During a world press conference on Monday, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), revealed that Nigerians would soon gain insight into critical developments at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that have played a role in the nation’s current situation.
He announced the impending release of reports from a recent investigation into the activities and operations of the CBN.
Senator Akume also took the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu’s decisive actions concerning the CBN, emphasizing the significant impact these actions had on the capital market. He noted that experts had widely hailed this move as unprecedented in the past 15 years.
“We have a new team at the CBN, and a special investigator has been diligently working there for some time now. His report will soon be released, allowing Nigerians to understand what truly transpired and how we arrived at our current situation,” Senator Akume explained.
The SGF also addressed the issue of the upcoming independence celebration, emphasizing its low-key nature. He explained that this choice was in line with the government’s decision for a modest event, taking into account the prevailing economic challenges and security concerns, including banditry and kidnapping.
“Low-key celebration has nothing to do with whether we are not doing well. Economic times are hard. We are looking at it not just at the national level but also as a family. We have not invited world leaders. During the inauguration of the President, 53 world leaders were invited, so we have not invited any world leader,” Senator Akume clarified.
“Time will come when we will invite all the world leaders to celebrate Nigeria. So, for now, we don’t forget that during the inauguration of the President, world leaders were invited,” Akume said.
He concluded by noting that President Bola Tinubu had endorsed the idea of a subdued 63rd Independence Anniversary celebration under the theme “Nigeria @ 63: Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity,” acknowledging the current economic and security challenges facing the nation.
The programme of activities lined up for the 63rd Independence Anniversary included an anniversary symposium/public Lecture, scheduled for Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the State House Conference Centre, a lecture the following day at the National Mosque Conference Centre followed by Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1 pm.
There will be a presidential broadcast on Sunday, October 1, at 7 a.m.; an inter-denominational church service on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the National Christian Centre at 10:00 a.m. and a military parade on Monday, October 2 2023 at the Presidential Villa, at 9 am.