* Warns Ministers against discordant responses
* Govt continues to run smoothly — Minister
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, stated that Nigeria remains on a steady growth trajectory, with more promise of stability and prosperity as economic reforms continue to yield results and gain national and international acceptance, despite the current face-off with the United States of America over insecurity in Nigeria.
The President spoke at the Federal Executive Council after the swearing-in of two ministers, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro, and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN). Doro will manage the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, while Udeh will oversee the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Following US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over insecurity in Nigeria and subsequent threat of sending American troops and air strikes against terrorists in the country as well economic sanctions, thus straining the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, President Tinubu assured that the Federal Government was engaging with the world diplomatically.
“The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.
“The success of the $2.3 billion eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400% is the most assuring. So, the task ahead is immense; we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.
“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”
On the security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, charged Nigerians not to succumb to despair, assuring that the government will defeat every form of terrorism and secure every part of the country.
He called Ministers and other officials to ensure consistency in communication and avoid discordant messaging.
“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation. Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society. We want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it,” President Tinubu assured.
Addressing journalists afterwards, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that Trump’s threat was discussed at the FEC meeting, but that the cabinet is not panicky even as diplomatic engagement with the United States continue.
He declared that governance continues smoothly and the COC designation has not adversely affected the way Tinubu administration was conducting its affairs.
His words: “The designation of Nigeria as the country of particular concern, that was raised by the United States government. Yes, indeed, that came up during deliberations at the Federal Executive Council meeting, but the most important thing that I want to say is that the government of Nigeria is responding to the genuine concerns raised.
“The politics of it, aside, we genuinely are taking the issues seriously, but let me also say that government, even before these events of the last few days, has been extremely committed to ensuring that Nigeria is indeed safe for everyone.
“The killing of even one Nigerian citizen is of concern to the government of Nigeria, and of course, because our constitution, and we keep mentioning this, guarantees the right of everyone to worship his or her religion without hindrance. The government of Nigeria is committed to that, will continue to do that, and wherever there is any violence affecting any citizen in this country, the government of Nigeria has indeed the responsibility to ensure that is being tackled.
“Now, as to whether that affects the way government is being run, let me say that the government of Nigeria is really very stable. The president is calm, like we have said. He is calm. The Federal executive council members are indeed very calm.
“That is not to discountenance the issue. Are there issues of security in this country? Yes, there are. Are people being killed in parts of this country? Yes. But is there anything government – is there anything that government is doing to also checkmate that? Yes, indeed there are. Is government also responding to this? Yes, it is. But this is being done with the greatest sense of responsibility while maintaining the balance that we require to face these issues head on.
“So, government is responding to some of these issues in a manner that will also reflect who we are as a country, maintaining our respect and dignity as a country, and also welcoming the partnership that we so dearly need from everyone, the international community from within, to tackle this issue.
“The issues of terrorism, violence from extremists, it’s not something that is just done by one country.
“We have porous borders and that is why we have cooperation with our regional partners. We also have cooperation with international partners, including the United States and Nigeria will continue to engage. Now, have we had any discussions with the government of the United States? Yes, channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation is being solved diplomatically.
“We don’t want to escalate the rhetoric you have said, we have said, and all that. The responsibility that we have as a government is to ensure that whatever genuine concerns that there are to keep our citizens safe, the Nigerian government will continue to do that.
“But there is not any panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country of what the situation is. But let me say for the umpteenth time, Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion.”
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