There is currently chaos and confusion over the hurried introduction of “Brown Card”, a new document for permanent residency for foreigners in Nigeria by the immediate past government.

The innovation, which was announced by the former minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was packaged without the input of relevant agencies and stakeholders. Aregbesola made the announcement at the conferral ceremony for 385 foreigners.

However, there has been apprehension and confusion since the introduction as stakeholders are querying the hurried nature of the new policy. These worries revolve around the execution and the intention of this policy. A source close to the new administration disclosed that the policy is being reviewed.

Currently, there are reports of unscrupulous ISIS characters using the back door routes with ECOWAS passports from countries such as Guinea-Bissau thronging through West Africa. Who can key into this Brown Card.

It would be recalled that towards the twilight of the previous administration, many policies and bills were signed which are expected to benefit Nigerians in the long run.

However, this is one of those policies that is being revisited by the new administration to ensure that the interest of Nigeria, overrides the interest of a few.

The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Media Centre has urged Nigerian citizens to relax as the removal of the fuel subsidy announced by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, will not happen immediately.

The Centre, in a tweet said the development was neither a new one nor an action of his new administration.

“The public is advised to note that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that ‘subsidy is gone’ is neither a new development nor an action of his new administration.

“He was merely communicating the status quo, considering that the previous administration’s budget for fuel subsidy was planned and approved to last for only the first half of the year.

“Effectively, this means that by the end of June, the Federal Government will be without funds to continue the subsidy regime, translating to its termination.

“The panic-buying that has ensued as a result of the communication is needless; it will not take immediate effect.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu was clear about his plans to re-channel the funds previously devoted to the payment of subsidies into better investments that will cushion the effects of the removal on the general public, especially the poor of the poor. This includes but is not limited to investments in public infrastructure, education, healthcare and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and increase their earning potential,” the Centre said.

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29 work free to commemorate the inauguration of the 16th democratically elected President.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the Government.

The Minister felicitated all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide elections that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore enjoined Nigerians to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and uphold all democratic institutions.

“Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing and serve its end of being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people,” the Minister said.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.