Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for president, has stated that during the campaign period he will not address “untruths and ugly rumours,” but rather real issues.
This was said by Mr. Tinubu, who is under investigation for his past, on Thursday in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, at a town hall meeting with representatives of the mining and agro-processing industries.
Questions about the 1993 money laundering case involving some bank accounts connected to the APC presidential candidate are being raised.
A certified copy of the decision rendered by an Illinois US District Court recently reappeared on social media.
However, the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has disregarded the ruling, calling it unoriginal.
In his speech to the miners, Mr. Tinubu said, “We shall (not) tolerate the desperate, meaningless campaigns of others to participate in divisive identity politics and the promotion of untruths and ugly rumours,” though he did not directly address the issue.
“We, the APC, will continue to address the actual problems facing Nigerians and provide details on the policy solutions we plan to use to address them. We continue to be Nigeria’s best and sole hope for progressive good governance in this regard.
The former governor of Lagos State also assured the miners that his administration would look into PPP agreements in an effort to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.
“Under a workable Public-Private Partnership structure, my administration will ensure the full completion and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company,” he continued.
He bemoaned the nation’s inability to make use of its natural resources and endowment. He said he intended to increase the mining industry’s share of the GDP.
“Considering our hardworking, vivacious population and our enormous supply of land, water, and natural resources, few countries are as endowed as Nigeria.
Many commercially viable solid mineral deposits exist in our beloved country, including deposits of coal, limestone, iron ore, bitumen, lead, zinc, gold, and a variety of gemstones.
“In 2020, the sector of solid minerals made up less than 1% of our GDP. Every year, we must raise this sum. By implementing regulations that will stimulate investment for growth in that area, my administration will develop the solid minerals industry, he claimed.
Mr. Tinubu was grateful to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for allowing him to express his ideas. He also praised the governor for his work on the state’s advancement and asked for its maintenance.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Sule said Mr. Tinubu’s interaction with the mining industry would also provide the chance to learn about the state’s economic potentials in mining and security.
He enumerated the commercially available solid minerals in the state, including lead, gold, barite, marble, and iron.
“I thank Asiwaju Tinubu for visiting our state and for coming to answer our people’s questions,” Mr. Sule added. “Our people have always wanted to meet you to ask you questions and you are here to do that.”
The Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, described the Lafia town hall meeting as another important opportunity for the APC presidential candidate to interact with important state stakeholders.
Additionally, he claimed that Nasarawa state is home to sizable solid mineral deposits that have gone untapped and come with the associated insecurity brought on by illegal miners.
If given the opportunity, Mr. Lalong promised that Mr. Tinubu would directly address concerns relating to the mining industry.
“Tinubu is a man with a spotless record of overcoming obstacles. We are fortunate that he is available to serve our nation at this time, he said.
However, Mr. Tinubu was tasked by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu to prepare for the task of leading Nigeria to the promised land.
The state, according to Mr. Adamu, is rich in mining potential.
Tanko Al-Makura (APC-Nasarawa South), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Mines and Solid Minerals, called for the unbundling of the mining industry in his remarks to encourage greater participation in the industry.
He stated, “I have sponsored a Bill on the Nigeria Mineral Development Corporation that has passed first and second readings in the Senate as the Bill, if passed, will stimulate the mining sector.
He also urged Nigerians to get more interested in mining given its significance for societal and personal advancement.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the forum was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as Governors Aminu Masari of Katsina State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Dimeji Bankole, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Emir of Lafia, and Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), Chairman of the Nasarawa Council of Chiefs.
About Author
