The Presidency has categorically refuted allegations suggesting that the Tinubu-led government is contemplating relocating Nigeria’s capital from Abuja to Lagos.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, emphatically dismissed these claims and addressed the underlying motives of those propagating such rumors.
Denial and Accusations:
In a statement shared via his official handle, Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu has no intentions whatsoever of shifting the Federal Capital to Lagos.
He characterized those circulating the rumors as dishonest individuals, highlighting their tendency to champion ethnic and regional causes solely to garner attention.
Onanuga asserted that the campaign of falsehood is a politically motivated endeavor, potentially endangering the delicate balance between the North and the South.
Abuja’s Legitimacy and Legal Foundation:
Stressing the permanence of Abuja as the capital, Onanuga underscored its legal backing.
He reminded the public that attempts to discredit Abuja’s status had surfaced during the campaign last year but were unequivocally dismissed.
The Special Adviser emphasized that Abuja’s establishment is firmly anchored in law.
FAAN Relocation and Administrative Decisions:
The recent relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos prompted the statement, with Onanuga defending the move as an administrative decision aligned with the authority’s mandate.
He clarified that the transfer of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos, particularly those dealing with commercial banks headquartered in the city, should not be sensationalized.
Onanuga argued that regulatory bodies should be in proximity to the businesses they oversee.
Parastatals and Geographic Mandates:
Onanuga pointed out that numerous parastatals operate outside Abuja based on their specific mandates.
He cited examples like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which are situated in locations reflecting their roles.
The Special Adviser questioned the rationale of opposition to the movement of FAAN and certain CBN departments, emphasizing the need to avoid politicizing administrative decisions.
Appeal for Responsible Discourse:
Concluding the statement, Onanuga urged against politicizing administrative decisions and cautioned against the propagation of dangerous rumors.
He appealed for a cessation of divisive politics, emphasizing the need for responsible discourse rather than creating distractions to undermine a southern-led administration.
Politics
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