Give Govt A Chance To Implement Reforms, Tinubu Appeals To #EndSARS Protesters

A file photo of APC National Leader, Mr Bola Tinubu.

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has appealed to the #EndSARS Protesters to give the government a chance to implement the reforms they are demanding.

He made the appeal in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday on the heels of the agitations by Nigerian youths against police brutality and violations of fundamental human rights.

“It is only fair that the government must be given the chance to implement the reforms demanded by the protesters. This can certainly not be done instantaneously by the waving of a magic wand,” the statement partly read.

“If the government had not implemented promised reforms in the past, the swiftness with which it has responded to the demands of the protesters this time around shows that there is a positive change by the government both of attitude and of a new sense of urgency.

“The protesters have made considerable gains within a very short period. But they should also be careful not to fritter away such gains due to lack of moderation and strategic thinking.

“For instance, it is unfortunate that hoodlums, thugs and assorted criminals have seized on the protests to perpetrate violence, disrupt civil life and harass, intimidate and assault innocent persons going about their lawful business,” he said.

SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE:

PRESS STATEMENT
‘#ENDSARS PROTESTS – THE REMEDY FOR NATIONAL MALADIES IS MORE, NOT LESS, DEMOCRACY’
For the past twelve days, our country has witnessed massive protests by youths in different cities, which were ignited by widespread disenchantment with the gross human rights abuses including torture, extortion, harassment, intimidation and even extra-judicial killings of Nigerians by members of the disbanded Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS). The demands for fundamental police reforms by the protesting youths are in pursuit of our aspiration in our national anthem “to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign”. Justice as one of our greatest writers has memorably noted is “the first condition of humanity”.
A society where those who are paid from the public purse to protect the lives and property of the people become themselves threats to the liberty, safety and dignity of the people; where human life is difficult to distinguish from the Thomas Hobbes ‘State of Nature – ‘solitary, poor, nasty and brutish’ is not one fit for free and decent people to live in. Such impunity and lawlessness are incompatible with the values and tenets of a democratic society governed by the supremacy of the rule of law.
It is impossible for anyone truly committed to the rule of law, democracy and good governance to be opposed to the concern and demands of the protesters. There is no way that any society can make meaningful progress without the enthronement of these values. The protesters have for the better part of the commencement of their civil action conducted themselves with an admirable sense of responsibility, restraint and maturity. This is commendable. Indeed, the high level of organization demonstrated by the protesting youths shows a new level of consciousness of the capability of a vigilant civil society as well as the efficacy of people’s power. This can only ultimately strengthen the country’s democratic evolution and sustainability.
Arnold Toynbee, the great 19th-century historian observed that societies progress through a process of ‘challenge and response’.
Society confronts challenges such as injustice, impunity, corruption, dictatorship and is forced to respond in resistance and struggle for emancipation. The result is the triumph of justice over injustice, liberty over tyranny and right over wrong thus enabling the society to be elevated to a higher level of good, accountable, responsible and responsive governance. It was through this process that colonialism, apartheid, and all forms of dictatorship, misrule and tyranny have been overcome across time and space. Our current democratic dispensation was borne of struggle in response to the challenge of military dictatorship.
The impunity of SARS was thus a challenge that the youth have responded positively and courageously to and has triggered the commencement of the fundamental reform of the country’s policing system.
But then, the protesters must admit that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has acted with commendable dispatch by not only scrapping SARS but also accepting the five-point demand that triggered the protests. This shows a laudable sensitivity to the grievances of the youths. It is only fair that the government must be given the chance to implement the reforms demanded by the protesters. This can certainly not be done instantaneously by the waving of a magic wand. If the government had not implemented promised reforms in the past, the swiftness with which it has responded to the demands of the protesters this time around shows that there is a positive change by the government both of attitude and of a new sense of urgency.
The protesters have made considerable gains within a very short period. But they should also be careful not to fritter away such gains due to lack of moderation and strategic thinking. For instance, it is unfortunate that hoodlums, thugs and assorted criminals have seized on the protests to perpetrate violence, disrupt civil life and harass, intimidate and assault innocent persons going about their lawful business. The intent of the organizers of the protests is to achieve stated objectives on police reform, which the government has in principle accepted. It can certainly not be their motive to cause generalized anarchy or effect regime change. If they give the impression that that is their goal, then any government will necessarily have to act with the requisite decisiveness and force to restore law and order and preserve the constitutional rule.
The vigour and vibrancy of the protests are an indication of the growing strength of the democratic culture in Nigeria. It is a demonstration of the beauty of democracy and its promotion and protection of people’s power. However, the protesters must be careful not to set the stage for the erosion or destruction of the same democratic process that gives them the freedom and right to protest in the first place. Their democratic right to protest must not be exercised in such a way that impedes the democratic right of other citizens to freedom of movement, expression and the liberty to pursue their livelihoods. The fight for police reforms is surely to promote and protect the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians. It is a contradiction for the protesters to act in ways that will further worsen the economic well-being of the very people they are fighting for.
It is important that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) utilize this protest as an opportunity to go back to the drawing board and recommit itself to the values for which the party was formed through extraordinary hard work, dedication and commitment. There is no doubt that the party has recorded tremendous achievements in diverse sectors since 2015. But it now has to sit back, examine the gaps between its promises and its performance in order to make necessary amends. It is important that all members of the party put aside petty and shortsighted ambitions, needless infighting and unite to support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on delivering on its mandate for the remainder of its tenure.
In the final analysis, the cure for protracted and delicate national problems is to continue to strengthen the democratic process rather than engage in acts that can lead to generalized anarchy in which democracy cannot thrive. The protests have forcefully demonstrated the reality and potency of people’s power and the new energy must be tapped and channeled to strengthen, not weaken the country’s democracy. Surely, the country cannot remain the same after this. The government has demonstrated its sensitivity to the demands of the youth and must now be supported to implement the reforms it has committed itself to. It is a good sign that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos and a number of other state governments have speedily set up judicial panels of inquiry into acts of police brutality over the years. I urge the state governments which are yet to do so to emulate this example. This process of change should be supported and this cannot be done in an atmosphere of endless protests that are also crippling an economy already enfeebled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let me commend all our religious leaders, Christians and Muslims for their patriotism and high sense of responsibility at this sensitive time. I appeal to them to call on their teeming followers to call off the protests for now and give peace a chance. Finally, I also strongly appeal to the protesters – YOU HAVE MADE YOUR POINT. GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ITS COMMITMENT TO YOU. PLEASE, PLEASE AND PLEASE, CALL OFF THE PROTESTS. GIVE GOVERNMENT A CHANCE TO IMPLEMENT YOUR DEMANDS. GOD BLESS YOU.
SIGNED
ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU

AfDB: Keep Investing In Africa’s Development, Tinubu Tells Adesina

Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected as the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has congratulated Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, on his re-election as the President of African Development Bank (AfDB).

He said Adesina’s re-election for another term of five years was an affirmation of Africa’s confidence in his ability and commitment to the development of the continent.

Dr Adesina was re-elected on Thursday last week by the Board of Governors of the AfDB Group at its 2020 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, the capital of Cote D’Ivoire.

In a passionate letter forwarded to Adesina at the weekend and personally signed by him, Asiwaju Tinubu said, “By way of this letter, please accept my heartfelt congratulations over your election to serve a second five-year as President, African Development Bank at the recent 2020 Annual Meetings of the AfDB Group.

“Your unanimous re-election by the Board of Governors, coming after ill-defined attempts to block your continuance, shows that if we remain vigilant and true to the collective purpose of the economic progress of the African continent, then fairness and justice will win out in the end.”

Tinubu described Adesina as a globally renowned economist who has demonstrated outstanding competence and professionalism during his first term, adding that his re-election was an affirmation of Africa’s confidence in his ability and commitment.

According to him, the AfDB president distinguished himself in his first term by driving to reshape the bank to be a more active catalyst for Africa’s development.

NASS Leadership: Why I Am Backing Buhari, APC’s Position – Tinubu — (FILE) APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, speaks at the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquim in Abuja on March 28, 2019. Photo: Channels TV/ Sodiq Adelakun.

The APC leader noted that Adesina focused on five development priorities known as the High 5s – Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

He said, “As AfDB President for another term, I urge you to continue in like manner. Continue to invest your cognitive abilities, immense skills, and robust energy in the development of Africa.
“Given the exigencies of the present moment due to the global pandemic, you must put your knowledge and creativity into fullest use that we work towards creating more employment for the people of this continent and remove them from the grip of poverty and its attendant difficulties.
“The AfDB must be at the policy and intellectual vanguard as we seek ways to contain both the public health and economic challenges of COVID-19.
“For your re-election, we must also congratulate and applaud President Muhammadu Buhari and other present and past leaders in Africa who believed in you and worked assiduously for your success.
“This victory is not only yours, the AfDB group or Nigeria’s, it is victory for Africa itself. The continent deserves that our best and most able minds be able to serve and work for its betterment.
“I wish you an even more successful second term. May God be with you and may He help and guide you in the struggle against poverty and in our efforts to bring much-needed development to our continent and its people.
“Please rest assured of my highest regards always.”

‘I Admire His Political Doggedness,’ Tinubu Pays Tribute To Kashamu

Extradition Proceedings: Improper Service Stalls Hearing Of Kashamu's Suit — A file photo of the former lawmaker representing Ogun East senatorial district, Senator Buruji Kashamu.

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has mourned Senator Buruji Kashamu.

He paid tribute to the former lawmaker in a statement personally signed by him on Sunday, a day after the news of Kashamu’s death broke.

“I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Buruji Kashamu. He was a notable leader in the country and a true grassroots politician.

“He fought for his convictions, for the people of Ogun State and for his country. Senator Kashamu was also a good party man,” said Tinubu who was a two-term governor of Lagos State.

On Saturday, Channels Television reported that Kashamu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died of complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 62.

According to a tweet by his former colleague in the Senate, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Kashamu died at the First Cardiology Consultants in Lagos.

I have just lost my good friend of forever to #COVID19. Until his death, Sen. Buruji Kashamu and I were inseparable. He died today at First Cardiology Consultants, in Lagos. May his gentle soul rest in peace. I pray his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this heavy loss. pic.twitter.com/OJGIt0VK3n
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) August 8, 2020

‘Be Kind To The Dead’

While paying tribute to him, Tinubu said Kashamu was unwavering in his support for his party, PDP, through all the twists and turns of his political life.

He lamented that his death was a big loss to the larger political family in the country, stressing that Kashamu worked assiduously to advance the political and economic fortunes of his state – Ogun.

The APC leader believes Kashamu represented, with merit, the Ogun East senatorial district in the 8th National Assembly and worked well for his constituents

A file photo of APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu.

He described the late senator as a kind and generous man, as well as a philanthropist in his own right and an astute businessman.

“I admire his political doggedness and sagacity, and his steadfastness in pursuing whatever he believes in, though we were never in the same political party.

“His passing has lengthened the grotesque list of important personalities that have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also a sad reminder that the deadly virus remains very much with us,” the former governor said.

He added, “We must all continue to embrace all the protective protocols recommended by the government and health authorities, even as we gradually begin the reopening of our economy and return to a new normal in our lifestyles.

“Again, Kashamu’s sudden death has demonstrated the transience of human life and rekindles the fact that death is inevitable for every mortal. As such, it behooves on us to be kind to the dead.”

Tinubu, therefore, condoled with Kashamu’s family, particularly his wives, children and grandchildren, and prayed that Allah would lay his hands of protection on them.

He also sympathised with the late senator’s friends and associates across the country, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and the people of the state over the loss.

Edo Assembly Crisis: PDP Berates Tinubu For Comments Against Obaseki

Chairman of the Edo PDP Campaign Council, Dan Orbih, knocks APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, over his comments on Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu over his comments on the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly.

Tinubu had alleged that Governor Godwin Obaseki has resorted to the ‘strong-arm tactics of dictators.’

He noted that Obaseki committed an impeachable offence by not inaugurating the assembly members timely, adding that the lawmakers have not indicated an interest in removing him from office.

But reacting to Tinubu’s allegations, Edo PDP leadership linked the APC national leader to the state assembly crisis.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Chairman of the Edo PDP Campaign Council, Dan Orbih, said Tinubu ought to know that once a proclamation is made by the governor, the law prevents him from making another.

“Reading through his statement, I have come to the conclusion that certainly he is not aware of the issues concerning the unfortunate incident at the State House of Assembly.

“I should expect as a former Governor of Lagos State, he should know better that once a proclamation is made by the governor of a state, the law does not allow him to make a second proclamation.

“The governor made a proclamation for the House. After that event, about 10 members turned out to take their oath of office. The other 14 members stayed away from the House,” he said.

Edo Assembly Crisis: Obaseki Has Resorted To Tactics Of Dictators – Tinubu

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has broken his silence on the crisis engulfing the Edo State House of Assembly.

In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Tinubu said Governor Godwin Obaseki has now resorted to the strong-arm tactics of dictators.

He said after denying elected members of the house of assembly from being inaugurated for over a year, the governor allegedly mobilised thugs to frustrate their inauguration.

While noting that Obaseki committed an impeachable offence by not inaugurating the assembly members timely, the APC leader said the lawmakers have not indicated an interest in removing him from office.

“The recent actions of the Governor of Edo State represent the gravest possible assault on constitutional democracy and the rule of law and escalation of violence and tension in the state he purports to govern,” Tinubu said.

“Not satisfied with making a mockery of our constitution by blocking the timely inauguration of two-thirds of the elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly, Governor Obaseki has now resorted to the strong-arm tactics of dictators.

“First, he sponsors hoodlums to deface, indeed destroy, parts of the House of Assembly Building in Benin, feigning the building is undergoing renovation. Then, he imports sand and gravels to prevent access to the assembly complex. In effect, the man has spent state funds to thwart the very apparatus of the state government he was sworn to uphold. He has squandered public money to defeat the very will of the public. This is tragic beyond words.

“As a pretext for his refusal to allow the Edo House of Assembly to function, Governor Obaseki’s actions are perverse. This is a cowardly act and a move to thwart representative democracy in Edo. No renovation has been planned for the statehouse building. No appropriation was made in the state’s budget. The only reason any renovation could be deemed necessary is the destruction wrought by his own goons.

“Governor Obaseki’s governance of Edo State recalls the worst excesses of our military past and represents a direct threat to the democratic order. By his refusal to permit duly elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly to perform their constitutional duties, Governor Obaseki betrayed contempt for the people of his state and, unfortunately, his ignorance of Nigeria’s constitutional order. As a Governor he ought to know better than to obstruct the functioning of his own legislature, but perhaps he is in need of a quick lesson.”

His reaction comes shortly after some unknown persons stormed the assembly, climbed the roof of the complex and removed the mace.

Eid-El-Kabir: Bola Tinubu Asks Muslims To Pray For COVID-19 Victims

National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has asked Muslims to pray for those who have contracted the COVID-19 virus as well as those who have lost their lives to the pandemic.

He appealed to them not to fret about not being able to gather to pray but rather, reflect on the lessons of Eid-El Kabir and practice it in their daily activities.

“Not gathering for the Eid for this Sallah celebration is due to the circumstance and the environment and its for the sdafety of all of us and that is crucial.

“The essence of today in our religion is about sacrifice. So, demonstrate it, to be able to pray for our health, those who have lost their lives, pray for forgiveness for them,” the APC chieftain said in an interview with Channels Television on Friday.

APC Chieftain, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (File Photo)

[Sallah] President Buhari Marks Eid Prayers At Home, Wishes Muslims Safe And Happy Celebrations

He also reacted to the security issues in Borno State, while saluting the courage of Governor Babagana Zulum.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will win the war against insurgency across the country.

Watch this video of Governor Zulum expressing his displeasure to the army after an attack on his convoy.

VIDEO: APC Caretaker Committee Members Meet Tinubu

Members of the APC Caretaker Committee with the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu, at his residence in Lagos on July 2, 2020.

Members of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have met behind closed-door with National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu.

The meeting held on Thursday at the residence of the former Lagos State governor in the Ikoyi area of the state.

Yobe State Governor and APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, as well as his Kebbi State counterpart and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Atiku Bagudu, led other members to the meeting.

Others in attendance were the Secretary of APC Caretaker Committee, Senator Akpan Udo-Edehe, as well as the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, Tinubu said the meeting was a consultation to move the party forward following the recent disagreements among some aggrieved members.

He, however, denied any report of differences or rancour, although he said there was no way there would not be dissent in a political association.

Watch the video below:

APC Governors Meet With Tinubu Over Edo Political Crisis

Some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have met with the party’s National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu.

This comes as part of efforts to douse the crisis in the Edo State chapter of the party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The APC in Edo had been split since the disagreement arising from the absence of some lawmakers at the inauguration of the State House of Assembly, with a group loyal to the APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, and the other led by the incumbent governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

In a bid to resolve the dispute between the two groups, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi State), led Governor Obaseki and six other governors to seek Tinubu’s intervention in the matter.

The governors who attended the meeting which held on Sunday in Lagos included Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Mohammed Abubakar (Jigawa), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Adeboyega Oyetola (Osun).

Channels Television gathered that as part of the steps towards resolving the dispute, the governors proposed that the APC lawmakers in Edo State who were not inaugurated alongside their colleagues be sworn in.

Meanwhile, another crisis may be brewing in the party following the disagreement over the mode of primary to be conducted to choose the party’s flagbearer for the governorship election.

While the National Working Committee of the party had approved the direct primary process, the camp loyal to the governor preferred the indirect primary.

The position of the latter was supported by the Chairmen of all the local government areas in Edo State.

Tinubu, Oluremi Test Negative For COVID-19

The couple took the test after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed that Tinubu’s security aide tested positive for COVID-19.

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and his wife, Senator Oluremi, have tested negative for coronavirus (COVID-19).

This was revealed in a statement from his media office on Monday and signed by the former governor’s media aide, Tunde Rahman.

Rahman explained that the couple took the test after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Tinubu’s security aide tested positive for the disease.

“Following the death of our well-respected and beloved Chief Security Officer, Alhaji Lateef Raheem, NCDC medics took the wise precaution of taking samples from his body for testing to actually determine the cause of death.

“Today (Monday), the test results are back. The samples tested positive for COVID-19,” the statement read.

It added, “As a precautionary measure taken soon after the death of Alhaji Raheem, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and all their aides took COVID-19 tests Saturday, April 25.

“The results of the tests were returned this (Monday) morning. Test results for both Asiwaju and Senator Tinubu were negative.”

Rahman, however, revealed that the test result of one of the aides was positive while the rest of the staff tested negative for COVID-19.

He noted that the infected aide has been isolated while the health officials have begun contact-tracing and conducting tests for the patient’s relatives and possible contacts.

Read the full statement below:

COVID-19 is a real and present threat. Those of us who discount it or claim it is a fabrication do a grave and dangerous disservice to the public well-being.
Likewise, those who stigmatise people who may have been stricken by the virus also do a disservice by casting blame on the innocent and discouraging people from taking the COVID test.
We cannot defeat this health menace through ignorance or by shaming one another.
We can only beat it through transparency, knowledge, and compassion. This, we have learned first-hand.
Following the death of our well-respected and beloved Chief Security Officer, Alhaji Lateef Raheem, NCDC medics took the wise precaution of taking samples from his body for testing to actually determine the cause of death.
Today, the test results are back. The samples tested positive for COVID-19.
As a precautionary measure taken soon after the death of Alhaji Raheem, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and all their aides took COVID-19 tests Saturday, April 25. The results of the tests were returned this morning.
Test results for both Asiwaju and Senator Tinubu were negative.
The results of one aide were positive. The rest of the staff was negative. The one staff member has been isolated in accordance with NCDC guidelines.
Further contact tracing and COVID-19 tests are being conducted by the NCDC with regard to the relatives and possible contacts of that staff member.
Asiwaju has stressed that openness and transparency must be observed if we are to defeat this disease.
There is no house immune to its entry. Contracting the virus should not bring social or moral stigma any more than contracting malaria or a common cold.
We cannot overcome this challenge by acting like it does not exist or by trying to conceal that someone may have it due to social shame.
The culture of denial is counterproductive and will do great harm in our current situation.
Asiwaju asks that you not be afraid to be tested if you have any symptoms or if you believe you may have come in contact with someone who has been infected.
We must do all we can to contain the spread of the virus and to well treat those of us who have been hit by it.
As you go about your day, we know you must find daily sustenance.
Yet, please continue to do all you can to maintain social distance and to take all other public health measures to protect yourself and others.
In this way, we all may contribute to halting the spread of this dangerous virus.
Tinubu Media Office,
Tunde Rahman.
April 27, 2020.

COVID-19: Tinubu Asks FG To Suspend VAT, Seeks United Nigeria

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bola Tinubu, has called for the immediate suspension of Value Added Tax (VAT), and the reduction of tax in the country.

He made the call as part of measures the Federal Government can apply to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on citizens.

In a message on his 68th birthday, Tinubu said the government may have to take tougher measures to curb the spread of the disease such as imposing lockdowns in Nigeria, as done by most countries battling the scourge.

He believes the immediate suspension of VAT will help lower import costs and protect against shortages.

The former governor of Lagos State also advised the government to consider providing stipends for vulnerable Nigerians who would be most impacted by the health crisis.

He proposed food security, lower interest rates, quantitative easing, and debt suspension, as other measures to ease the effect of COVID-19 on the Nigerian economy.

The APC leader asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to be prepared to enact extraordinary measures, should the financial sector exhibit any form of stress.

“The CBN should be prepared to give banks liberal access to its loan discount window to ensure adequate liquidity within the banking sector,” he said.

A United Front

Tinubu also requested that the Cash Reserve Requirement for banks should be revised downward while the apex bank should be willing to expand its balance sheet and improve liquidity by purchasing government bonds and other instruments held by banks and other institutions.

He called for unity and peaceful co-existence among the people, saying this was the only way to win the fight against coronavirus which has killed thousands of people across the world.

The former governor urged Nigerians, whether of APC or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affiliation or from the North or South to ignore their differences and join the efforts in curtailing the spread of the disease.

He said, “We have entered a sobering period. We face a challenge we cannot see but one that can find us all too easily. As individuals, this puts every one of us at a startling disadvantage. Each is rendered vulnerable by the reckless act of his neighbour.

“Each is made safer by the enlightened conduct of a stranger. The very nature of this assailant calls us toward greater unity and kindness. In the normal push of our daily affairs, we tend to focus on what divides us. We are either APC, PDP or another political affiliation.”

“One person is rich. Another is poor. There is the labourer then there is the boss. One person is of the North, another of the South, with both often acting as if the boundary between the two cannot be traversed.

“We are of different ethnic groups; these identities mean so much to us that we behave as if the affiliations are the very source of our humanity. In this, we tend to forget God.

“I, therefore, tender these humble comments in the hope they contribute to halting the spread and ill consequences of this dreadful sickness,” Tinubu added.

I’ll Support Total Lockdown If Govt Decides To Do That – Tinubu

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has said that he would support a total lock down of the country over the coronavirus disease if the government decides to do so.

Tinubu said this on Tuesday while fielding questions from journalists after a brief meeting with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House.

According to him, many countries have ordered a lock down over the rapid spread of the disease and if it has to come to that in Nigeria, he would be in support of it.

“We need to observe social distancing. It is a new culture that we have to abide with. I will support total lock down if the government decides to do that. I am in support of it. There should be a total lock down if the government observes that we are not complying,” he said.

Those Who Have Hand In Abule-Ado Blast Must Be Punished – Tinubu

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has condemned the pipeline explosion in Abule-Ado area of Lagos, demanding that those who have hands in the incident should be punished.

In a statement on Sunday from his Media Office, signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu commiserated with families and relations of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate occurrence.

He said: I strongly condemn this incident. I commiserate with families and relations of those who died. I also sympathise with those who lost their valued property.

In their memories and in order to avert similar occurrence in future, the authorities must get to the root of this incident and curb the incessant pipeline explosion in the area.

All those who had a hand in this explosion, including those who acted in ways to put lives at risk and hard-earned possessions in jeopardy must be punished, no matter how highly placed they may be, he insisted.

Channels TV reported that the death toll from the incident has risen to at least 17, with about 25 people injured.

Buildings, cars and other properties owned by people in the area and environs were destroyed by the impact of the blast.

Tag: Bola Tinubu