Renewed Hope? Here are President Tinubu’s Key Decisions in 100 Days
Today, September 5, 2023, marks President Bola Tinubu’s 100th day in office. In the wake of his inauguration on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu’s presidency has been marked by a series of decisions and appointments that have shaped the direction of Nigeria. These decisions span a wide range of critical issues, from the economy to national security, and have elicited diverse reactions from the populace.
While the President left for India on Monday, September 4, 2023, to attend this year’s G20 summit, we take a look into the ten major decisions that have defined President Tinubu’s first 100 days in office.
Subsidy is Gone:
On May 29, 2023, during his inaugural address as Nigeria’s 16th President, Bola Tinubu’s comment, “subsidy is gone,” sparked panic and resulted in a sudden hike in petrol prices across the country.
Since his speech, the price of petrol has soared by over 140%, as the new administration remains resolute in ending the subsidy regime, which cost the government ₦4.39 trillion in 2022, according to NNPC Limited.
First Appointments:
Four days after assuming office, on June 2, 2023, President Bola Tinubu made two key appointments. The President appointed Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff and named George Akume as the Secretary to the Federal Government.
Unification of Retirement Ages of Judges:
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill unifying the retirement age of Nigerian judges from the High Court to the Supreme Court, as well as all judicial officers. The Act, which was his first legislation signed into law, sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria.
Electricity Act 2023:
Less than three months after former President Muhammadu Buhari moved electricity from the exclusive list to the concurrent list, President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, June 9, 2023, signed the Electricity Act 2023, his second piece of legislation since taking the oath of office.
The signed bill is a further step in the privatization of the Nigerian power sector, initiated on November 1, 2013, by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. With the new bill, states can generate and enact power generation and transmission laws.
Suspension of Godwin Emefiele:
On Friday, June 9, 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Since his suspension, the embattled former CBN Governor has been in DSS detention, facing multiple charges.
Student Loan Act:
President Bola Tinubu signed his third bill, the Student Loan Act on Monday, June 12, 2023. The bill, which was sponsored in 2022 by Femi Gbajabiamila, seeks to provide loans for Nigerians seeking to further their education in any of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Suspension of EFCC Boss, AbdulRasheed Bawa:
Five days after Emefiele was suspended, Bola Tinubu approved the indefinite suspension of AbdulRasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on June 14, 2023, to allow for a proper investigation into his “conduct while in office.”
Appointment of Special Advisers:
After the appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu appointed eight Special Advisers, the first set of individuals who will make up his cabinet on June 15, 2023. A month later, on July 11, he appointed 20 new aides.
Appointment of New Service Chiefs:
In a move that sparked mixed reactions across the country, President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, June 19, 2023, announced the immediate retirement of all service chiefs and their replacements. Service chiefs refer to the top-ranking military officers who are appointed to lead and manage the various branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Ministerial Nominees:
59 days after assuming office, President Bola Tinubu revealed his list of ministerial nominees, a day before the deadline of 60 days as provided by the law. On August 21, 2023, the President swore in 45 ministers who had been cleared by the Nigerian Senate.
