. The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.

Advertisement

“The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately. On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels abandoning their captives.

“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet commiserates with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in this dastardly incident and pledge his commitment to bring perpetuators to book.

“He enjoins the good people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police as many of these bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News