Gov Hope Uzodimma Speaks On S/East Security, Relocation Of CBN, FAAN + More | Sunday Politics

Summary

The transcript covers a Sunday politics program discussing escalating security issues in Nigeria. Topics include the army chief visiting Plateau State to address terrorist violence, government reassurances about handling security threats, the impact of subsidy removal on citizens, perspectives from the APC party and governors on the economy and insecurity, accusations of political sabotage against reform efforts, arguments over relocating some government agencies, the need for decisive action from President Buhari, and an appeal to the president to address urgent challenges like kidnappings, economic hardships, fleeing investors, and loss of confidence in the government.

Takeaways

• 📺 The program discusses the escalating security situation in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, and the government's response.
• 🔴 Lieutenant General T.L. visited Plateau State, ordering troops to adopt a more aggressive posture against terrorism.
• 🌍 The Minister of Information, Muhammad Idris, addresses concerns about government actions, emphasizing efforts to confront security threats and stabilize the economy.
• 💰 Claims about the relocation of government departments being politically motivated to marginalize certain regions are dismissed by the Minister.
• 📊 The discussion highlights the economic impact of subsidy removal and government measures to alleviate hardship.
• 🛡️ The interview with Governor Hope of Imo State explores the APC's promises and the federal government's policies to address national challenges.
• 📝 Governor Hope defends the subsidy removal as necessary despite the hardships, suggesting it targets corruption and benefits the economy in the long run.
• 👮 The program addresses the complex issues of insecurity across the country, with calls for a more effective strategy and state policing.
• 🖥 The relocation of certain government departments to Lagos is debated, with opinions divided on its implications for national unity and efficiency.
• 👍 Governor Hope outlines his achievements and plans for Imo State, emphasizing digital economy initiatives and infrastructure development.
• 📚 The final word calls on President to act decisively on security, economic challenges, and to uphold his campaign promises for the betterment of Nigeria.

Q & A

What was the primary focus of the 'Sunday Politics Live' episode on Channels Television?

The episode focused on the escalating security situation in Nigeria, especially in Plateau State, and discussed the government's reaction to various national concerns, including security threats, economic challenges, and political moves.

What specific instruction did Lieutenant General T.O give during his visit to Plateau State?

Lieutenant General T.O ordered troops to adopt a more aggressive posture and stamp out terrorists wreaking havoc in Plateau State and other states.

What were the key points made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, regarding the state of the nation?

Muhammad Idris dismissed claims that relocating some departments of government agencies was a political move to marginalize a section of the country. He assured that the government was confronting all security threats boldly, taking steps to stabilize the economy, and that the relocation of certain departments was an administrative step for operational efficiency and cost reduction.

What concerns did the host of the show express about the current government's performance compared to its campaign promises?

The host expressed concerns about whether the current government is aware of the citizens' plights and if it has lived up to the expectations and promises made during the campaign, particularly regarding the country's economic and security challenges.

What perspective did Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State and Chair of the Progressive Governors Forum, offer about President Buhari's policies?

Senator Hope Uzodinma defended President Buhari's policies, stating they are necessary for long-term benefits despite short-term hardships. He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates as bold steps towards rectifying fundamental issues in the Nigerian economy.

What did Senator Hope Uzodinma say about the cabals allegedly influencing the Nigerian economy and security?

Senator Hope Uzodinma described cabals as groups that have previously benefited from systems like fuel subsidies and foreign exchange disparities. He claimed that these cabals are fighting against the current government's reforms but expressed confidence that the president's policies will eventually outmaneuver these groups.

How did Senator Hope Uzodinma address concerns about increasing prices and economic hardships faced by Nigerians?

Senator Hope Uzodinma acknowledged the economic hardships but argued that the removal of fuel subsidies and other tough measures were necessary to treat chronic economic issues. He emphasized that these measures, though initially painful, are meant to stabilize the economy and yield long-term benefits.

What stance did Senator Hope Uzodinma take on the relocation of certain departments of federal Ministries?

Senator Hope Uzodinma supported the relocation, rationalizing it as a practical step to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. He argued that placing regulatory bodies closer to the operational hubs, like moving the operations department of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria to Lagos, makes both economic and political sense.

How did Senator Hope Uzodinma describe the state of security in Nigeria and the role of state governors in addressing it?

Senator Hope Uzodinma acknowledged the critical security situation in Nigeria. He outlined the role of state governors as partners with the federal government in addressing security issues, emphasizing the need for collaboration due to the expensive nature of security and the constitutional allocation of security responsibilities to the federal level.

What message did the host of the show convey to President Buhari in the final word segment?

The host appealed to President Buhari to take immediate, decisive actions to address the nation's pressing challenges, including rampant kidnappings, economic hardships, and loss of confidence in the government. The host urged the President to remember his responsibilities and act with urgency to restore stability and confidence in the nation.

Outlines

00:00

😊 Introducing the Sunday Politics Live show and previewing security discussions

The host Shanimal introduces the Sunday Politics Live show broadcasting from Abuja, Nigeria. He previews upcoming discussions about the security situation in Plateau State and the visit by the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who ordered troops to take more aggressive action against terrorists.

05:01

😮‍💨 Government defends security approach and relocation of agencies

The Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed defends the government's security strategy, saying threats are being confronted. He also dismisses claims that relocating aviation and CBN departments to Lagos aims to marginalize certain regions, calling the allegations unfounded and pragmatic for efficiency.

10:02

😠 Citizens bearing the burden of government policies

The host argues that despite government assurances, citizens are directly bearing the burden of difficult economic conditions and unfulfilled campaign promises. He questions if the government understands citizens' plight as prices rise and economic hardship grows.

15:03

😌 APC governors concerned but defend government's agenda

Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Chair of the APC Governors Forum, acknowledges concerns but defends the president's agenda. He argues solutions take time and the president aims to permanently address issues like subsidy removal despite initial pains.

20:03

⚖️ Addressing calls for restructuring and autonomy

The host and Uzodinma discuss governors' roles as chief security officers given constitutional limits. Uzodinma argues states currently lack funding for full autonomy. He addresses calls for restructuring and state policing, arguing fiscal federalism must precede decentralization.

25:06

💪🏾 Commitment to campaign promises in Imo State

Uzodinma highlights his achievements in Imo State, including digital skills programs, infrastructure rehabilitation and job creation. He rejects complacency arguments, claiming he has delivered 75% of his first term manifesto and will do even more in his second term.

30:06

😤 Confronting political opposition and critics

Uzodinma dismisses critics of the president's policies like agency relocation as political opponents seeking to sabotage the government's agenda. He argues merit should drive decisions and the president aims to rescue the economy, not pursue a hidden sectional agenda.

35:06

🤝 Call for unity and focus on development in Imo State

Despite emerging competition over his successor, Uzodinma calls for unity and development in Imo State. He says only God knows who will succeed him and encourages working with the current president to improve Nigeria.

40:07

🏭 Vision for an industrialized Imo State

Uzodinma shares his vision to industrialize Imo State by leveraging its gas reserves, building infrastructure like a seaport, and supplying power to create jobs. He aims to shift Imo from poverty to prosperity through rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.

45:10

😤 Final plea for urgent action to rescue Nigeria

In a final address, the host makes an impassioned plea for President Buhari to take decisive action on insecurity and the economy. He argues swift measures are needed to restore confidence, stem exit of investors, realize Nigeria's potential and preserve its regional leadership.

Keywords

💡security

The issue of security is a major theme in the video. There are discussions about the escalating security situation in Nigeria, with increasing kidnappings, violence and criminal activities across the country. This insecurity is causing fear amongst citizens. The government is trying to address security concerns but more urgent action is needed. Examples of security issues mentioned include kidnappings in Lagos, Kaduna, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.

💡economy

The poor state of Nigeria's economy is another key topic. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to economic downturn and rising prices. This is causing hardship for families struggling to afford basic commodities. There are calls for the president to take decisive action to fix the ailing economy, attract investment, and restore confidence.

💡leadership

The video highlights the need for strong, urgent leadership from President Buhari to address Nigeria's challenges. There are appeals for him to show bold leadership, live up to expectations, fulfill campaign promises and act with integrity. His leadership is seen as vital to tackling problems.

💡restructuring

Some voices in the video call for restructuring Nigeria's governance system to make it work better. They believe initiatives like state police are needed. Restructuring relates to reforming Nigeria's federal structure to empower states/regions.

💡confidence

The loss of public confidence in the Buhari government due to unfulfilled promises and worsening conditions is a concern raised in the video. Restoring people's confidence through strong leadership and results is seen as crucial.

💡subsidy removal

The government's removal of fuel subsidies is mentioned as a major economic policy that has backfired, causing hardship. Its poor implementation has hurt citizens.

💡protests

There are hints of growing protests and instability, like the 'sit-at-home' day that the Imo State governor defiantly scheduled his inauguration on.

💡cabal

The video references allegations about some cabal controlling the economy/oil wealth and resisting reforms that threaten their interests.

💡foreign investment

The loss of foreign investment and investors fleeing Nigeria is cited as a consequence of the unstable economy and unfavorable business environment.

💡regional influence

Concerns are raised about Nigeria's waning regional leadership and diplomatic influence under Buhari's presidency.

Highlights

The escalating security situation in parts of the country

The impact of the removal of fuel subsidies on citizens

The government's response to concerns over the economy

Claims of cabals sabotaging economic reforms

The debate over relocating some government agencies

Accusations of political motives behind relocations

The role of state governments in tackling insecurity

Calls for restructuring and state policing

Promises to create jobs and develop Imo state

Efforts to increase Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings

Appeals for national unity after contested elections

Emphasis on merit-based policies over ethnicity

Reassurance of commitment to deliver prosperity

Acknowledgement of citizens' hardship and suffering

Calls for urgent action to restore security and economy

Transcripts

[Music]

hello everyone and welcome this is f

Sunday politics live on China's

television I'm shanimal in Abuja it's

been some weeks of worries over the

state of security in the country

escalating situation in planto state and

yesterday the chief of Army St liutenant

General to L visited the state where he

ordered troops to adopt a more

aggressive posture and Stamp Out

terrorist ricking avoc and PLU State and

all state take a listen to the chief of

Army

staff I've a chat with your commander

and his plan his staff on the security

situation on the plateau especially

mango I

know

that the situation here is

complex course lot of people have

imputed religion they have imputed

ethnicity and what have you to what

experiencing

here but as

soldiers your focus is on one

thing every law breaker must be

apprehended and anyone that found in

possession of arms must be brought down

is that

clear instructions are very strong but

then the federal government has also

been reacting to some of these concerns

on the state of the nation and today the

minister of information and National

orientation Muhammad Idris has strongly

dismissed some claims while trying to

get some commitment from Nigerians by

assuring that the government is doing

its best part of and part of what he

says is to dis dismiss claims at the

relocation of some departments in the

two agencies of government are political

moves to marginalize a section of the

country in the area of security this is

what the minister says um the minister

says that quote in the area of security

all threats are being boldly confronted

we are taking the fight to the criminal

accident with promising result within

the last week several Bandits kidnappers

and militants have been neutralized or

arrested on the economy he says quote

regarding the economy all relevant

Ministries and agencies of the federal

government are working in coordinated

fashion to bring down inflation

stabilize foreign exchange rates and

create a truly enabling environment for

business and investment in Nigeria that

President ubu seeks to build is one

where no one is Left Behind and on the

relocation of Departments of some

federal Ministries he says quote it is

not true that the relocation to Lagos of

the headquarters of the federal Airport

Authority of Nigeria fan and of certain

Departments of the Central Bank of

Nigeria are political moves aimed at

marginalizing a section of the country

these allegations are unfounded instead

these are pragmatic administrative steps

to improve operational efficiency and

reduce operating cost end of

quote that is the Minister of

information there but so much to take in

if you look at the condition and the

state of things in the country you as a

citizen you perhaps

are bearing the bronze directly and you

feeling the heat directly because when

you go to the marketplace you are the

one spending your money to buy does the

government of the day know what you feel

your plight have they been able to move

up to the expectations and the promises

they made during the campaign when those

of you who voted for this government and

those who did not when they were

campaigning at this promises being

kept look a lot is going on in the

country the all progress is Congress APC

must be thinking deeply now about the

promises they made to the Nigerian

people during campaign and the burden of

delivering those in the midst of

negative indices that we now see and the

plight of citizens one of the major

blocks in the ruling APC is a group of

Governors the APC Governors the

progressive Governors Forum they are

very influential block who you can say

produce the candidate bolu in the prise

of the APC and tonight they say they are

equally concerned the chair of the

progressive Governors forum and governor

of IMO state is my guest tonight on the

program Senator hope he joins us live in

our buja studio thank you so much your

Excellency for joining us tonight thank

you

sh a lot of things are happening in the

country and one we wonder especially

coming from the governors of the APC

your party made bold promises you said

it was a renewed hope agenda but on the

lips of many Nigerians tonight they will

be asking where where is the promise

where are those promises made to

them thank you

chair

um we had a Manifesto as a political

party or Progressive

Congress and before we

supported the

emergence of President b m as our

candidate for the

election we sampled the opin milions of

Nigerians we evaluated the situation on

ground and it was very clear to us that

a president that will be needed at that

point in

time has to be a pan

Nigerian has to be a man that is

versatile with

experience to manage

economy manage polities

and also manage social

existence and in president a

bolo we saw it

credentials and as a matter of

fact in our

party president a bimu was a

candidate that was

sponsored by

consensus by the progressive governance

forum

and I can tell

you that he's a pan

Nigerian he understands very

clearly the challenges facing the

country and relatively very

versatile confident that he will

address and the correct the

ills of the society but the versatility

Governor some Nigerians will be asking

where is that versatility no let me tell

you

something if you there is a difference

between a patient and their

doctor the process of

identifying the hills of the

society and the process of propounding a

solution and applying that solution

there are two different

things is the president of Nigeria just

how many months

ago I forget from 1999 today how many

years and here is a President Who

Came despite the inability of previous

governments to remove the cancer in our

system as a society which is which is

subsidy how much of a cancer is quot

quote and quote the provision of subsidy

for petroleum products for 4

years Government after government we are

not

able to remove this anomally in the

society and normally in our economy and

normally in our

existence came under 7 months in fact

the day he was warning he made the

proclamation that he will remove the

subsidy and you know and I know this

particular measure that you you me

is what a lot of Nigerians would say it

was a knej approach perhaps one policy a

lot of people say good policy but not

well thought out it's it's biting hard

on the average Nigerian the Cushing

effect is not properly laid on the

ground understand understand that the

problem can be likened to malaria

somebody suffering from

malaria and every time he has fever and

he's drinking pan at all and every day

you take pad and the malaria still exist

you are sick until you are properly

treated him is the

bble is not unaware that what is

happening now will happen but yet it

took courage and boldness to manage this

matter if you must be treated of a

sickness that requires a bitter

pill when you swallow the

pill initially it will be very bitter

you may be

angry but when he gets down to the

system and cures the sickness you will

begin to appreciate the real Essence why

that P was applied to you there are

those who will say now yeah you're

applying the medication but things are

not working people are D things are

getting worse don't feel like things are

because those who say look why shouldn't

the government and I'm looking at those

who do not understand the English

language we are speaking right now on

television their major concern is that

they are not able to meet the needs of

their of their children of their wife of

their Community because of the biting

state of the economy can I tell you the

truth if you must want to know

now the truth is

that the subsidy that has just been

removed was benefiting a group of

cabal who became billionaires overnight

who became very rich overnight

to the detriment of Nigerians uninformed

and ignorant people in the remote

areas

pres interest is the interest of those

people at the remote

areas you have billionaires who bought

private jets who built cast all over the

world very few of them in the name of

subsidy but what do we are saying how do

we consolidate our

economy so the NAA that used to be

stronger than the US dollar will come

back but the the the nir to Dollar

parity I mean the the rate now is

alltime high it's never been this High

almost, 1,400 at the at the par at the

par Market in the program of economic

recovery there is what we call infancy

stage he has just drafted a policy that

will make naira very strong again and

there will be initial challenges the

cabal will want to frustrate it the

cabal will want to sabotage it those who

are fighting against the common economy

of our country to benefit themselves we

want to sabotage it is that what is

going on but we need time and how much

time and time shall tell govern do you

know how much percentage that Governor I

mean president tunu has spent in office

in his first in his four years he spent

a considerable amount of time almost 7

months from 19 almost a year okay I ask

you one question from 1999 today how

many

years answer Governor answer first how

many years I'm the one asking the

question no from 1999 to today how many

years the question is Nigeria voted for

boltin Noble for 4 years hoping that he

promis he's going to fix the problem of

Niger you vote you voted not to a

magician you voted to a Visionary leader

but what your party preached almost a a

magic to Nigerian no but the party

preached that they have a solution ution

to the problems of the country Vis the

economy the politics the security and I

can tell you without any fear of any

contradiction that the current policies

of B Tino as a

president is the password to the Sol to

enter the system I can tell you that

what he has done by unifying the

exchange rates program what he has done

by removing petroleum uh products sub

sub what he has done by deploying and

strengthening the security architecture

to address the three principal problems

of the country Vis this economy security

and then foreign exchange disparity

which will make NA very strong the cabal

who are currently holding the dollars

who are currently sabotaging the system

who are currently angry because they are

out of business as a result of this B

policy they are still fighting but time

I tell and in the next couple of months

when we begin to see the result of the

current policies of the current

Administration I will tell you that

Nigerians will right rise in unism to

commend the president are these the same

are these the same Caba who are um

responsible for the state of insecurity

in the country right now because things

are very difficult a lot of people are

living in fear from Legos the kidnapp I

mean the chairman of a political party

in Lagos on his way to Lagos kidnapp the

kidnapping from kaduna to taraba even

the fct things are really in a critical

stage you have forgotten sh that the

security insecurity in the country did

not start with

President recall that even under

President

y that insecurity really is ugly head

coming up to president good l b Jonathan

up to president Mohamed bhari insecurity

was very here in the

country and what has

happened check the constitution of the

current security architecture in the

country we talked of

inclusiveness we a situation that the

for the first time in this country I can

tell you I come from the Southeastern

part of the country and I can tell you

that this is for the last 10 years we

are having one of the service Chiefs

come from Southeast the chief of NAA

staff that has given sense of belonging

to the people of

Southeast the wisdom well

appreciated so this thing that has

cumulatively been here over time is

being addressed but I don't see the

reason for this

hurry the

anxiety of making sure as if it is going

to be a magic that the ease of 20 years

must be solved in 7 months to say the

least is unreasonable those who are in

pains and who are in object poverty may

not agree with you when you asking them

that they are they should not they

should be patient and they keep

suffering they keep feeling the hardship

it might be unfair to them Poverty of

how many years and government of how

many months

let us comparatively discuss this issue

that we have been in poverty from 1999

to 2023 let's talk about what has

happened in the last one year in the

last seven month of President tunu the

price of Gary my viewers can tell us the

price of rice that my viewers can tell

us the price of yam in the market prices

have skyro rocketed in the last

December celebration they can tell you

those who feed the manner in which they

fed a year and two years ago it's now

very different and if you are telling

them tonight that they should be patient

and you're telling them tonight that

this a is unreasonable do you know what

their response will be to you no no let

me tell you it's not telling them

because you are speaking from one side

of the society let me tell you something

if the policies the situation as it is

now today and the consequences of the

various policies of government is not

unexpected

there is no how you it can cure the

negative impact of a subsidy

removal you can cure the negative impact

of removing a Caba that have managed our

exchange rate programs over the years to

their

interest without some pens this initial

pens is why federal government has

introduced some measures what we call

pallative measures but they will ask you

they've not seen can how many how many

people enough because he cannot only

Dash fish to human beings you must teach

a human being how to fish The Dashing of

giving of palliatives by forms of food

stuffs pallative envelopes can never be

enough we are trying the president as I

understand is trying to bring a

permanent

solution to the problems of poverty

hunger and then bad economy

so I think that speaking with the

president I'm the chairman of

progressive Governor Forum I pride over

the meetings of 20 governors in Nigeria

out of

36 I have interacted with the

president sh you don't know me to be a a

psychopat if the president has no clear

direction of what will lead Nigeria to

Prosperity I will be one of those that

will first begin to

protest but he has a solution I've

considered a permanent

solution how long more can should

Nigerians wait how long more should they

endure this pain and this suffering I

don't believe in

hypothesis I don't come here and sit and

become a prophet but I tell you in my

findings and understanding of the

country that they exist cabals and

deities

who before Dollar business can be

conducted must be

woried who before political decisions

must be taking must be consulted and

this has become a retardation to the

progress of Nigeria why can't we take

out this cabal are they bigger than this

is they are the people sponsoring both

artificial media they are the people

sponsoring

opposition to come with a blackmail and

the negative propaganda against a

President Who is very F who is from the

private sector who meant to well who

wants to correct the ears of the past

are they the same people who are

sponsoring foreign investors who are

leing the country in droves no the those

living are not investors they are those

who were benefiting from the Caba system

when they tell you they're living

they're living because they can no

longer benefit from foreign exchange

disparity they can no longer benefit

from crude oil theft they can no longer

benefit

from the cases of petroleum

subsidy pretending to be importing F

when they were not importing anyone

forging documents to asset of government

money those are the people living and

again it is a blessing in this guys

because the more they live the more

opportunity the indigenous companies

will have to participate there is no

rocket science there is no foreign

investor who is comfortable in his

country that will want to live his

country and come here and at the same

time there is the people of the good

investors and genuine investors who are

Nigerians who have been denied

opportunity to practice and invest they

now have opportunity to do so so I think

the earlier the artificial and fake

investors lives the better for Nigeria

when you call some of these blue chip in

companies this private sector that

they're operating in other climes you I

mean you describe them in this way those

who thing and and say that the present

climate in the country is not really

favorable we take oil and gas industry

for instance is anywhere in the world

you go and you see any fing station you

want to refill your car that is not

shell mobile Chevron

total how many of them are operating

fing stations in Nigeria why we are

selected and they call them investors

why have they taken to Offshore

operation abandoning onshore

operation if they are genu you go to

Houston Landing houon airport you see

oil locations you see vegetables planted

all over there habitable for human

existence fly to War as you Landing War

airport look at o locations look at the

sea all the fish there's no no nothing

existent no fish is there nothing they

environment is degraded to criminal

level are there what we call investors

people who have no regard to our

environmental laws are they what you

call investors people who Now operate to

double standards apply a different

application in other countries and then

apply degrading application to Nigeria

is that what you call investors please

if you don't take our destiny in our

hands we will be doomed for it we must

find courage and the B I made U must be

supported to succeed I want I'm not a

prophet but my experience of life my

experience doing business for the past

45 years tells me that this is the man

to support So Nigeria can become Nigeria

again let me ask why is I mean you are

the leader of a political Block in the

APC the ruling party but it does look

like internally your party is having

some political issues and there is a

decision or the policy of government for

example the plan relocation of some

Department uh within the F uh within the

aviation Ministry and in the CBN is

causing a lot of Opera and in fact it

has come to the point that some

political figures are threatening that

if the president and the government goes

ahead with this policy it will have D

political implication so like what

example Senator alen Dum was on this

program okay listen I listened to alen

dum

I also listened to Northern Senators

Forum I listened to the m of Koo it can

see the preponderance of opinions and

then the majority opinion is that Merit

should be the driving criteria for

decision makings in the

country the movement of the operational

operations Department of fund to

Lagos where Lagos is the major Aviation

hub

Aviation Hub is in

Lagos and if the operations department

is sent to Lagos to be able to manage

Aviation

operations effectively and efficiently I

have not seen any he in it on the other

hand the CBN we talking about without to

Prejudice to whatever anything

government is saying all the banks all

the commercial Banks Central Bank is the

bankers

Bank their job is to supervise

Banks and if all the commercial banks

have their headquarters in

Legos it goes without saying that the

the banking supervision Department Of

Central Bank to be

resident in Lagos if they must be

efficient and this is very correct to

ensure that banking supervision is

regular efficient and effective

now there's no how a president Amed

boltin alone cannot move the capital of

Nigeria to

Lagos if you understand the doctrine of

separation of power and how the

constitution of the country runs the

legislature the Judiciary and the

executive even within the executive that

we have checks and

balances so but the Merit should be the

driving criteria I'm not holding brief

for Mr President I'm not his

spokesperson but I think that I was once

the chairman senate committee on

Aviation and for me to be able to

supervise that sector very well I knew

how many times I went with my committee

on oversight functions to Lagos and I

know how much we

spent and if efficiency to be the name

of the

business and the must S cost it means

that the supervisors and Regulatory

institutions must be

resident

proximity to the residents of the

operation

therefore if you move

F the operations Department of f to

Lagos to supervise Airlines makes both

economic and political sense but why are

some Northern political Elites and

leaders fighting this no you don't

understand I'm telling you that the

president Amed

boltin has come with both policies to

rescue our

economy and here comes those he defeated

in the field during

elections sponsoring campaign of

Calum sponsoring black propaganda to

deme his government and

achievements and I can tell you s they

did this to the former president

president Muhammad bhari and they almost

succeeded but this time around we will

rise to the

occasion we will do whatever it will

take to identify this black legs in the

country and call them to order so when

they said it there is a hidden agenda

between I mean behind those plans you

don't think that that listen you know

you were here in the country in in the

last election Nigerians voted for

President M ASU ahed dumu because he's a

p Nigerian he's a highly detalized Niger

he's a creative thinker he's a man of

ideas even when he chose his running

m in the Muslim Muslim

ticket those reasonable people who

initially were against it seeing the B

steps he's taken now have come to terms

with the reality and they have started

commending him so it is not about gossip

it is not about blackma so you you I

mean they said it was a work of the

Lagos boys there is there is atic am I

am I a Legos

boy I'm from Southeast I'm the chairman

of Southeast Governor Forum five states

I'm the chairman of progressive Governor

Forum 20 Governors and we are unan us in

supporting president

B to ensure that his

in rescuing this economy in rescuing

this country in making sure that we

live according to the expectations of

our find founding fathers and I can tell

you 7 months or 8 months into his four

years mandate is not enough to judge him

so why they hry some people are

suffering from anxiety

curosis some people are not able to come

to terms with the reality of the on the

ground and and I am confident like I

told

you I have my belief that if this man is

not able to get this country correct

then something must be wrong let's take

a breather uh there's so much more to

talk about um the former I mean the the

United States Secretary of State Anthony

blinkin has his own view about the

approach of President bolatino there is

the issue of security situation even the

governor of IMO State on a day

that they will refer to as a sit at home

day in OS say he chose the inauguration

to be on that day there are a lot of

issues he's the chair of the southeast

Governors forum and all of these

security situation those asking for

restructuring these are more issues we

dig deeper into some of these issues

when we return after this break everyone

join us

[Music]

again welcome back everyone let's

continue our conversation with the chair

of the AP Governor Forum the progressive

Governor forum and he's also the chair

of the southeast Governor Forum the

governor of IMO state senator hope whoa

thank you so much your Excellency for

your time tonight thank you let's get to

the issue of security uh for a moment uh

Governors are called Chief security

officers of the estate but how much of

that power do the governors have

kidnappings are happening in most part

of the country what are you telling

yourselves as a block in soling these

problems in your different uh uh

States well there's no doubt the

governors are chief security officers of

the

state because Nigeria is a

federation and there are two governments

in

world one is the federal government and

the second are the federating

units therefore to be able to operate in

a simp manner we need to have the proper

Synergy that will be because the

security according to the Constitution

of the federal republic

Nigeria is in the exclusive legislative

list therefore what is expected of the

subnational government is to keep in and

have a working Synergy between the

federal

establishment and that of the

subnational government the reason being

that security is very expensive and I

can't see any subnational government in

Nigeria

today that can fund

completely the cost of providing

adequate Security in the various

subnational

governments so working together as a

federation we have to manage our work

programs in Synergy with the federal

security systems so when people said

Governors are handicapped I don't agree

that Governors are handicapped so you

have all what it takes to fix security

problem in your state we need support

from federal government it is a it is

job in

progress we need to articulate properly

working in Synergy with Federal security

agencies as a subnational government how

we can create a working

relationship that will allow us to be on

the same page

to be able to fight crime in the country

the reason being that the might is with

federal government the economy of

subnational government is laying the

funding requirement is enous so it has

to

be a collaboration do the state

Governors think that there's a need for

State policing yeah it is even the

federal government have

allowed the Vigilante approach I ad

minate governments are able to fund an

effective and efficient vigilante

organization State policing cannot work

is that what you're saying it will only

work if states are in position to fund

it so when we talk about through

federalism we are not

joking first of all as I speak so many

of our

states cannot even fund our existence

without allocation from fedal

government and the meaning of

government is not coming to consume the

meaning of government is you face as at

a subnational level if you a state what

the onions you make the money before you

can spend it but those who are crying

for restructuring those who have

clamored for restructuring are saying

State policing is one way to go so

you're saying that the state government

the subnational as it is presently

constituted cannot properly Run State

Police no it is not running State Police

when you talk of restructuring we are

already a federation with subnational

government the first thing to establish

is how many states are

avable because the

geographical the geographical

jurisdiction of a state and What Makes

You autonomous as a federating unit is

your ability to

exist if you are a state that is

existing at the Mery of federal

government it is not left for you to say

whether you want existence or

not so we think that we need subnational

governments that will face whether

subnational or federal government you

must first earn the money before you can

spend it so I mean is this the the

reason why aagu is not really working in

the Southeast no no I don't know what

you mean we don't have I have IMO

security organization but that was a

regional security network put together

by the Govern it was an acronym a global

acronym for Southeast security

organization but any more State what I

have is IMO security organization and is

a vigilante group that has a a program

for both the traditional rulers the time

Union president to come together with

Security Agency is to provide quality

intelligence for security agencies to

operate is it working it is working and

that is why we were able to overcome

what would be failed IM must state in

the last 3 years is that one of the

reason why you boldly took because there

are those who are saying why will

Governor put his inauguration on the

Monday there are those who who feel that

that is some kind of I mean what message

do you want to pass no usually sit at

home day is a constitutional issue I was

sworn in on 15th January

2020 and then it to be sworn in again

for the second time 15th

January uh

2024 and it happens to be on a Monday

and by which time God has already

intervened our efforts and the

contributions to allow an enabling

environment for good governance was

almost in place so and our people the

reaction of IMO people who

appreciated my outing for the first

time defied every threat and came out so

you went ahead and do it anyway of

course I did it so but I mean you are

you're running on your second term now

and those who are afraid that will be

complacent and that complacency is a

fear of the second term syndrome where

Governors get chief executive get into

office and the forget all the promises

because they are not seeking reelection

no those who are thinking of that are

people that are under

illusion because when I came the first

time I came with the

88

Manifesto and those who have copies of

those Manifesto will see clearly that

despite the challenges I had in my first

time I was able to achieve

75% or more of the promises in that

Manifesto otherwise called my vision doc

Vision document now coming again second

time now I said during my

inauguration that I my second time

outing will DW the achievements of my

first time is making now people of IMO

State I even said On My Honor I swore to

it and the sh I want to tell you I'm a

creative thinker without fear of anybody

accusing me of intellectual arrogance

I'm a creative thinker and understands

the geography and the workings of the

political system of the state and I know

what my people want and I'm working

towards what my people wants and I must

change the narrative before I leave so

you what are you what commitment are you

making to them tonight people are

watching by the time I will be I will be

living as the second time governor of

IMO State IMO state will never be known

for bad news but you promised them some

jobs that I mean there there are going

to be foreign jobs to them have you kept

to that promise I have listen see

creative thinking is the order of the

day when I came I looked at the

situation in IMO State too the poverty

was too

much unemployment Market was huge and I

so clearly that if we don't cure the

reduce the level of unemployment in IMO

State there will be no

economy I looked at the the the the the

curriculum the school

curriculum and the the kind of gr being

chunked

out social sciences history arts and

culture and all that and I checked the

market and you must balance demand and

supply and what was in the market market

is already gone to a digital status

digital

economy now I created what I call

digital Ministry Ministry of digital

economy and what did I do I created a

program called skill ofo digital skills

I introduced new digital skills I

graduated the first 5,000

people all of them are working

100% the second graduation skill up IMO

to go to I graduated

15,000 75% are working now and some of

them are now employers of Labor and now

leverage on Mr President's visit to

India and Dubai where he signed

anou that will allow India and Dubai to

come to

Nigeria to bring out the kind of digal

Digital Services they require and they

get people to be employed I leveraged on

it and then amended my regimen

and

then employ recruited another

40,000 the implication of that is that

the Cisco the company the consultant

that certifies this digital skills and

gives them provisional licenses and

certificates we certify people in IMO

State and the companies outside Nigeria

will employ them to work for them as I

speak to you under my digital

schem over 6,000 people are working for

foreign companies you promised 4,000

foreign jobs I I have more than 4,000

already working certified certified

working how how can Nigerians be able to

verify visit IMO State

website you find information for

yourself that 4,000 emo more than 4,000

are working are foreign jobs with they

have even an alumin platform now and

each time I want them at press of a

button they

respond I have computed and automated

transactions and processes in IMO state

government and the governance in IMO

state has moved from the Stone Age to

the dist stage let me ask you you

mentioned this I mean uh the state of

Texas the other time I mean you you're

talking about Houston and you talk about

the relationship to oil production and

that's one thing that you can identify

with the state of Texas in the United

States as a governor of imos State what

would you like your state to be

identified for recall that the National

Economic Council at the last

se he consulted the K committee and met

me me the chairman of that

committee I've had two

meetings in that

committee the first

discovery that despite the crude oil

theft the so-called crude oil theft that

has be clouded our economy and the

country that the regulatory

responsibility of

government has not been up

to

expectations what is

more do you know that under the pre

shipment act

2004 Import and Export that all exports

in the country requires export

permit and all export permits granted

the process must be

repated back to the Central Bank of

Nigeria that including nmpc and all the

oil companies in

Nigeria that 90% of them are not to

reparing the process of crude oil export

back to the country making the solvency

margin of our local

currency

dant so as a intering major I have just

written to the oil o all oil companies

including the

NC who is currently regulating oil

production in Nigeria to ensure that

before they issue C oil export

permit for in any quarter to any oil

companies that there must be evidence of

the repatriation of the process of the

previous export to Central Bank attached

to the application

that is the only way we can have dollars

that the only way dollars will not be

scar that is the only way Nigeria can be

relevant Nigerian na can be strong and

solvent to kill the cabals within that

sector that is it and that is what the

president is suffering so there are Cab

in security there are cabals in the I

say cabal in security you know because

yes you know because you will have

people who may be vulnerable but I'm

saying that if if for instance we're

exporting 1 million barrels of crude oil

and you have exported it under an oil

permit export permit that the cost of

that 1 million bar SC oil in dollars

should come back to Nigeria as what do

we have as an as our export

Governor I need us to wrap up now um

what would do you think that IMO State

should be known for under your watch

under my watch I want to create you know

I have a mant

of three hour

Rehabilitation reconstruction and

recovery and the whole destination is

prosperity so under this Mantra I want

to recover all the assess roads recover

infrastructure create jobs and how do I

create

jobs I need

power I need Industries Industries

cannot come if they have power I've

created and gotten approval from the

presidency or R oil processing free

trade zone where we ra UT lake or river

to the

Sea where we provide or power

development company where arise power

development company will transmit and

distribute power to Industries where we

will maximize the abundancy of our

endowment gas IMO state has the highest

gas res have in the

country speaking as today so I have what

I call I have what I call gas

optimization program create an economy

we we have 30 seconds to go I understand

that people are now justl for who

becomes you just few months into or few

weeks into the office and people are

already just laning for who succeed you

very interesting politics but in 30

seconds if you can tell us uh there is

hiia there is Oka there isba there a lot

of political opponents that you've had

how do you hope to bring back your

political enemies or political opponents

back to the table now that the elections

are over we have 30 seconds to go if you

listen to me during my inauguration I

called on all the political Gladiators

in IM of

state to come together let's unite and

develop our state power belongs to God

as I speak to you I don't know who will

suceed me only God knows is as simple as

that governor who the chair of the APC

uh the progressive Governor Forum thank

you so much indeed and the governor of

IM thank you so much before I leave you

I must say one thing one second that the

political situation in the country

democracy we are practicing is

government of the people for the people

and by the people let those who did not

win or who lost during the last election

find courage and time to recontest but

however encourage the current president

in his programs so Nigeria will be

better off for it thank you thank you

sir senator for your time well just

before we go and here is my final word

tonight Mr President Senator Batu it is

to you tonight that I bring the burden

and plight of our people too I trust

this message finds you in good health

and High Spirit as you continue to

navigate the intricate responsibilities

that come with the esteemed position

position you hold it is with a heavy

heart and deep concern that I pass this

message on the current state of our

beloved Nation Nigeria in a time when

the heartbeat of our nation is Raising

with fear and the Very fabric of our

society is tearing at the seems we stand

at the crossroads president tbu the

nation calls for your undivided

attention as you embark on a private

visit to France our beloved Nigeria is

grappling with unprecedented challenges

that demand urgent and decisive action

kidnapping and abductions at the order

of the day from Lagos to kaduna taraba

and violent and criminal activities have

pervaded our land even in the heart of

our nation's capital the audacity of

kidnappers has become a Sinister reality

striking fear into the hearts of our

people our citizens are living in

constant fear unsure of their safety and

the safety all their loved ones this is

not the Nigeria we dreamed of not the

renewed hope that was promised we

applaud the gallantry of our security

operatives but indeed more work still

needs to be done to keep the people safe

efforts are being made but it appears

they are not far enough what has become

the strategies of of the strategies of

State policing and community policing

that's been talked about several years

and the huge white papers and advisory

notes on how to tackle insecurity in

Nigeria where are they president suu as

a pro democracy agitator isn't it the

right time to restructure Nigeria for it

to work properly is the Nigeria you and

your friends fought for is it the

Nigeria that you're talking about the

removal of subsidies has Unleashed a

tighter wave of economic downturn living

families struggling to make ends meet

prices of Commodities have gone through

the roof the biting effects have felt

Across the Nation and the loss of

confidence in the government is palpable

this is not the time for complacency it

is a time for Bo on wavering leadership

Mr President I think it is about time to

get the nation's egg in one room and

find a lasting cure to our alien economy

as you stand on foreign so Mr President

remember the weight of your on your of

your responsibility to the Nigerian

people as Citizens including those who

voted for you are losing faith in the

government the implications of the loss

of confidence are far-reaching and as a

leader you cannot afford to look away

investors are flee the nation like never

before economy potential of Nigeria is

being squandered and the consequences

will be fed for Generations we hge you

Mr President to take immediate measures

to create an environment that attracts

and retains investment the clock is

ticking and our economic future is at

stake Mr President the time to act is

now Swift and decisive measures are

needed to C the escalating insecurity

allev the economy burden on Citizen and

restore the confidence in the government

this is not only a call to fulfill

campaign promises but a plea for the

preservation of our great nation Mr

President our regional leadership is

hanging in the balance some members of

echos are signaling exit and Nigeria's

influence is under threat it is time to

reart your leadership strengthen

diplomatic ties and secure our place in

the committee of Nations as journalists

who will not shy away from probing

inspiring and holding leaders

accountable president tunu live up to

the expectations of your calling and the

man upon which your office stands the

Nigerian people deserve more they

deserve a leader who acts with urgency

integrity and unweaving commitment to

the well-being of our great nation the

challenges may be daunting but if you

are Resolute and carry the people along

we can all together overcome the giant

of Africa must now rise and take his

rightful place in the committee of

nation and uness his potential for the

Nigerian people to smile again God bless

this federal republic of Nigeria and

this is my final word tonight good night

[Music]

everyone