In a dramatic move, President Bola Tinubu has subtly taken aim at former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he praised former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, for his decisive role in thwarting the infamous third-term agenda.
Though Tinubu never directly named Obasanjo, the insinuation was clear. Obasanjo, who had been the mastermind behind the controversial attempt to amend the constitution and secure a third term in office, faced an unambiguous rebuke from the President during his visit to Enugu.
Acknowledging Nnamani’s pivotal role, Tinubu stated that Nnamani and his colleagues’ intervention saved Nigeria’s democracy from those who sought to derail it with the third-term agenda.
The town hall meeting in Enugu on Saturday was part of Tinubu’s official visit, where he met with South East leaders to discuss critical issues concerning the region’s development.
In the same breath, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail line, connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, a project that remains a key priority.
Tinubu also expressed firm support for the development of the Anambra Basin, an area believed to hold substantial energy reserves, including an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
This move, he assured, would drive Nigeria’s energy future forward.
The President responded to calls from various leaders, including former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Enugu State’ Chris Ugoh.
Nebo urged Tinubu to prioritize completing the remaining sections of the Eastern Rail line, emphasizing the link’s potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth.
Ugoh, in his plea, pointed to the untapped energy potential of the Anambra Basin, calling on the federal government to harness this resource not only for the Southeast but also for the Middle Belt and the North.
Security also featured prominently in discussions, with Onyemauche Nnamani, National Commissioner for the Police Service Commission, recommending modern security strategies for the region, similar to the advanced CCTV systems and surveillance patrol vehicles already implemented in Enugu.
Nnamani urged the government to reduce reliance on checkpoints and roadblocks, citing their inefficiency and the heightened risks to security personnel.
Responding to the calls, Tinubu assured that efforts were already underway to address these issues. “This is a work in progress,” he affirmed. “I inherited these critical problems, but I am committed to solving them.”
On the issue of energy infrastructure, Tinubu stressed that gas would be key in Nigeria’s transition from petrol. “We will invest in it, and we’ll do it together. I’m fortunate to have strong governors by my side,” he declared confidently.
With his leadership, Tinubu is charting a new path for Nigeria’s development, one where security, infrastructure, and energy resources are central to the country’s growth.
