Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for president, has stated that throughout the campaign time he will not address “untruths and unpleasant rumours,” but rather actual concerns.
This was said by Mr. Tinubu, who is under investigation for his past, on Thursday in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, at a town hall meeting with representatives of the mining and agro-processing industries.
Questions about the 1993 money laundering case involving several bank accounts connected to the APC presidential candidate are being raised.
A certified copy of the decision rendered by an Illinois US District Court has reappeared on social media.
However, the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has disregarded the ruling, calling it unoriginal.
In his speech to the miners, Mr. Tinubu stated, “We shall (not) tolerate the desperate, meaningless efforts of others to participate in divisive identity politics and the spreading of untruths and nasty rumours,” though he did not directly address the issue.
“We, the APC, will continue to address the actual problems facing Nigerians and provide details on the policy solutions we plan to use to address them. We continue to be Nigeria’s best and exclusive hope for progressive good governance in this regard.
The former governor of Lagos State also assured the miners that his administration would look at PPP agreements in an effort to restart the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.
“Under a workable Public-Private Partnership framework, my government will secure the complete completion and functioning of the Ajaokuta Steel Company,” he continued.
He bemoaned the nation’s failure to make use of its natural riches and wealth. He said he intended to enhance the mining industry’s share of the GDP.
“Considering our hardworking, vivacious people and our enormous supply of land, water, and natural resources, few countries are as endowed as Nigeria.
Many economically viable solid mineral reserves exist in our beautiful country, including deposits of coal, limestone, iron ore, bitumen, lead, zinc, gold, and a variety of gemstones.
“In 2020, the sector of solid minerals made up less than 1% of our GDP. Every year, we must raise this sum. By implementing regulations that would stimulate investment for growth in that area, my government will develop the solid minerals industry, he claimed.
Mr. Tinubu was grateful to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for allowing him to express his ideas. He also praised the governor for his work on the state’s advancement and asked for its maintenance.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Sule said Mr. Tinubu’s interaction with the mining industry would also provide the chance to learn about the state’s economic potentials in mining and security.
He enumerated the commercially available solid minerals in the state, including lead, gold, barite, marble, and iron.
“I appreciate Asiwaju Tinubu for visiting our state and for coming to address our people’s questions,” Mr. Sule added. “Our people have always wanted to meet you to ask you questions and you are here to do that.”
The Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, hailed the Lafia town hall gathering as another important opportunity for the APC presidential candidate to interact with important state stakeholders.
Additionally, he said that Nasarawa state is home to sizable solid mineral resources that have gone unexplored and come with the associated insecurity brought on by illegal miners.