The Federal Government has issued a strong response to the recent call by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, asserting that the PDP lacks the moral authority to make such demands. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, questioned the PDP’s record during its time in power, suggesting that the party failed to bring about the transformative change it now seeks to demand from others. He characterized the PDP’s call for Tinubu’s resignation as a mere distraction from the current administration’s efforts to address the nation’s challenges.
The PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, had criticized the Tinubu-led administration, likening Nigeria’s trajectory under his leadership to that of Venezuela. They further advised Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to resign if they were unable to provide sustainable solutions to the country’s problems. However, Minister Idris dismissed this call, emphasizing that those currently in power were duly elected by Nigerians to implement a vision for national development.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Minister Idris pointed to the financial support extended to all state governments, irrespective of partisan affiliations, since the administration’s inception. He also cited the removal of the petrol subsidy, a move that significantly bolstered state revenues, including those of PDP-governed states. He stressed that the administration is committed to revamping the national economy, focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects, enhancing social welfare programs, and prioritizing the welfare and equipping of the military and security agencies.
Minister Idris further highlighted the administration’s success in combating insecurity, noting the decimation of Boko Haram and its affiliates, as well as ongoing efforts to address the menace of banditry and other criminal activities. He also mentioned the administration’s efforts to settle outstanding liabilities inherited from previous administrations, such as subsidy claims by oil marketers, Paris Club refunds, and unpaid pensions and gratuities.
In conclusion, Minister Idris expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to confront and overcome the challenges facing the country. He affirmed Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities and laying a solid foundation for the emergence of a new Nigeria.
