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Tag: Abuja

  • Imams, Islamic scholars to Buhari: wipe out terrorist activities in Nigeria

    Imams and Senior Islamic scholars from the 36 states of the Federation at the FCT on Friday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to leave no stone unturned towards wiping out terrorists activities in the country.

    The group, who was led to the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja by Professor Shehu A. S. Galadanci, the Murshid, National Mosque Abuja, noted that apart from terrorists activities in the North East, there have been increasing kidnapping, raping and illicit drug consumption in other parts of the country.

    At the closed doors meeting, he also congratulated the President on his reelection as President of the country.

    A copy of the presentation to the President reads “In this verse Almighty Allah has clearly told the Believers; that it is He and He alone that gives power (Mulk) to whom He likes and strips off power away from whom He pleases.

    “He does what He likes and nobody has power to prevent the happening of what He does.

    “We thank the Almighty for gracefully and graciously placing Your Excellency in this exalted and elevated position as the leader, the President of this country. Thanks be to Him also for giving us this wonderful country with numerous bounties such as fertile land, minerals and human resources.” he said.

    Read Also; Buhari meets Imams, Islamic scholars in Aso Rock

    He went on “This group of ‘Ulama’ who represent the entire ‘Ulama’ in this country are here today to congratulate Your Excellency Sincerely for your overwhelming victory at the Presidential poll that took place a few weeks ago.

    “This victory, no doubt demonstrates that the desire of the majority of Nigerians is to ensure the continuity of your administration to the next level.

    “We pray that Almighty Allah will grant you the ability to continue with the excellent work you have been doing in the country

    “Your Excellency Mr. President praise be to Almighty Allah for giving you health, power, wisdom, courage, determination and fear of Allah to make possible for you to bring many changes in the country. The many projects you started have already yielded fruition.”

    According to him, many Nigerians, a few years, were only sleeping with one eye opened.

    Noting that they now sleep with both eyes closed due to the achievement of the administration in securing the nation, he said that there is still more to be done.

    He said “We thank you for these remarkable achievements. It is true, however, that there are still some pockets of terrorist activities in some remote areas, and we pray that Allah will continue to give you power to annihilate them and wipe them off completely.

    “We wish to request Your Excellency that a few additional terrorist activities that have started to spread in this country such as kidnapping, raping and illicit drug consumption, should be dealt with.

    “We hope you will deal with them in the same way you are dealing with Boko Haram.” he stated

    Noting the achievements of the administration in Agriculture, he said “We now produce what we eat and we eat what we produce.

    “What your government has been able to achieve are indeed numerous, and time may not permit mentioning them at the moment.

    “But a few more must be mentioned in passing: these are fighting against corruption providing infrastructural facilities such as roads, railways and waterways among others; these are conspicuously seen by all.“

  • Why I observe juma’at prayers in Villa – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said his decision to observe Juma’at prayers at the Presidential Villa and not the National Mosque in Abuja, is to prevent the constraints and inconveniences presidential movements may cause to the people.

    The President was responding to a request by a delegation of Imams and Senior Islamic Scholars from all States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory led by Prof. Shehu Ahmad Galadanci, the Murshid, National Mosque.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, explained: ‘‘Regarding your request for me to be attending Juma’at prayers in the National Mosque, I implore you to note that I personally started observing Juma’at prayers in the State House to reduce hardships which people may pass through.

    ‘‘As you all know, Presidential movements require roadblocks and other attendant restrictions, which could subject worshippers and other people to a lot of difficulties,’’ the President told the Islamic scholars who were at State House to congratulate him on his overwhelming victory at the February 23 presidential election.

    Read Also: I’ll leave Nigeria better than I met it, says Buhari

    President Buhari welcomed the counsel of the Islamic scholars on the teachings of the Prophet about the obligations of leaders towards their subjects, and vice-versa.

    The President thanked them for their prayers and support for his administration, assuring that the administration will leave no stone unturned in addressing the security challenges facing the country.

    Congratulating the President on his re-election, Prof Galadanci noted the victory demonstrated the desire of the majority of Nigerians to ensure the continuity of the administration to the Next Level.

    He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the President the ability to continue with the ‘‘excellent work’’ he is doing for the country.

    Highlighting noteworthy achievements of the Buhari administration in the area of security, agriculture and the fight against corruption, the leader of the group urged the President to remain focused while praying Allah to continue to give him the power to ‘‘annihilate and wipe off’’ pockets of terrorists in the country.

  • Alleged $40m fraud: Court to decide Jonathan’s cousin fate May 27

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled judgment for May 27 in the trial Robert Azibaola, said to be a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, on charges of money laundering.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba chose the date on Thursday after lawyers to the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses.

    Azibaola is being tried on a two-count charge, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He is charged with a firm, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, over allegation that he received $40million from the detained former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, retd, without any contract agreement.

    The prosecution, on January 23, 2017, closed its case after calling ten witnesses, following which Azibaola, who denied any wrong doing, testified in person and called a witness, Iyeryfama Jaja.

    The defence closed its case on February 6 after calling two witnesses – Aziboala and Jaja.

    On Thursday, Sylvanus Tahir (for the prosecution) and Chris Uche, San, (for the defence) adopted their final written addresses, following which Justice Dimgba adjourned for judgment.

    It is the prosecution’s case, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/ 113/2016, that Aziboala, while being the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) and a signatory to the Zenith Bank account of One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd, on or about September 8, 2014, took possession and converted the $39, 999, 958 out of the $40million, and transferred same to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd with Zenith Bank Plc Account No. 5070365750.

    It said the 40m was released from an account the Office of the National Security Adviser operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria, upon a transfer mandate Ref. No. 128/S.5LX/139, on the guise that it was meant for the supply of Tactical Communication Kits for Special Forces.

    The prosecution added that the defendants reasonably ought to have known that the fund was part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity by Dasuki, adding that they had by their action, committed an offence contrary to section 15(2), (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.

    Earlier, on March 29, 2018, the court partially upheld a no-case-submission made by the defence and struck out seven out of nine counts originally contained in the charge, which had Aziboala, his wife, Stella, and the firm as defendants.

    The court discharged and acquitted Aziboala’s wife on the premise that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie criminal charge against her.

    In his defence, Aziboala has consistently maintained that the money, okayed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was deployed to solve oil bunkering and pipeline destruction in the Niger Delta region.

    He told the court that the federal government, perturbed by the level of oil bunkering and the vandalization of oil facilities in the region, which he said drastically disrupted oil output and reduced the nation’s cash inflows, engaged his firm to implement strategies he said brought such economic sabotage to an end.

    Aziboala said the “assignment” that was handed to him through the ONSA, was discreetly executed, insisting that it achieved the desired result.

  • Tinubu is pillar of democracy, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has described All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a pillars of democracy.

    The accolade was contained in felicitations the President sent to the former Lagos State governor on the occasion of his 67th birthday.

    A Colloquium tagged: “The 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium”, is billed for today at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.

    It is to commemorate Tinubu’s birthday.

    President Buhari will chair the colloquium that has its theme as “Next Level Work for People.”

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President described Tinubu as one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

    He joined the APC family in celebrating the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for his selflessness in serving the country, and making life better for many.

    The President recalled some of the sacrifices of the party chieftain to include, standing up against injustice in 1993 when the June 12 elections were annulled, which led to his going on political exile for many years, and a protracted legal battle with the Federal Government when funds for Lagos councils were withheld.

    The statement reads: “President Buhari affirmed that Asiwaju’s uncompromising posture in the face of injustice and refusal to follow the path of least resistance for personal gains stand him out today as a rare breed and one of the cornerstones of Nigeria’s democracy, especially with his track record of persistence, consistency and effective leadership.

    Read also: Tinubu as reactionaries’ nightmare

    “As the father of modern Lagos State, the President commended the visionary and inclusive leadership style that the Asiwaju provided for the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria for eight years, laying the foundation for a modern and technologically driven city, and ensuring that every successive leader in the state sticks with the masterplan of a greater Lagos.

    President Buhari rejoiced with family members, friends, political and business associates of the Jagaban on this auspicious milestone, which is further brightened with the many successes recorded at the recently concluded polls by his strong leadership.

    “The President believed the best years of the APC National Leader are still ahead, praying that the almighty God will grant him longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the country he loves so much.”

  • Kaduna killings: coalition protests in Abuja

    Hundreds of indigenes of Kaduna State gathered in Abuja last week for a peaceful procession to bring to the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari and the international community what they called the horrendous attacks by herdsmen militia on many Adara communities in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

    Convener, Coalition Against Kajuru Killings, Rev. Fr Williams Abba said, “The latest death toll of this mindless carnage has already surpassed 130, with several communities reduced to rubbles, and setting the stage for a major humanitarian crisis that has so far displaced no fewer than 10,000 persons now living in four camps.”

    Dressed in black and displaying various inscriptions like “stop the Kajuru massacre now,” “why kill children?”, “Southern Kaduna needs freedom”, “end the bloodshed”, “Sanga lives matter”, “where is your humanity?” and “enough of the killings in southern Kaduna”.

    Addressing the crowd Rev. Fr Williams Abba said: “This peaceful procession today reveals our commitment to the restoration of peace in not only Adara communities, but other areas of Southern Kaduna and indeed Birnin Gwari now under siege by these criminal elements. We call on fellow Nigerians and the international community to mount pressure on the Nigerian government to come to our aid by ending the genocide that is rippling across Adara communities and other areas of Southern Kaduna where there is a resurgence of violence, such as Gerti and Sanga where no fewer than 12 persons have been killed by these rampaging herdsmen. Most disturbingly is the fact that while Adara Nation mourns, Governor El-Rufai rounded up and put in jail Adara leaders and elder statesmen, including the Waziri Adara who’s next in the line of seniority in Adara chiefdom on phantom charges.”

    He expressed sadness that the governor’s allegations over killings of Fulani is still an allegation that is yet to be proven, as he has neither shown the world the pictures of recovered Fulani corpses nor commenced investigation to prove his allegation.

    Abba said: “The Kaduna State Police commissioner recently debunked the death toll as announced by the governor, insisting that investigation into Fulani killings is still at “embryonic stage.”

    “The allegation by El-Rufai over killings of our brothers of Fulani extraction set the stage for reprisal killings and weaved the labyrinth of insecurity over the besieged Adara communities such as we are currently witnessing. Within the space of one month, we have been horror-stricken at the barbaric attacks carried out by these merchants of death against children, men, women, including the aged. Communities have been reduced to rubbles and insecurity now stalks these towns and villages unchallenged.

    Read also: Lamentations as stakeholders proffer solutions to KADUNA KILLINGS

    “The present spate of killings started on Sunday February 10, 2019 when herdsmen militia, without any form of provocation, attacked Ungwar Barde in Maro ward of Kajuru LGA. In that blistering attack, 10 persons, including a pregnant woman, were killed. To our shock and consternation, not a single word over the killing was issued by the Kaduna State Government. Five days after the attack, exactly on February 15, 2019, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on National Television disclosed that security agencies had recovered bodies of 66 Fulani killed by Adara natives. He was later to increase the death toll to 130.

    “We cannot remain silent in the face of these gruesome killings and deliberate agenda to annihilate Adara people whose only crime is being natives. The bourgeoning human carnage has the propensity of spreading to other areas of the state if not effectively checkmated. If we must save our shared humanity and salvage what is left of humankind, we need to close ranks and insist on relevant organs of government to perform their obligations without fear or favour.”

    The gathering prayed that Government should, as a matter of urgency, deploy more security forces into these hinterlands, including consistent aerial surveillance to track down the terrorists and consequently end the carnage.

    They said government at both Federal and state levels must muster courage and the political will to halt the incursion of these non-state actors adding that: “It is our firm belief that powerful retrogressive forces are funding and supporting these well-coordinated militia who come in and strike at our sleepy and peaceful communities and retreat without consequences.

  • BA treats Abuja passengers to classic lounge

    Premium passengers of British Airways (BA)  flying from Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, will be treated to royal reception before departure courtesy of Strong ground Delivery Services Enterprise (SDS) Lounge Services,  which has provided a world-class lounge for BA passengers.

    Unveiled in Abuja, at a ceremony graced by major stakeholders, the newly set-up Lounge is a replica of one at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where BA premium passengers are the treated to assorted cuisine and pleasure.

    Speaking at the cake-cutting ceremony, BA Customer Service Duty Manager ( Abuja) Mr. Jide Oladoye said BA customers deserve royal treatment. “They deserve it, and today marks a turning point for our customers, particularly our premium customers. Definitely, our passengers are going to relate with this experience. For a while now, they have been wanting great experience in our lounge.

    This is just the beginning,  because by the time we moved to the new terminal,  I’m sure we are going to even do better than what we are having here today “,said Oladoye.

    Federal Airport Authority Nigeria (FAAN) Regional Manager, Mr. Mohammed Sanni said SDS Lounge is the best of its kind.

    “This is a well-furnished, equipped lounge.

    Read also: Abuja Disco promises uninterrupted power supply in Niger

    “We pray they move to the new terminal where you will see a more improved facility passengers can enjoy. We have always insisted we should improve our facilities time to time for the comfort of our passengers.

    ‘’With this development, I ’m not surprised it has keyed in into our plans,” the Airport Manager, observed.

    FAAN Chief Security Officer, Abuja International Airport, Mallam   Mohammed Tijani Yakassa lauded the initiative. He said: “It ’s a good innovation. I’m really impressed with the way they changed the pattern of the Lounge.   Initially, the lounge was not as large as we have it now. The way it’s transformed now is very interesting.

    ‘’They have done a good innovation job here. Initially, the lounge is for BA. I think there is a cooperation between BA and SDS. Probably, the SDS are going to manage it for British Airways.

    “The British Airways passengers will be using it. Most of the passengers will be surprised, including those that have been using it. By the time they come back they will be surprised with the changes that has taken place, “ he said. BA Global Lounge Manager Mr. Lukasz Wyrzykowski expressed satisfaction with the new lounge under the management of SDS.

    “In Nigeria, we have our lounge in Lagos at the international airport and in Abuja. I’m impressed with what I see here. The lounge is beautiful. We have been operating in Abuja for about 20 years.

    ‘’We operate a daily flight, we operate first class. Therefore, we have many customers who expect to have a lounge before they go on board of our aircraft. We are working with SDS. We refurbished it to a very high standard. We have got beautiful furniture. We improve our catering proposition so that customers can enjoy; have something to eat before they go on board the flight; they can have a drink, they can have some wine, coffee and they have a selection of foods.

    “We have a real working partnership with the SDS in Abuja.

    ‘’They helped us to developed the lounge. I have seen the two terminals and  I’m happy they are looking great.

    ‘’At some point we will move to the new terminal and this will be massive improvement for our customers,“ Lukasz said.

  • Buhari inaugurates panel on state legislature, judiciary autonomy

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday inaugurated the Presidential Implementation Committee on Autonomy of the State Legislature and State Judiciary at the State House, Abuja.

    The inauguration, according to the President, was in line with the 4th alteration to the 1999 Constitution.

    The President disclosed that the 16-man committee is to be chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, while the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, will serve as Secretary.

    The President urged the committee to be meticulous and diligent in carrying out the assignment.

    When the implementation is done, the President said that it will ensure proper checks and balances.

    He gave the committee three months to complete the assignment.

    He said: “The setting up of this committee is necessitated by the realization that legislative and judicial autonomy are necessary pre-conditions for our democracy to endure.

    “We are committed to strengthening our democracy by ensuring separation of powers among the three arms of Nigerian government, even at the state levels. Furthermore, we have identified the need to sustain our constitutionally guaranteed federal system of government by building capabilities not only at the federal level but at all the federating units.

    “This committee has, therefore, been set up, as a major reform of this administration to ensure that the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at the state levels is maintained, pursuant to Section 161 of the 4th Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

    “The committee is thus expected to foster effective implementation of the autonomy constitutionally granted the state legislature and judiciary under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).  It is my hope that when this is done, there will be proper checks and balances, and the state legislature and judiciary shall be genuinely empowered to carry out their respective constitutional duties without fear of dominance and or marginalization.

    “The legislature, being the closest arm of government to the people, and the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, must both be seen to be sufficiently independent to perform their respective constitutional roles without any interference, let or hindrance.  In this regard, ensuring that these organs of government enjoy financial autonomy will further enhance their efficiency and independence.”

    In executing the national assignment, he said that the committee is expected to co-operate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the constitutional provisions granting autonomy to state legislature and judiciary without deviating from its approved terms of reference.

  • Buhari inaugurates panel on autonomy of state legislature, judiciary

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday inaugurated the Presidential Implementation Committee on Autonomy of the State Legislature and State Judiciary at the State House, Abuja.

    The inauguration of the committee, according to the President, was in line with the 4th alteration to the 1999 Constitution.

    The President disclosed that the 16-man committee is to be chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, while the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, will serve as Secretary.

    The President urged the committee to be meticulous and diligent in carrying out the assignment.

    The implementation of the committee’s assignment, the President said, will ensure proper checks and balances.

    He gave the committee three months to complete the assignment.

    He said: “The setting up of this Committee is necessitated by the realization that legislative and judicial autonomy are necessary pre-conditions for our democracy to endure.

    “We are committed to strengthening our democracy by ensuring separation of powers among the three arms of Nigerian government, even at the state levels.

    “Furthermore, we have identified the need to sustain our constitutionally guaranteed federal system of government by building capabilities, not only at the federal level, but at all the federating units.

    “This committee has therefore been set up as a major reform of this administration, to ensure that the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at state levels is maintained, pursuant to Section 161 of the 4th Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

    “The Committee is thus expected to foster effective implementation of the autonomy constitutionally granted the state legislature and judiciary under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “It is my hope that when this is done, there will be proper checks and balances, and the state legislature and judiciary shall be genuinely empowered to carry out their respective Constitutional duties without fear of dominance and or marginalization.

    “The Legislature, being the closest arm of government to the people, and the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, must both be seen to be sufficiently independent to perform their respective constitutional roles without any interference, let or hindrance.

    “In this regard, ensuring that these organs of government enjoy financial autonomy will further enhance their efficiency and independence.”

    In executing the national assignment, he said that the Committee is expected to cooperate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the constitutional provisions granting autonomy to state legislature and judiciary, without deviating from its approved terms of reference.

    The terms of reference, he said, included:

    “a) To assess and review the level of compliance by all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended);

    “b) To monitor, ensure and cause the implementation of financial autonomy across the judiciary and legislature of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and other applicable Laws, Instruments, Regulations, and Conventions howsoever providing for financial autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary at the State tier of Government;

    “c) To consult and relate with the appropriate Federal and State MDAs, including but not limited to the Governors Forum, Accountant General of the Federation and those of the States, the National Economic Council and other institutions of State to ensure and, where necessary, enforce the implementation of Constitutional provisions;

    “d) To come up with appropriate modalities or model to be adopted by all the States of the Federation for implementation and/or compliance with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended);

    “e) To advise on other measures that are deemed necessary or incidental to the fulfilment of the aims of the Committee to attain the full purport of this assignment.”

  • Police detain two officers for allegedly killing NSCDC personnel

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) says it has taken into custody two of its officers who allegedly killed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Nyanya, Abuja.

    Late Ogar Jombo, an Assistant Superintendent of the NSCDC, was allegedly killed on Wednesday in the presence of his wife and children, when he was stopped by the policemen for alleged violation of traffic rules.

    The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Bala Ciroma, who confirmed the arrest and detention of the officers to the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident.

    Read also: We didn’t kill any suspect in Ondo, says NSCDC

    “There was a fracas between the senior officer and the policemen, we have commenced investigation and we will not know what really happened until after the investigation,’’ Ciroma said.

    NAN gathered from a relation of the deceased, who pleaded anonymity that the late Jombo was taking his children to school in the morning when the unfortunate incident occurred. (NAN)

  • El-Rufai ends accident rumour, arrives Nigeria

    Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday evening ended the rumour of his involvement in a fatal accident, which allegedly claimed life of his driver on the spot.

    El-Rufai, according to his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, arrived Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Wednesday afternoon wearing a cheerful face.

    Rumours were rife in hush tones that El-Rufai was involved in an accident.

    The rumours, however, became louder last Thursday when it was reported the governor was injured and his driver dead instantly.

    But, El-Rufai who reacted to the rumour, attributed it to the opposition party members.

    He said he was neither in coma nor was his driver dead as being speculated.

    El-Rufai, on his official Facebook page, wrote: “I woke up after a rare 8-hour bout of deep sleep to learn that some bigotry-driven, PDP-affiliated fake news platform has declared my driver dead and my humble self in coma. Both claims are false.

    “I thank them for reducing the days in their lives and adding them to mine.

    “I remain their permanent nightmare and not about to disappear from their wretched and corrupt lives any time soon by the Grace of Almighty Allah, until they are permanently retired and buried.”

    But despite the rebuttal, another round of rumour spread he was in coma in a hospital in Germany.

    Aruwan, in a short Facebook post this evening, inferred the Governor’s arrival has ended the rumour, asking the mongers to proceed to the next issue.

    According to him: “Ever smiling and cheerful Governor Nasir El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Next story!”

    His post was accompanied with two photographs showing the Governor smiling while pulling his luggage.