The Federal Government on Tuesday vowed to “visit” forces bent on creating anarchy and destabilising Nigeria with Vice President Kashim Shettima accusing those who lost election and cannot wait till 2027 and are taking advantage of the hardship in the land to work for the downfall of the country through .
Vice President Shettima, who expressed concern over the actions of those with the intention of disrupting the country’s stability and plunging it into anarchy, spoke in an address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Public Wealth Management Conference organised by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) in Abuja.
Shettima stated that the forces that failed to attain power through legitimate means in the 2023 elections are now working to see Nigeria fall apart in their interests, saying: “We know the consequences of unveiling the masquerade. Forces are hell bent on plunging this country into a state of anarchy. Those that could not get into power through the ballot box, instead of waiting for 2027, they are so desperate. This country can fall apart as far as they are concerned. But we are going to visit them.
“Just a few nights ago, 45 trucks of maize were caught being transported into a neighbouring country. There are 32 illegal routes in that axis. At the moment when they were intercepted, the price of maize fell by N10,000, from N60,000 to N50,000. So there are forces that are hell bent on undermining our nation but this is the time for us to come together.”
The Vice President stressed the importance of unity during these challenging times, calling on citizens to “rally round our President, rally round our Governors, and rally round each other. We have the resources, we have the intellect, and we have the resources. I am assuring you that we have crossed the rubicon.”
Shettima also highlighted the resilience of Nigeria and Nigerians, emphasising that despite the efforts of these disruptive forces, the country will overcome any storm.
He acknowledged that Nigeria faces economic challenges, particularly in the foreign exchange sector, but he assured the public that the government is committed to addressing these issues.
Shettima stated that steps are already being taken to improve economic performance. “We are not altogether in a very bad shape than the FX challenge. All hands are on deck to address the FX challenge” he said.
The Vice President called for unity among Nigerians, stating that the shared identity and goals of the country were more important than any division. He emphasized that Nigeria has the necessary resources and intellect to overcome its challenges and make the nation thrive.
Shettima believes that the time had come for Nigerians to come together and work towards a better future for their country.
Shettima quoted President Tinubu as saying that the Federal Government has set a target of raising a minimum of $10 billion to bolster foreign exchange liquidity, a crucial factor in stabilising the Naira and fostering economic growth.
Central to this objective President Tinubu said is the efficient management of the Federal Government’s assets and investments to maximise their revenue-generating capacity. This includes a bold plan to double the GDP growth rate and significantly expand the GDP base within the next eight years.
President Tinubu acknowledged the longstanding issues of mismanagement and underutilization that have plagued the country’s assets, both domestically and internationally, resulting in substantial revenue losses that have impeded economic progress.
However, he expressed confidence in the newly restructured Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) tasked with overseeing and actively managing these assets, which will now take a leading role in addressing these challenges.
Transparency and accountability are highlighted as fundamental principles in this endeavor, with the President emphasizing the importance of enhanced corporate governance, strategic partnerships, and attracting alternative investment capital to drive higher returns.
The increased revenue generated will be earmarked for essential sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and power, with the aim of lifting millions out of poverty and fostering sustainable economic development and job creation, particularly for the youth.
President Tinubu stressed that the initiative goes beyond mere revenue generation, emphasising its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. By effectively managing public resources, the government seeks to build a more equitable society and unleash the full potential of its citizens.
He called upon all stakeholders, including Ministries, development financial institutions, and both public and private sector entities, to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated in optimizing these strategic assets.
The President expressed optimism that this collective effort will unlock Nigeria’s untapped potential and pave the way for a brighter future for all citizens.