In a recent session with journalists in Iyin Ekiti, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed that the Federal Government is set to go after economic saboteurs who have contributed to the challenges faced by Nigerians.
Bamidele, who is also the Chairman of the Southern Senators Forum in the ninth National Assembly, on Monday outlined the government’s commitment to addressing economic issues and announced the plan to prosecute those responsible for acts of economic sabotage.
The Senate Leader in a press statment on Tuesday expressed concerns about the activities of individuals who manipulate exchange rates, contributing to the devaluation of the Naira and making it difficult for Nigerians to access their money in banks.
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He emphasized that the government would take decisive action against those involved, charging and prosecuting them for their acts.
Bamidele stated, “All these will take place next year. In the long run, those who mopped up the Naira and Dollars from the markets will face the consequences of their actions.
Those who mopped up the Dollars to keep commodity prices high will not escape justice.”
He also highlighted the government’s plans for the economy, including significant investments in agriculture and agro-allied industries.
Bamidele assured Nigerians of a renewed era of hope, development, progress, and prosperity, citing various initiatives by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Providing updates on the 2024 appropriation bill, Bamidele announced that the National Assembly would pass the budget on December 30, aiming to sustain the January-December budget cycle.
He explained that lawmakers would cut short their holidays to ensure the speedy passage of the budget and emphasized the determination to have the appropriation bill on the President’s desk for assent by January 1, 2024.
Responding to concerns about the removal of fuel subsidies, Bamidele acknowledged the immediate impact on Nigerians but defended the decision, stating that the subsidy removal was in the best interest of the people.
He criticized the subsidy regime for benefiting only a select few and causing economic bleeding. Despite the short-term challenges, Bamidele expressed optimism that the decision would stabilize the economy in the long run.
He concluded by acknowledging the hardships faced by Nigerians due to drastic economic decisions but expressed confidence that, with time, the economy would stabilize, and the government’s measures would lead to positive outcomes.
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