Connect with us

National

Frank describes Tinubu’s quest for recognition in Guinness World Records as misplaced

Published

on

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has described the quest by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be recognized in the Guinness World Records over reforms initiated by him since assumption of office as a misplaced venture.

He gave the indication in a statement in Abuja in reaction to the President’s comment in that regard while speaking in Germany recently.

Tinubu had while addressing an audience at the 10th German-Nigerian Business Forum, in Germany, said, “Nigeria voted for me for reforms and from day one of my inauguration, I started the reforms. To me, if you didn’t mention me in the Guinness Book of Records, I’d strive to find a way to insert myself because I did it without expectation.”

But Frank insisted that the only world record the President had set is to have inflicted severe economic pains and unbearable hardship on the people.

“You brandish your removal of fuel subsidy on Inauguration Day as an evidence that you ‘hit the ground running’ but you have failed to realise that that singular action has  heated up average citizen with attendant pains, tears and sorrow.

“Your purported reforms have wrecked the nation’s currency with $1 now exchanging for over N1,000, up from N600 prior to your swearing-in as President. Yet you claimed to have broken a record capable of earning you a global recognition in the GWRs,” he said.

He insisted that even though the President claimed he was in Germany to woo investors, that none will be willing to invest in the country because of the negative world records he had already set as a personal.

“No investor will want to come to Nigeria when they know the President’s character is questionable because investors will always do background checks before they go to anywhere.

“Such background checks would among others reveal the negative reputation of the man inviting them as a certificate forger with proven links to drugs trafficking.

“Foreign investors will definitely not go to a country with a flawed electoral process or where
the judiciary cannot be trusted to guarantee justice to protect their investments.

“So, while investors will not come to Nigeria under your government, your name, if at all, can only be written in Guinness World Records as a certificate forger in line with the ruling of a Chicago Court,” he said.

He also cited some false claims made by the President as additional reasons why his drive for investors would not yield any positive result.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said: “He claimed that he had removed fuel subsidy, but fuel is still being subsidised by his administration even though the people now languish under the burden of astronomical increases in the pump price of fuel and other essential petroleum products.

“He claimed that he worked for Deloitte but Deloitte has since denied having his employment records.

“This is a President who often claim he is from the private sector but which genuine business has he done that qualifies him to be part of the private sector?

“He went to Saudi Arabia and India and upon return claimed he had convinced investors there to invest in Nigeria. But up till this moment no investor from Saudi or India has indicated interest to invest in Nigeria.

“If they didn’t corrupt the system, we’re not supposed to look for investors. Investors are supposed to look for Nigeria with her abundant human and material resources that can attract investors.

“These obvious flaws are reasons why we are mobilising Nigerians, both locally and in diaspora, for a Tinubu must go mass protest to resist and stop all these illegalities and deception, targeted at the gradual annihilation of the people through high cost of food, medicare, goods and services, among others, in the country.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National

Concerned Religious Prayer Forum Responds to Criticism of National Prayer Initiative

Published

on

By

The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum has issued a statement clarifying its mission and responding to recent criticisms surrounding its seven-day national prayer initiative.

Established as a non-governmental organization on January 9, 2024, the Forum emphasizes that it is an independent group composed of citizens motivated by a shared desire to promote peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
The initiative has drawn scrutiny, particularly due to its involvement of high-profile figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as leaders of the prayer effort.

In the statement, Director General, Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan of the Forum reiterated that the prayer campaign is not government-driven or politically motivated, but rather a spiritual call for Nigerians to come together and seek divine intervention for the country’s challenges.
The Forum stated that it was not seeking political endorsement but instead believed that the involvement of such respected figures would inspire broader national participation.

Citing religious scriptures, the Forum stressed the role of prayer in supporting and strengthening efforts for national progress.
The Bible, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, encourages prayer as a means of healing and unity: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Similarly, the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186) reminds believers that “I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”

The Forum further addressed critics who questioned the efficacy of prayer in resolving the nation’s issues, insisting that divine intervention does not replace the need for diligent work but complements the efforts of the people. “This initiative is not about replacing hard work but about seeking spiritual guidance and collective unity to overcome the challenges facing the nation,” the statement read.

Encouraging all citizens and leaders to support the prayer initiative, the Forum called for unity in Nigeria’s pursuit of peace and prosperity. It urged Nigerians to set aside differences and work together in both practical and spiritual ways to help heal and build the nation.

The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum concluded its statement by inviting Nigerians to join in prayer, stating, “As we strive for national progress, prayer continues to serve as a catalyst for peace, growth, and development in Nigeria.”

Continue Reading

National

Northern Senators applauds Tinubu’s Order to Release Detained Minors

Published

on

By

***Emphasize Need for Youth Welfare

The Northern Senators Forum, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in ordering the release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The forum expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release, calling it a demonstration of the President’s commitment to youth welfare and justice.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to the National Update, Yar’adua acknowledged the President’s leadership in addressing this sensitive issue, emphasizing that Tinubu’s prompt response reflects his dedication to safeguarding the rights of young Nigerians.
“This decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of our youth,” Yar’adua stated, commending Tinubu for prioritizing the release of the minors held in detention.

Yar’adua also praised Northern leaders who have been actively advocating for the minors’ release, crediting their persistent efforts with bringing the issue to national attention and ensuring fair treatment for the young detainees. He noted that their advocacy was instrumental in prompting a rapid response from the federal government.

As part of the forum’s statement, Yar’adua called on Northern leaders to continue prioritizing youth welfare and development. He emphasized that creating a safe and supportive environment for young people is essential for fostering Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“It is essential that we create an environment where our children can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation,” he said. “Our youth need the support and resources to become active contributors to Nigeria’s development.”

The Northern Senators Forum reaffirmed its commitment to policies that protect and promote youth welfare and urged a nationwide focus on youth education and safety. Yar’adua concluded the statement with a call for cooperation among all levels of government and communities, stressing the importance of investing in the nation’s youth for a more prosperous future.

Continue Reading

National

Timi Frank commends Tinubu over release of detained Minors

Published

on

By

***Calls for Compensation, Justice

In a recent development, Comrade Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly praised President Bola Tinubu’s directive to release minors detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Frank called the move a “step in the right direction” and urged the government to do more to address the broader concerns of Nigerians who have faced repercussions for protesting against government policies.

In a statement from Abuja, Frank acknowledged Tinubu’s past involvement in activism, recalling the President’s role in protests, including during Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and the 2012 demonstrations against the removal of fuel subsidies by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He encouraged Tinubu to extend the recent release order to all detainees held for expressing opposition to government policies, framing this as an alignment with Tinubu’s own history of activism.

Frank did not stop at calling for the release of detainees; he also urged the President to reconsider recent economic policies, such as the floating of the naira and removal of fuel subsidies, which he argued have contributed to widespread economic hardship.

“We commend the President for taking this positive step,” Frank said. “However, we urge him to reconsider the policies that are exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.”

The activist also called on the Federal Government to compensate the released minors, arguing that they suffered “violations of their fundamental human rights” and endured “dehumanizing” conditions during their months-long detention without trial.
Frank proposed financial support for the minors and their families, as well as scholarships and psychological counseling to help them recover from the trauma of their detention.
Frank’s statement emphasized the need for accountability, urging the President to launch a probe into why these minors were held for over 90 days without prompt intervention from the intelligence community.
He specifically called for investigations into the roles of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Commissioners of Kano and Kaduna states, where the minors were detained.
He warned against any attempt to “sweep the probe under the rug” and pledged to monitor the situation to ensure public transparency.

“This probe must be thorough, and officers found complicit should be held accountable,” he said. Frank emphasized that this is necessary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and ensure such detentions do not recur.

He further appealed for government intervention to ease the reentry of the minors into society, suggesting reputable boarding schools and the assistance of professional counselors to help them overcome the distress of their experiences.

“By taking these steps, we can heal past wounds and work towards a more compassionate society for all Nigerians,” Frank concluded.

Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, has previously expressed support for policies he views as beneficial to Nigerians while holding the government accountable on issues of rights and governance. His recent remarks signal a continuing commitment to advocating for the protection and welfare of young Nigerians, particularly those impacted by political or social issues.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 National Update