By Halimah Olamide
For the first time the Federal Government formally responded to allegations that it is relocating the Nigerian capital to Lagos.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said on Sunday that Nigeria will not progress with incessant misinformation.
“It is not true that the relocation to Lagos of the Headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are political moves aimed at marginalising a section of the country.
“These allegations are unfounded; Instead, these are pragmatic administrative steps to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
“I would like to urge all Nigerians to be especially mindful of all persons and groups at home and abroad, who specialise in making false and inciting claims on radio, TV and social media, as well as in peddling altered videos and images for viral dissemination.
“It is for this reason that we have produced the Nigerian National Values Charter (NVC), a documentation of the social contract between Government and the citizens, as one of the ways to restore a national sense of hope, trust and solidarity,” Idris said.
The Minister also stated that as part of this focus on earning the trust of Nigerians, the fight against corruption would continue with intensity.
He said Tinubu is determined to ensure that there are no sacred cows, and that public funds are applied wholly for the public good.
Idris added that the president is providing the anti-corruption agencies with the support required to fulfill their mandate.
The Minister said that citizens must continue to focus the abundant opportunities that presents themselves instead of only on challenges and problems.
He said that the country has continued to enjoy genuine enthusiasm for investment from local and foreign investors since the coming of the Tinubu-led administration.
“In the opening weeks of 2024, our Stock Market has already put us on the global map for the impressive returns being delivered.
“The Indian businesses that pledged $14 billion in new investment in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India in September 2023 have since started making good on those pledges.
“Across oil and gas, agriculture, consumer goods, renewable energy, healthcare, ICT and many other fields, we are seeing global and local businesses demonstrating unshakable belief in the limitless possibilities that Nigeria embodies.
“The heartwarming exploits of our beloved Super Eagles at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire are another case in point; a timely reminder that the things that bind us together as one are much deeper than the things that separate and divide us.
“Let us not forget what is truly possible: that instead of division and hatred, we can live and thrive in unity and hope, assured that, in spite of the temporary challenges and setbacks that we face from time to time, a glorious dawn is just around the corner,” Idris said.