*We’ll fulfil all promises made to Nigerians, says Shettima
*Mourns islamic scholar, Sheikh Giro
*Announces $163m AfDB loan for wheat production
Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
A former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to be realistic with their expectations from the Bola Tinubu administration, because it inherited very difficult situation and challenges, particularly the economy, fuel subsidy removal, and security.
He stated this yesterday in Minna, Niger State, when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid a courtesy visit to him and another former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
Also, yesterday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, reassured the Nigerian people that their administration would fulfill all promises it made to Nigerians.
Shettima gave the assurance yesterday in Argungu, Kebbi State, while on a condolence visit to the family of the late Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Giro.
The Vice President, who visited the family of the late Islamic scholar on behalf of President Tinubu, also hinted that, the administration had obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production, adding that the scheme would be launched soon.
Abdulsalami, who congratulated Tinubu’s administration for marking 100 days in office as well as the minister on his appointment, said, “The information portfolio is a tough job, having to market the image of government at a difficult time. I do not, however, doubt your capabilities, considering your media background. I’m sure you will do well.
“The government faced a very difficult situation and inherited many challenges with the economy, fuel subsidy, and security. Nigerians, as a people, want changes to happen quickly. So, my message to them is they should join hands with the government to overcome these challenges.”
However, fielding questions from reporters during the visit to the two statesmen, Idris noted that paying homage to elders was part of the country’s cultural heritage, adding that the fatherly role that Abdulsalami and Babangida provided for the country over the years would continue to be appreciated.
He informed them of the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return Nigeria to its path of glory.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is always talking about using our diversity for prosperity, and that is the message the elder statesmen also echoed here. Nigeria is a very diverse country, and we should use that diversity positively for the progress and development of our dear nation,” he said.
At a different parley in Minna, the minister has also assured Nigerians that the current administration would continue to develop policies that promote national values and orientation among the citizens.
Meanwhile, Shettima who was in Argungu, Kebbi State to pay a condolence visit to the family of Giro, said, “I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the north in general.
“Late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar. He worked for God, he didn’t bother about things of the world. He lived a humble life. May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity.”
Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sumaila Mohammed, the vice-president re-affirmed the determination of the Tinubu administration to fulfill its promises, particularly in the agricultural sector, adding that food security would receive serious attention from government.
According to him, “We have obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme would be launched soon.
“We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with a cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production.”
In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu, Sumaila Mohammed Mera, said the Emirate was proud of the achievements of late Sheikh Giro, and prayed for the unity and progress of Nigeria, even he thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their support.
On his part, the National Leader of the Izala Sect, Sheikh Bala Lau, who received the Vice President on behalf of the family in company with other national executives, and thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their show of love.
