THE ICIR
ON May 29, President Bola Tinubu took the oath of office as the 17th leader of Nigeria after taking over from former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Upon assuming office, he has taken actions that his supporters say are good for the country and signal great things Nigerians will enjoy from his administration.
Today, Saturday, June 17, marks 20 days since Tinubu became president. The ICIR looks at the president’s actions in his first 20 days in office.
Subsidy removal
Delivering his inaugural speech on May 29, the President promised to unify the nation, create opportunities for all, revamp the economy, improve security and create jobs.
His speech delighted many Nigerians until he announced that “fuel subsidy is gone.”
He said his predecessor did not provide funds for subsidy in the budget to enable him continue to support the citizens on what they pay for petrol.
Shortly after announcing an end to the subsidy regime, fuel stations across Nigerians shut their gates to motorists, intending to hike the price immediately.
Two days later, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLtd.) raised the pump price by about 200 per cent.
The hike triggered a commensurate rise in transport fares and the costs of some basic needs.
In his Democracy Day address on June 12, Tinubu promised to invest gains from the subsidy removal on power, roads, healthcare, education and others for the common good.
Order on DSS to vacate EFCC office in Lagos
The first directive by the President, on May 30, was for the Department of State Services (DSS) to vacate the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The DSS had reportedly shut down a building at No. 15A Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, where the two organisations had shared offices for over 20 years.
Reports claimed shutting the premises prevented the EFCC from accessing the facility.
In a statement it shared on its official Twitter Page, the DSS could not explain why it shut the premises. But it said it did not block the EFCC staff from accessing their offices.
The Service also argued that it had no rift with the anti-graft agency.
Appointment of aides
In his first major appointment, on June 2, the President announced the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his Chief of Staff.
He also announced the immediate past minister of Special Duties, Benue State, George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Request for 20 special assistants from the Senate
On June 6, the Senate approved the President’s request for 20 special advisers.
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, read the President’s letter concerning the request at the Red Chamber.
Lawan said, “Because there is no name for special advisers, we will just approve it from here. We feel that that this is something of utmost urgency.”
The Senate approved the request after a voice vote during plenary.
Signing of bill harmonising the retirement of judges’ age
On June 8, the President assented to a bill to increase the retirement age of judicial officers in the country to 70 years.
