Politics
You Are Confused, Merely Experimenting – ADC Fires Tinubu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed credit for the Federal Government’s reversal of its plan to impose a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the abandoned policy as further evidence that the Tinubu administration is not sure of its decisions and is merely experimenting with governance.
The party recalled its October 31st, 2025, statement in which it warned the Federal Government that the proposed tariff would deepen the hardship already created by subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and soaring living costs.
ADC commended the Tinubu government for listening to the opposition’s advice but said that it was time the government started thinking through its policies before rushing to make pronouncements only to reverse itself shortly afterwards.
The full statement read: “Following our statement issued on October 31st, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is pleased to note that the Federal Government has heeded our call to reverse its ill-conceived decision to impose a 15 percent import duty on imported petrol and diesel products.
“While we welcome the decision of the government to reverse itself on the wrong-headed policy, we are concerned that this reversal is about the seventh occasion in two years where this government would announce a policy or decision and immediately reverse itself.
“As we noted in our statement reacting to the planned tariff, the “new levy is likely to push the pump price of petrol beyond N1,000 per liter. If this happens, life will become even more unbearable for families, commuters, transporters, farmers, and small businesses already struggling under the weight of fuel subsidy removal without social protection and currency devaluation without safeguards.”
“We also queried why the government was contemplating taxing imported fuel without first ensuring local capacity for production.
“We find it quite interesting that these are the very reasons the government has given for reversing itself, which makes us wonder if any critical thinking and impact analysis happens in this government. What has become clear, however, is that President Tinubu is running a government of trial and error that is merely experimenting and bumbling through.
“It is even more disturbing to see different agencies and officials of government singing discordant tunes on the same issue, as evidenced in their explanations for the tariff reversal. While one agency announced that the implementation of the policy was merely postponed, another said that it was no longer in view. This shows a government that is confused, unsure, and dangerously working at cross purposes. Nigerians deserve better.
“We urge the Tinubu government to realize that public office is a responsibility, not a laboratory. The ADC will continue to stand firmly with Nigerians and speak out against any decision that threatens their wellbeing.”
The Senate has asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), from his office.
As reported by Nigerian Tribune, the Senate committee on finance, while passing a resolution in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, accused Magaji of failing to honour the upper legislative chamber’s invitations to account for the finances of his agency.
Senator Sani Musa, the chairman of the committee, said:
“He (Magaji) refused on so many occasions to honour our invitation to appear before this committee.
“We have issues with the reconciliation of the revenue of CAC.
“Each time we invite him, he gives us excuses.
” Magaji was appointed to this position by President Tinubu on October 13, 2023.
As the registrar-general of the CAC, Magaji is expected to work for the development and regulation of corporate affairs in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Wednesday night, February 25, formally urged the Senate to begin the process of amending the 1999 constitution to provide for the establishment of state police, declaring that Nigeria must urgently restructure its security architecture to confront terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with the leadership and members of the Senate at the State House, Abuja, the president stated that the time had come for lawmakers to “start thinking” about embedding state policing in the constitution to enable governments at subnational levels better secure their territories.
The Nation quoted President Tinubu as saying:
“Nigeria is extremely challenged, we are facing terrorism, banditry, insurgency, but you never failed to make a right response to these calls.
“What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear.”
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party have called on the National Assembly to commence a fresh process to amend the Electoral Act.
Speaking on behalf of the opposition at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, NNPP National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, urged federal lawmakers to expunge all objectionable provisions contained in the Act.
Prominent opposition figures at the meeting included former Senate President David Mark; NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Also in attendance at the Lagos/Osun Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, were the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alongside other stakeholders.
Others present included Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, among several dignitaries.
The Bayelsa state house of assembly has approved the appointment of Peter Akpe as the deputy governor of the state.
Akpe, a pastor, served as chief of staff to Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, prior to his nomination.
Ordained clergy by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Akpe has had a career spanning the civil service and politics.
He served in the Rivers and Bayelsa state civil services before transitioning fully into politics.
Akpe was a two-term member of the Bayelsa state house of assembly from 2011 to 2019, serving as majority leader throughout his stint in the legislature.
He also served as commissioner between 2008 and 2011 under the Seriake Dickson administration.
The approval clears the way for his swearing-in as deputy governor.
Akpe’s appointment follows the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the former deputy governor, who passed on last December.
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