A former adviser to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal on Diaspora Affairs and an American-based businessman, Alhaji Saidu Ugonoh, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s proactive measures by making a sufficient budgetary allocation to fill in the gap occasioned by the freezing of USAID assistance to other countries including Nigeria.
President Tinubu, in the N54.99 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly, provided N700billion to fund terminated health support through USAID, as announced by the president of the United States, Donald Trump.
In a statement, Alhaji Ugonoh said the president’s decision was a clear indication that the country’s current leadership is prepared to confront any challenge and willing to act decisively in the interest of the citizenry.
According to him, rather than lament, the president has decided to take the bull by the horns. The American-based Nigerian politician pointed out that the country is blessed with competent and forward-thinking intellectuals, and “all that they need to make this country great is dynamic leadership that makes projections that would benefit everyone.”
“His Excellency President Tinubu didn’t wait, he didn’t lament, he got to work because he understands that he has a responsibility to Nigerians. He understands that he has an obligation to secure this country and protect it at all times.
“Nigeria is the most populated country on the African continent, and it should be seen as making giant steps at times like this.
“As the leader of the ECOWAS, Nigeria also needed to take that bold step because what was enjoyed in the past, which has become a subject of debate in the American parliament, was an aid, and the American government has a right to withdraw any aid. So, I commend the president of Nigeria for his ingenuity and preparedness.
” I call on the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of procuring all that Nigeria needs to fill in the gap created by the withdrawal of the American government.
” I commend the National Assembly for the legislative approval, and I urge Nigerians to continue to have faith in Nigeria and the Tinubu administration,” he said.
