The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message “offers no hope in sight” for Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, described the president’s New Year speech as “self-satisfying”,

The opposition party’s spokesperson said Tinubu’s administration is “completely disconnected and unconcerned” with the economic hardship in the country.

“Nigerians were appalled that despite the prodding by the PDP and well-meaning citizens, President Tinubu’s New Year speech did not articulate any specific direction for the nation or proffer solutions to the myriad of problems caused by APC’s misrule,” the statement reads.

 

“President Tinubu’s speech again underlines APC’s insensitivity to the anguish of Nigerians by failing to present any definite policy roadmap towards reducing the price of petroleum products, addressing the widespread hunger in the land, and revamping our ailing productive sector.”

Ologunagba said Tinubu did not articulate any “solution-based direction” for the critical sectors such as electricity, oil and gas, road infrastructure, and food production, among others.

“It was also pathetically devoid of a precise plan to address unemployment through strategic investment to stimulate multisectoral small and medium scale enterprises in the country,” Ologunagba said.

“If indeed the APC administration has the interest of Nigerians at heart, the New Year address would have made definite pronouncements on the price of fuel, especially given that with deft, transparent, and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage, national refining capacity, and effective policing of our borders, Nigerians should not pay more than N350 per litre for petrol within the country.

“In any case, from the speech, it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC administration lacks the expected patriotic commitment as well as the required capacity, competence, and skills to effectively harness and manage the resources of the nation for the good of the citizens.

“Moreover, President Tinubu’s claim in the speech that Nigerians placed their confidence in him as their president is ludicrous and shows that he is disconnected from the reality of his abysmal perception among Nigerians.”

The PDP spokesperson added that Nigerians have lost faith in Tinubu’s administration and have since moved on, “eagerly waiting for the next round of elections that will mark the end of the nightmare which the APC represents to our nation”.

He asked Tinubu to listen to Nigerians and be more committed and focused on the purpose of governance, which is the welfare and security of the people.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima and 13 state governors paid a New Year homage to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday.

The president is in Lagos for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The governors who were in attendance were Abba Yusuf of Kano, Sherriff Oborevwori of Delta, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

Others are Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Babagana Zulum of Borno.

Speaking during the visit, Shettima said the nation’s economy is showing positive signs of recovery, noting that the administration is working hard to stabilise it.

Shettima expressed confidence that Nigeria will experience significant economic growth in 2025.

“I am confident that 2025 will bring about substantial economic activities and improvements to the lives of citizens,” the vice-president said.

“I’m highly optimistic about tomorrow. I believe we have turned the corner.

“We shall have very robust economic activities in the new year. I believe Nigerians will prosper.

“The economy has started picking up, and in the coming weeks and months, Nigerians will start smiling for the better.

“We are working assiduously with the national assembly to come up with robust solutions to our national challenges.

“There is no nation that is immune to the economic headwinds across the world.

“The crisis in Ukraine and so many other global trends are affecting us adversely because we are part of the global community.

“But I want to assure Nigerians that the economy is turning the corner. by the grace of God, we have crossed the rubicon and we are on a path to sustained growth. We wish Nigerians well.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy Barau Jibrin and Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, also visited the president.

SEE PHOTOS: 

At the beginning of every year, analysts look back at the past 12 months – reflecting on what worked and what didn’t – and look forward to the next 12 months – prognosticating on what might and might not be. In that tradition, this column began last year with an article titled “2024: How Nigerians must assess Tinubu’s performance” (Vanguard, January 4, 2024). The piece looked back at 2023 and projected into 2024. Similarly, this intervention reflects on 2024 and takes the long view of 2025.

In setting the criteria for assessing Tinubu’s performance in 2024, I appealed, first, to religion and quoted Proverbs 29:2. “When the righteous [good leaders] are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked [bad leaders] rule, the people groan.” Then, I invoked the Jeffersonian credo that “the care of human life and happiness is the only legitimate object of good government”. This newspaper’s motto, “towards a better life for the people”, also aptly captures the primary purpose of every government. Thus, I posited that Tinubu’s performance in 2024 should be judged by the extent to which there were tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, and whether or not the people rejoiced or groaned.  

So, what happened? Well, I gave my overall verdict in last week’s column when I said that Tinubu’s promise of renewed hope in his “2024 Renewed Hope Budget” turned out to be an illusion. In 2024, Nigeria’s ruling elite lived in outrageous opulence, using public funds to buy presidential yachts and fleets of SUVs and renovating their official residences with billions of naira, among many extravagances, while poverty reached dizzying heights, with over 64 per cent of Nigerians going to bed hungry, and an epidemic of kidnapping gripped Nigeria. In a country where there is no audit of budget implementation and performance, a mandatory practice in genuine and accountable democracies, several billions, if not trillions, of naira from last year’s N28.77 trillion budget would certainly have been embezzled and misappropriated without trace. Of course, Nigeria is a kleptocracy, as John Campbell and Matthew Page rightly stated in their book, Nigeria: What Everyone Needs to Know.  

But my focus here is not the 2024 budget; rather, it is Tinubu’s governing philosophy, which led to his failure in 2024 and looks likely to make 2025 another wasted year. Everyone knows, by now, that Tinubu is a very arrogant and self-regarding ‘leader’, who believes he is a genius and can do whatever he wishes. Part of the reason for Tinubu’s self-confidence is that he has absolutely captured and pocketed the National Assembly and turned it into a supine and pliant legislature, thereby enthroning effective one-party rule. 

Indeed, recently, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, admitted that Tinubu has “muscled” the National Assembly. Akpabio said: “He [Tinubu] conferred on us Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON; whether he loved it or not he did it. He muscled the two Chambers together.” He said Tinubu did so to co-opt the National Assembly, knowing that the parliament “can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman.” Of course, in Nigerian politics, everyone has a price, and Tinubu’s brand of politics is to pay the price, whatever it is, to get what he wants. 

But at whose expense? If the National Assembly is so much in cahoots with Tinubu and rubberstamps everything that he presents to it, who then will hold him and his government up to scrutiny? Is an unaccountable government good for democracy? How come the parliament that “can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman” can’t ensure that the Nigerian state works for the Nigerian people and engenders a better life for them? Aided by the National Assembly, Tinubu squandered 2024 shadowboxing on issues like national anthem, state police, local government autonomy and new tax bills without proper consultations and a coherent restructuring vision and without prioritising the needs of ordinary Nigerians. Of course, Tinubu and the National Assembly will trumpet the new monthly minimum wage of N70,000. But consider this: a senator, Sumaila Kawu, said in August that his monthly take-home pay was N21m, and lamented it wasn’t enough! Yet, Tinubu and the National Assembly brag about an inflation-decimated monthly minimum wage of N70,000. Simply put, they worked for themselves, not ordinary Nigerians, in 2024!  

Which leads to Tinubu’s other governing philosophy: expansionary fiscal policy. Tinubu believes in large-scale government spending. He calls its “stimulus”. But the stimulus is not a rising tide that lifts all boats; rather, it unjustly enriches public officeholders, politically-connected government contractors and other political entrepreneurs who fleece the Nigerian people. Truth is, Nigeria is not only a kleptocracy, but also a plutocracy, a government of the super-rich and the well-connected. According to Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access, EFInA, a financial-inclusion outfit, 62 per cent of adult Nigerians earn less than N100,000 per month, with an average income of around N31,000. So, into whose pockets does Tinubu’s multi-trillion-naira stimulus go? Surely, not the pockets of ordinary Nigerians: the rising tide doesn’t lift their tiny boats!

Tinubu’s fiscal profligacy also triggers a large deficit, which leads to excessive borrowing and increases Nigeria’s debt burden. During his recent “media chat”, Tinubu said that “borrowing is not a crime.” But is devoting 33 per cent of a country’s budget to debt servicing – as the 2025 budget does with N16.33 trillion for debt-service – not a crime? Of course it is, because that’s money that could help improve people’s lives. Then, there’s the inflationary side of fiscal profligacy. Only the economically illiterate would say that Tinubu’s fiscal recklessness doesn’t contribute to Nigeria’s runaway inflation, now at 34.6 per cent. But who suffers most from inflation? Of course, it is the poor, whose disposable incomes and purchasing powers are completely wiped out, making the so-called minimum wage worthless.

Now, the above picture of Tinubu’s performance in 2024 offers insights into 2025. First, his governing philosophy, underpinned by arrogance of power and detachment from reality, will not change. He will continue to be wise in his own conceit. Second, his fiscal recklessness, as reflected in his proposed N49.74 trillion 2025 budget, will only further unjustly enrich the wealthy and the politically connected, while doing absolutely nothing to engender better lives for ordinary Nigerians. Tinubu said he will reduce inflation to 15 per cent this year. But the only way inflation can drop so dramatically amid fiscal profligacy is if the CBN continues to aggressively hike interest rates, thereby destroying industries and the prospects of reducing unemployment and poverty. He said he will bring the exchange rate down to N1,500 to $1. Yet, it is projected to reach N1,800 this year. Yet again, Tinubu is peddling fantasies!

Thanks to his perverse governing philosophy, Tinubu made life unbearable for ordinary Nigerians in 2024. Sadly, the omens are not good for 2025. My advice? Trust in God!

Happy New Year, dear readers!

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother, months after the Chippa United safe hands announced the death of his father.

Nwabali shared the sad news of his mother’s death on X Wednesday evening.

“Rip mom,” he wrote, describing it as the “worst year of my life already “.

Before that, Nwabali had posted, “A very very crazy world indeed”.

The goalkeeper, did not, however, give details of how the mother died.

He lost his father just over a month ago. This happened a few hours before the Super Eagles match against Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification game in mid-November.

The 28-year-old was thereafter excused from the match.

“He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on,” the Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, told thenff.com.

Nwabali’s father Godspower Onyekam Abali, Chief Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, was 67 when he died.

The South Africa-based goalkeeper made headlines early last year after shinning for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He played in all matches as the three-time African champions reached the final of the competition before losing to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigerian music superstars Wizkid and Ayra Starr have earned global recognition as they secure spots in Chart Data’s list of top artistes of 2024.

Released on New Year’s Eve, the list highlights the most influential and impactful artistes worldwide.

Wizkid claimed the 11th position, while rising star Ayra Starr followed closely at number 18. The inclusion of these two Nigerian superstars further emphasizes the growing influence of African music on the international stage.

South African singer Tyla also made a notable appearance on the list, securing the 12th position.

In the top 10, global pop sensations dominate the rankings. South Korean superstar Jimin takes the lead, with American music legends such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and rapper Kendrick Lamar rounding out the top spots.

British pop phenomenon Charli XCX, along with Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Nicki Minaj, complete the top 10.

In addition to this recognition, Nigerian artistes Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy were also listed among the “Top 20 Music Global Icons Shaping The Future” by Active World.

Davido, who has made waves both locally and internationally, earned the third spot, while Wizkid and Burna Boy secured the 6th and 8th positions, respectively.

Nollywood actress Moyo Lawal has taken to social media to mark her birthday with an emotional message reflecting on her personal trials and triumphs as she turns a year older.

In a touching Instagram post, the actress described herself as a living testament to resilience, drawing strength from the biblical verse Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper.”

Moyo shared that the past year had been one of the toughest of her life, stating that there was a time when she doubted she would even see 2025.

In a personal moment of reflection, she questioned her ordeals and shared that God responded by calling her one of His ‘bravest soldiers,’ reminding her that He would never burden her with challenges she could not handle.

The actress went on to express that these words helped her understand that in the most difficult moments of life, God is often preparing us for monumental breakthroughs.

Moyo emphasized that trials are not just obstacles but opportunities for God’s power and deliverance to shine through.

Moyo extended heartfelt gratitude to her support system, acknowledging the people who have stood by her side during her toughest times.

In her post, she wrote:

“I am a shining example of no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You know, with the trials I had to face, if anyone had told me that I would see 2025, I would have called the person a blatant liar.
I remember in one of my most humbling reflections, I asked God, “Why me?” and He replied, “Why not me?? You are one of my bravest soldiers, and I will not burden you with what I know you can’t handle.” This reminded me that in our greatest times of testing and affliction, God is setting us up for the greatest display of His power and deliverance.
However, I digress. It’s my birthday, and a new beginning has manifested. To everyone who held my hands, wiped my tears, and cried with me (yep, I have some very dramatic people in my life), I THANK YOU. I have such an amazing support system that I thank the Almighty God for every single day (well, most times when they are not being annoying. I digress again, sorry).
In fact, my people did such an amazing job that I healed so well and practically found my old self again (I literally feel 21 again). Shey, you people didn’t overdo it like this. Eniyan l’aso mi, and my gratitude can never, ever be enough.

I cannot forget my darling fierceglowers @moyolawalplus who have kept us in business despite no fancy store and our inadequacies. Thank you so much.
I have started writing again ooooh. Just like an eagle, I will continue to rejoice in the trials I have faced because they have continued to empower me toward my destiny.
My eagle outfit @selizroyal_headwears
Makeup @iwalewa_signatures
Photography @praise_that_photographer
Skinplug @moyolawalplus
P.S. Happy New Year, everyone.”

Since posting, Moyo’s Instagram page has been flooded with heartfelt birthday messages from fans, friends, and well-wishers, all celebrating her resilience, growth, and the new chapter she is embracing.

The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to match his talks about making Nigeria better with actions.

Osifo submitted that it is on record that the economic policies of the Tinubu government have significantly added to the challenges facing the citizens.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television, the TUC President lamented that the attempts by President Tinubu to inspire hope is not in tandem with the economic realities caused by his policies.

Osifo made the declaration against the backdrop of the President’s New Year message in which, among other things, Tinubu promised to reduce inflation to 15%, stabilize the naira, and promote economic growth.

He vowed that in 2025, his government would boost local food production, increase the manufacturing of essential medicines, and improve credit access through the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company.

However, Osifo said while it is understandable that President Tinubu is only trying to market the country as any other leader would do, the reality of the situation in Nigeria doesn’t match the words.

He stated “The president of a country is the chief salesman of a country, his own primary responsibility is to lay out the message that he has laid out.

“To paint a very bright picture, to paint a picture of a lot of goodies that could come in 2025. So he has done what any president in the world could do. So generally, from listening to the statement and reading through it over and over again, we could see that a lot of things were painted with optimism.

“So in reality, what the president has said is trying to inspire hope, but that hope that he’s trying to inspire, is not really in tandem with what we have currently in our economy.”

No More Rhetorics

The TUC President identified some of the policies of the Tinubu government that have contributed significantly to the nation’s current challenges and economic difficulties, which many citizens are experiencing.

He urged President Tinubu to match his words with actions that justify the talks.

“Nigerians, Nigerians know clearly that a lot of these policies have brought about challenges, and have brought about difficulties that we are facing today.

“Today our exchange rate is about 1,600, depending on the parallel market or The Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Fixing, It is also these policies that have also brought about the inflation that we have today.

“We’ve been told, for example, that inflation is going to come down to 15% by 2025.

“We’ve been told, for example, that our crude oil production is going to rise to about 2.06 million barrels per day. We’ve also been told, as well, that the balance of payments, we’ve been told how much we are going to borrow to finance our budget. So all these that the president has said, we have taken the brighter ones.

‘When you now analyze them, what are the parameters that have been put in place? What are those details that have been put in place that we can see that truly it is not just talkism, that truly what the president is saying, there are actions to match them,” Osifo submitted.

Police said one person died and seven were injured when a Tesla cybertruck exploded outside the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

The 64-story hotel is just off the famed Las Vegas Strip and across the street from the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping mall.

Kevin McMahill, sheriff of the metropolitan police department, said the incident was reported this morning.

“There is one deceased individual inside the cybertruck, and I don’t know whether it is a male or a female at this time,” McMahill said.

“At this time, we are investigating a number of leads, and I’m not prepared to release any of that information to you just yet.”

“I can tell you that there are seven victims right now that sustained injuries from the explosion,” he added, describing the injuries as “minor”.

The cause of the explosion is not immediately known.

McMahill said the Cybertruck, a 2024 model, pulled up to the hotel’s glass entrance doors as smoke began emerging from the vehicle before a large explosion occurred.

The sheriff noted that officials are “very well aware” of the deadly New Orleans attack when a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd, killing at least 10 people.

The attack happened just hours before the Las Vegas incident.

McMahill said because of the timing, officials are taking all precautions to keep the community safe.

Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul who has become Trump’s close ally, debuted the groundbreaking Cybertruck with its futuristic steel design in 2023.

“A Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel—there are lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward with that,” McMahill said.

Musk said the company had never recorded such an incident and added that a senior team of investigators was looking into the case.