The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said that President Bola Tinubu was “walking the talk” in his efforts to reposition the country and move it out of the economic doldrums.
He acknowledged the fact that during his campaign, the president had pledged to restore the glory days of Nigeria, dating that he has already taken a couple of decisions aimed at bolstering the economic activities of the country.
The president on Monday, September 11, made a stopover in the United Arab Emirates to resolve the diplomatic issue leading to the visa bam on the country.
The visit led to the lifting of the visa ban imposed on Nigeria and 19 other African countries in October 2022 by the government of UAE and the return of Etihad and Emirate airlines to the Nigerian route.
A statement by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Levinus Nwabughiogu said the deputy speaker was a section of Nigerian professionals in Sydney, Australia.
The deputy speaker commended President Tinubu on his move to restore the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Kalu expressed joy that the meeting between President Tinubu and his UAE counterpart resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers, recalling that the effects of both the ban and the stoppage of flight operations, while it lasted, were greatly felt on the economy.
While acknowledging the historic diplomatic and trade relationships between Nigeria and the UAE, the he expressed gratitude to the president for taking a proactive approach that saw him going to Abu Dhabi himself to discuss the issues with President Al Nahyan.
He also applauded the president’s efforts at bringing back old multinational corporations such as Volkswagen Motors to Nigeria, noting that the administration is committed to fixing the country for the good of all and sundry.
Kalu assured that the National Assembly would scrutinize the job of the executive in line with the constitution to prevent any attempt to sabotage the President’s efforts towards national development.
He said,
“As a private sector groomed President, the importance of industrialization and increased commerce has been placed on the front burner.
“Attempting to bring Volkswagen back is a step in the right direction especially now that the nation needs more jobs for our teeming unemployed youths.
“The road map is clearly spelt out by Mr President and he is following his action plans diligently. Truly, this is the kind of leadership the nation needs at the moment. He is focused. He is deliberate, proactive, and energetic in the pursuit of renewing our hope. Truth be told, there has been fresh air since he emerged.”
“The President is getting the job done. He is not just a coach but also a player in the ring to get the job done. We are impressed with what he is doing so far but it will not stop the parliament from scrutinizing the works of the executive to avoid anyone around the MDAs from sabotaging his effort for national development. So, over-sighting them is critical and we will do that. Generally, he has started well”.
