President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the transformative changes underway in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of security and the economy.
Acknowledging the tough challenges the nation faces, Tinubu emphasised that progress was being made.
The President, who was represented by the National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, spoke at the graduation ceremony for the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, on Saturday,
“Things are happening in our country today. People may not like us. They probably will disagree with one or two. But fundamentally, things are changing. And Nigeria will change,” he said.
The President highlighted the complexities of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges but assured citizens of brighter days ahead.
“The economy is changing. Very tough, very difficult, very huge challenges we are facing. But I can assure you, better days are ahead of us,” he stated.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring security and stability in the country.
He warned bad actors, both within and outside Nigeria, that they would face justice.
“If you are a bad man, whether you are inside Nigeria or outside, you are in trouble. We will go after you. We will bring you to justice,” he declared.
In his remarks, the former governor of Niger State and ex-chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Babaginda Aliyu, took a swipe at those against the Tax Reform Bills.
According to him, those against it have not taken their time to study the bill.
The bills, including the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, have sparked widespread debate since their introduction to the National Assembly.
During a meeting on October 28, governors of the 19 northern states under the platform of the Northern Governors Forum had rejected the new derivation-based model for Value Added Tax distribution outlined in the tax reform bills.
Days later, the National Economic Council called for the bills’ withdrawal, urging the president to allow more consultations.
Aliyu also criticised the government for poor communication about the policy.
Aliyu added that the citizens need to understand that no policy benefits everyone equally.
He said, “I was speaking to the NSA when we were in the common room, and I said to him, look, many of the people debating the tax bill have not read it. But again, there is the problem of communication, the government should speak.
“Moreso, when the majority of the people are not literate. You should be the first to speak on any major policy, particularly a policy that will bring changes so that the people can understand.
“People can know that there is no policy that will come to somebody, if the majority comes and one person is disturbed, you can only tell him. But you cannot say because of one person, the policy cannot be taken. So communication is very, very important.”
Aliyu also recommended the death sentence for any criminal who kills any personnel of the military, police or any other uniformed officer.
Aliyu specifically called on relevant authorities charged with the responsibility of making policies to consider his recommendation in order to have deterrence on the rising cases of security officers’ killings.
He slammed governors for blaming the Federal Government for insecurity and security challenges in their respective states.
According to him, no competent governor should “cry” to the centre anytime there is a security challenge.
He questioned what the security votes and security reports they received were used for.
Earlier, the Director-General of DSS, Adéọlá Àjàyí, said Nigeria would not experience any security issues again if all security agencies work together the way it should be.
Àjàyí said, “Together we can win. CDS and NSA have driven a synergy in a way I have never seen in my career. We need to work together. Our takeaway from here is that no security challenges can’t defeat us if we work together.
“Very soon, all Nigerians will sleep with their two eyes closed. Thank the President for the direction you are taking the country. Thank you for appointment me. I will never let you down.”
