The Government of President Bola Tinubu has asked the governors elected on the platform of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who called on him to resign, to keep their mouths shut.
In a statement today, February 18 in Abuja, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu’s government reminded the governors that he has been battling to clear the mess created by the 16 years of the PDP’s administration.
According to the statement, the PDP held sway in Nigeria at a time of windfall but failed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Tinubu government accused PDP governors of abandoning the works for which they were elected but decided to distract him through a call for his resignation.
“The call (on Tinubu to resign by the PDP’S governors) is nothing but an attempt at distraction by people who should instead be busy supporting the President’s efforts at bringing economic relief to the Nigerian people.
“It is our considered view that the PDP and its Governors should not be seeking, through the back door of intimidation, what they have consistently failed to achieve by democratic means, since 2015.”
The minister said that the state governors have all benefited from huge financial support since the inception of the Tinubu administration, regardless of party affiliations.
“To whom more has been given, more is therefore expected. The President and his administration recognises the unfinished business of revamping our national economy, kick-started by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, through programmes focused on large-scale infrastructure, social welfare, prioritizing the equipping and welfare of the military and security agencies, and reclaiming Nigeria’s strategic place in the comity of nations.”
The minister said that the Tinubu administration has tackled insecurity, with Boko Haram and its affiliates decimated.
According to him, the APC administration has cleared several liabilities left behind by the PDP government, including subsidy claims by oil marketers, Paris Club Refunds, unpaid pensions, gratuities, and salary arrears owed various categories of pensioners from liquidated and existing State-Owned Enterprises.

“These were some of the challenges met on ground by the present administration. We must continue to state these facts so Nigerians will know where we are coming from, and appreciate what is being done in its full context. President Tinubu is not and will never be overwhelmed by the current challenges the country is facing.
“He will not abdicate his responsibilities. He will courageously continue to wrestle with the challenges and surmount them, laying a durable foundation for the new Nigeria that is emerging.
“He has never shied away from acknowledging the pains of ongoing reforms, and has seized every opportunity to assure Nigerians that inside the pain of the reforms lie the seeds of lasting prosperity and national development.”
The minister advised PDP Governors to join hands instead of engaging in moves that are capable of distracting the president.

The Federal Government has shut down Sahad Store, a popular supermarket in the Garki area of Abuja for allegedly shortchanging customers by charging prices other than the price tag on the shelves.
The shut down was effected by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to relevant authorities to tackle factors responsible for the food crisis.
The enforcement was led by FCCPC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, who told newsman that the commission’s preliminary investigation confirmed that the management of the supermarket was short-changing customers.
He said that the store would remain shut until the completion of the further investigation.

Nigerian soldiers have arrested a middle aged man they described as “terrorist gunrunner,” Ahmed Acharif at Garin Dogo in Diffa Region of Niger Republic, with N31 Million in his possession.
This is even as soldiers burst into a weapon manufacturing factory in Pakachi Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A statement today, February 15, from the public relations department of the troops said that the terrorist gunrunner had confessed that he was coming from Arege in Abadam local government area of Borno State, with the money for some arms and ammo that were delivered to ISWAP.
The statement said that the suspect is currently in the custody of the National Guard in Diffa for further investigation.
Also, a statement from
the Media Information Officer of the
Operation SAFE HAVEN,
Captain Oya James said that the discovery of the weapon manufacturing factory was made by the Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN under HAKORIN DAMISA IV.
According to the statement the discovery came in the wake of clearing troubled regions of Plateau State from criminal activities.
“During the operation, a significant number of illicit firearms and related equipment were recovered and one suspect apprehended.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old male, suspected to be involved in the illegal activities at the factory. The alleged owner of the facility, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, is currently at large and efforts are underway to bring him to justice.
“Items recovered from the facility include:
– 5 AK 47 Rifles
– 4 AK 47 Magazines
– 11 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition
– 5 Rounds of 9mm Ammunition
– 21 Dane Guns
– 4 Revolver Rifles
– 11 Pistols with 5 Magazines
– 17 Gun Barrels
– 6 Rounds of 0.44 Inch Ammunition
– A Carbide Cylinder with Accessories
– 3 Saws
– 12 Filing Machines
– 4 Hammers
– 6 Manual Drilling Machines
– 2 Electrically Operated Filing Machines
– 2 G-Clamps
– One Spraying Machine
– One Tiger Generator
– Assorted Drilling Irons
“The suspect, Mr. Plangji, along with the recovered rifles and other items, are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.”
The statement said that the successful operation was a testament to the commitment of the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, in the fight against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within in communities.
“It also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding our nation from threats posed by illicit arms production and trafficking.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has turned down request by Setraco construction company, for a contract variation.
The minister made it clear that once a contract is awarded and the terms for the execution of such contract has been agreed on, the issue of variation would not be accepted, except if the contractor wants to be blacklisted.
He warned: “nobody will toy with us; nobody will try to outsmart us. We are not going to accept it. Of course, the Managing Director was there and he knows we are serious about it.”
The Minister, who spoke against the backdrop of a request by Setraco Construction Company for variation of the contract for the construction of the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, to include provision for streetlights, warned that the FCTA will not entertain such requests.
Wike said that the FCT Administration had earlier agreed with contractors on the funding pattern that will enable them to complete ongoing projects in the FCT by May this year, adding that the Administration has also made payments as agreed.
He said that the request for variation was therefore not tenable and stressed that the FCTA may be forced to blacklist contractors if they fail to complete the project within schedule.
“When I came on board, I had to call most of these companies and I asked them, would you be able to complete some of these projects so that as part of Mr. President’s one year, it will be inaugurated and they all agreed. We agreed on the funding pattern and I can tell you authoritatively, we have not failed.
“In fact, as far as that road is concerned (construction of Southern Parkway), we have paid not less than 97 percent. So, when I asked about the streetlight, he talked about variation. Of course, you know I will never accept that because we funded the projects very well without any failure on our own part.
“So, I’m still being categorically clear, there cannot be any variation on that project and if they don’t complete it on time, I’m going to blacklist the company. That is the truth of the matter.”
The project sites visited by the Minister include the Provision of Engineering Infrastructure to Guzape Lot II, Provision of roads and engineering infrastructure to the new layout and Diplomatic area as Phase II Contract of the ongoing Guzape Lot II District Infrastructure, as well as the full scope development of the Arterial Road N 20 from Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) also known as the Kubwa Expressway.
The Minister however, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and assured that the projects would be completed by May this year to mark the President’s one-year in office.
He said that the projects, when completed, will change the landscape of the FCT and ease road traffic in the city centre.
“We saw what Setraco is doing (Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road I). It’s quite comprehensive and that will change the landscape of that area and I’m happy with the quality of the job that the company is carrying out.
“Then we went to Guzape where Gilmor is doing. If you look at the Diplomatic area, it’s quite interesting. I’m sure people will like to live there. It’s a hilly area and it’s quite interesting the nature of infrastructure that Gilmor is providing.
“We then went to Guzape II where all of us climbed and saw the blasting of the rocks to pave the way for the road. I had never taken that look before. It’s to appreciate the enormity of the job. But to the glory of God, the company has committed itself that they will finish by May, and again we are happy.
“Then we are now in N20. You can also see the quality of work they are doing, the same Gilmor. For me it’s a thing to be happy.”