The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Augustine Ehikioya

  • Aisha Buhari condoles Pauline Tallen

    Aisha Buhari condoles Pauline Tallen

    The Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has expressed condolences to Mrs. Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau state, over the death of her husband, Elder John Katkwap Tallen, who died at 83.

    In a statement by the Director of Information, Office of the Wife of the President, Suleiman Haruna, she described him as an elder statesman, whose contributions to national development would not be forgotten.

    She was speaking during a condolence visit to the home of the late statesman, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    She prayed God to repose his soul and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Mrs. Buhari was received by the widow, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, and other close family members and friends.

  • Recession will end before December – Udoma

    Recession will end before December – Udoma

    The ‎Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, on Wednesday, said that the current recession in the country will end before this year runs out.

    According to him, the yet to be passed 2017 Budget has been structured to achieve the goal.

    He spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    He said: “Yes, we are determined to get the economy out of the recession before the end of this year‎. And the 2017 budget is structured to do just that.

    “So that is why we are anxious to get the budget passed so that we can begin the implementation and begin to take all the steps we need to get the economy out of recession,” he said

    He also disclosed that his ministry briefed the Council on the recently released National Bureau of Statistics Third Quarter GDP Report‎ and the full report on 2016.

    He added: “I also informed the council of the released of the Economic recovery Growth ‎Plan which is already on the website of the ministry of budget and national planning as well as the budget office.

    Senator-Udo-Udoma-1
    Udoma

    “We look forward to the early passage of the 2017 budget so that we can fast-track the implementation ‎of the plan. As you know the plan fed into the 2017 budget. So many of the initiatives in the plan are reflected in the budget.

    “With regards to the NBS report, as you are aware the fourth quarter of the economy contracted by 1.3 per cent which is ‎lower level of contraction than the previous year and which indicates that we are already turning and we are beginning to recover even though we are still in recession.

    “And the overall result was better than what many people projected. The IMF report had thought the GDP for 2016 was going to be -1.8 per cent and it turned out -1.5, so that’s better than expected but we are not out of the woods.

    “It is encouraging but we have to do and continue to do more to make sure that we get the economy out of the recession this year.

    “So we are encouraged but we are even more energised to put in more effort in agriculture which is doing very well to do even better. To put in more efforts in solid minerals to make sure that our infrastructure is revamped because that is what ‎will stimulate our economy if we continue in this way.

    “You saw yesterday (on Tuesday) the acting president went to break grounds for the railway from Lagos to Ibadan all the way to Kano.  As you know, the economic recovery and growth plan focuses on three objectives, one, is restoring growth and that is what we are determined to do‎.

    “Two, inviting in our people, our people are our greatest resource and three, building a competitive economy because ultimately the economy cannot do well unless it is competitive.

    “And as you know the five priorities areas that we have are:

    1. Stabilising the microeconomic environment.
    2. Achieving agriculture and food security.
    3. Ensuring energy sufficiency – power as well as petroleum products.
    4. Improving transportation infrastructure and,
    5. Driving industrialisation focusing on small and medium scale enterprises.

    “So we are determined, with this plan, to get this economy great again. We are determined that by the end of the plan to move from the negative growth that we experienced in 2016 to the growth rate of 7 percent by 2020,” he assured.

  • Osinbajo wades into bloody border clashes between three states

    Osinbajo wades into bloody border clashes between three states

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday intervened in the bloody clashes among border communities of Ebonyi, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

    The meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, dealt with the issues at the root of the crises.

    At the meeting were Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and officials of the National Boundary Commission.

    The not-so-cheerful men of the governors as they emerged from the meeting suggested that no amicable resolution of the disputes had been reached.

    Also, presidency officials prevented journalists from speaking to the governors, who also appeared unprepared to speak on the outcome of the peace meeting.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said that Prof. Osinbajo met with the Governors of Cross Rivers, Senator Ben Ayade; Akwa Ibom, Mr Emmanuel Udom and Ebonyi States, Mr Dave Umahi, alongside top officials of the National Boundary Commission, led by the Director-General, Dr Muhammad Ahmad, to review updates on boundary  and boundary demarcation issues.

    Recent reports showed that about 20 people were killed in a clash between people of Oku Iboku in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom and those of Ikot Offiong in Odukpani LGA in Cross River State over boundary demarcation.

    The people of Ikot-Offiong community had in the aftermath written a letter to the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris to investigate the activities of the soldiers and policemen posted to the area to foster peace.

    Also, Governor Umahi had appealed to the Federal Government to quickly intervene and provide a lasting solution in settling a similar boundary dispute between the people of Azuofia Idda in Ebonyi and Ohene in Cross River states, which had claimed many lives.

    He made the appeal when the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, briefed him on the outcome of the surveillance of the two communities at Government House, Abakaliki. 

    Umahi advocated a security meeting where the military commanders of both states and heads of other security agents would be in attendance.

    He had said that “the problem between Cross River and Ebonyi states is quite known and unfortunately, the problem of the boundary in our country is quite funny. Nobody is really taking any definite action”.

  • NEC demands review of foreign exchange policy

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to urgently review its foreign exchange policy.

    The NEC chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo noted that the current exchange rate which had adversely affected the prices of goods and services in the country is no longer sustainable.

    Naira presently exchanges for N510 to one Dollar.

    The Deputy Governor of Nassarawa State, Mr Silas Aghara, who was joined by his Rivers State counterpart, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and Minister of Agriculture, Mr Audu Ogbeh, briefed State House correspondents at the end of NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He also disclosed that the CBN’s Governor, Godwin Emefiele pleaded for time, patience and understanding of Nigerians in reviving the economy.

    He said: “After a brief presentation on Forex Policy options by the CBN Governor, Council members generally expressed concern over the current situation of the exchange rate and called for an urgent review of the current Forex Policy, especially the gap between interbank and the parallel market rates.  

    “The CBN Governor sued for patience and understanding, assuring that the situation is being closely managed.

    “At today’s council, we were only trying to encourage the CBN governor that given the general outcry in the country so that they can show understanding and patience with the CBN governor in what he is doing to revive the economy. Generally, we support the position of the CBN and we are calling on Nigerians to equally show understanding in what they are doing,” he said

    Adeosun disclosed that the sum of $250 million was approved by NEC to be injected into the Sovereign Wealth Funds, SWF.

    She said that the approval was made after adopting the report and accounts of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority presented by the Managing Director, Mr Uche Orii.

    Adeosun also hinted that the Excess Crude Accounts where the $250 million would be sourced stood at 2,458,382,844.03 as at February 15, 2017.

    She said: “Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Uche Orii presented a report to Council on the NSIA annual reports and accounts for the year ended 2015 and update on 2016 activities. 

    “In its report to NEC, Council members were informed that Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSWF) has the highest ranking in Africa in terms of performance and capitalization.

    “The report highlights, among others, the following: Financial performance 2014 to Q3 2016; Update and investment strategy on the NSIA; Future Generation Fund (FGF); NSIA infrastructure strategy and Agriculture Fund and NSIA – Old Mutual Real Estate Co-Investment Vehicle, among others.

    “NSIA outlook, among others, are as follows: NSIA plans to increase domestic infrastructure investment in 2017 as there are compelling opportunities in the environment.

    “NSIA will also focus on “Social Infrastructure” including investments in the form of affordable housing and healthcare through the development of specialist hospitals.

    “Council while adopting the report of the NSIA decided to inject a fresh $250 million into the SWF sourced from the ECA.

    “Minister of Finance reported to the Council that the balance in Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at USD 2,458,382,844.03 as at February 15, 2017.”

    Adeosun also told reporters that approval was given for appointments of members on the Board of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

    “Minister of Finance reported that a member each from the six geo-political zone has been nominated as follows: North-East  –  Mrs Halima Buba – Non-Executive Director, North West – Mr Bello Maccido – Non-Executive Director,
    North Central – Ms Lois Laraba Machunga-Disu – Non-Executive Director, South West – Mr Babajide Zetilin – Non-Executive Director,
    South East – Mr Urum Kalu Eze – Non-Executive Director, South-South – Mr Abue Ighodalo – Legal Practitioner with 10 
    years post qualification experience.

    “Council members unanimously adopted the nominations for onward consideration by the President for his final approval.”

    Giving updates on the budget support loan, she said that eight accounting firms had been contracted to start the verification process even as she said that the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma gave highlights of the plans to recover the economy.

    “Minister of Finance reported that Eight Accounting Firms have been appointed to start the verification process of the monthly Budget Support Loan Facility based on the approved Fiscal Sustainability Plan by the States.
     
    “Minister of Budget and National Planning assured the Council members that Federal Government has a recovery plan that will take Nigeria out of the woods.

    “Consultations on the plan are ongoing to firm-up the plan with clear roles for all the stakeholders and the States.

    “He told the Council that the plan addresses the following: Agriculture and food security; Energy sufficiency-power and petroleum availability; Improving transportation infrastructure; Industrialisation, SMEs, and manufacturing; Stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment,” she said.

    On his part, Ogbeh said that the Council was informed of the massive wheat production in the States of Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi and Zamfara among others.

    He said “States, however, appealed to the Federal Government to make plans for the purchase of excess wheat to ensure price stability and sustainable production.

    “Council agreed to discuss and make adequate buy-back arrangements in order to support price stability.”

    NEC had also on Thursday held a valedictory session for the Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko who was attending the meeting for the last time as his tenure expires next week.

  • Igbos should forget presidency in 2019 – Okorocha 

    Igbos should forget presidency in 2019 – Okorocha 

     Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Monday urged his people in the South East geopolitical zone to forget producing the next President of Nigeria in the year 2019.
    He made the remark while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting Acting President Yemi Osinbajo along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    According to him, all Nigerians should support President Muhammadu Buhari for four or eight years tenure in line with the zoning arrangement.
    He said: “What I do know is that Ndiigbo should talk about the presidency after President Muhammadu Buhari. I think we should support this government. President Muhammadu Buhari has a tenure to work for, four years or eight years according to the zoning arrangement and everybody should follow the zoning although I am not an advocate of zoning.
    He maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party is strong in the South East.
    He added: “We are trying to rebuild the party and redefine leadership so there will be no confusion. As to whether the APC in the South East is in disarray as the case has always been, we want to have a united party in the South East.
    “We are hopeful from all discussions that about two governors will be joining us in the South East to strengthen the party. Right now, we have agreed that Senator Ken Nnamani should take a lead of the party in the South East to enable us have a common understanding along with other leaders like Chief Jim Nwobodo.”
    On the denial that three governors in the South-East will join APC, he said: “I don’t think it is true, but if it is true it is probably because it is not time. It could be because I spoke when they were not yet ready.”
    Also speaking on the insinuations that he (Rochas) is not worth to be the political leader that the South East should follow, he said: “Leadership is not in question, we have agreed that Ken Nnamdi should lead. So, it is not about Rochas Okorocha, I am a governor.”
  • No going back on Abuja Airport closure – FG insists

    No going back on Abuja Airport closure – FG insists

    • Says damaged gear grounds Lufthansa for three days

    The Federal Government on Monday insisted that it is not going back on the closure of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja for six weeks for repairs to be carried out,

    Speaking at the 2nd Presidential Business Forum at the State House, Abuja, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi pointed out that the bad state of the airport is already affecting smooth operations.

    He was responding to the concerns of the negative impact of the closure of the airport by the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Frank Udenba-Jacobs, who made a presentation on behalf of the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

    The round table was a platform for interaction between the private sector and the government.

    Amaechi stressed that ministers will do the right things at the right time and will not put themselves in a position where they would be asked by Nigerians to resign over the Abuja Airport.

    He pointed out that Lufthansa has been grounded for the past three days due to damaged gear on landing at the airport.

    He said that the airport has outlived it’s 20 years live-span and is now 34 years.

    The work to be done, he said, is not repairs but complete re-building of the airport.

    According to him, the entire architecture of the runway from bottom to top has collapsed, stressing that it is totally unsafe to continue to use the runway.

    The minister also explained that the work cannot only be done at night.

    He said: “We are not going back on the closure of Abuja airport. I understand that ‎Lufthansa landed and damage their gear and have been here for three days. The runaway was built to last for 20 years but it has been in use now for 34 years.

    “We cannot do it only at night. We don’t want to loose anybody.  We are not repairing but rebuilding‎. If anything happens you will ask us to resign and we don’t want to resign,” he added.
    ‎
    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.‎

  • Osinbajo receives briefings on Gambia

    Osinbajo receives briefings on Gambia

    • Meets cabinet members

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday started performing his role as the Acting President of Nigeria.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, before proceeding on 10 days medical vacation in the United Kingdom on Thursday had informed the National Assembly that Osinbajo will perform the duties of the President in his absence.

    Osinbajo, who was in Davos when the President left the country returned to Nigeria on Thursday night.

    After some engagements in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday morning, Osinbajo returned to Abuja and perform some of his first functions as Acting President of Nigeria.

    According to posting on the Twitter handle of the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said that Osinbajo received updates on the situation in The Gambia.

    Osinbajo, he said, also received some cabinet members on Friday.

    The posting reads: “VP Osinbajo on return to Abuja receives update & briefings on the situation in Gambia & also briefings from a number of cabinet ministers.”

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  • IDP: Buhari’s wife condoles victims of erroneous bombing

    IDP: Buhari’s wife condoles victims of erroneous bombing

    The Wife of the President Mrs Aisha Buhari has condoled with the families and victims of the Rann in Kala Balge local government area of Borno state, on the erroneous bombing by the NAF fighter jet.

    A statement by the S A Media to the Wife of the President, Adebisi Olumide-Ajayi reads: “Her Excellencies thoughts are with the victims and families of the victims, and her fervent prayer is that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss, and that God continues to guide the Nigeria Armed forces and Her citizens in their bid to rid Nigeria of terrorism.

    “Being deeply involved with the IDP’s and having shared both sad and happy moments with them through her NGO Future Assured, Mrs. Buhari feels really pained by this unfortunate incident.”

  • Buhari regrets accidental bombing in Borno

    Buhari regrets accidental bombing in Borno

    • …Condoles with families of the dead

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness and regret over the accidental bombing of a civilian community in Rann, Borno State, by the Nigerian Air Force, engaged in the final phase of mopping up insurgents in the North-east.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari also condoled with families of the dead and wished the wounded divine succour, leading to full recovery.

    The President also sympathised with the Borno State government.

    He pledged federal government’s help for the state government in attending to what he described as “this regrettable operational mistake.”

    Buhari also pleaded for calm, as he prayed God to grant repose to the souls of the dead.

  • Buhari condoles Cubans over Fidel Castro’s death

    Buhari condoles Cubans over Fidel Castro’s death

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Cuba’s longest-serving president and revolutionary icon, former President Fidel Castro, aged 90.

    President Buhari, on behalf of the Federal Government, offered deepest condolences to Cuban President Raul Castro, and the people of Cuba on the passing early Saturday of the legendary leader, who served his people for almost half a century.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, assured the country of the sympathy and solidarity of all Nigerians it mourns the exit of this remarkable leader who against all odds stirred uncommon development in sports, education and healthcare sectors of his nation, even to the benefit of other nations.

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    Buhari was delighted that Fidel Castro lived to see improved ties with the United States.

    As a great friend to Africa, countries in the Global South and the Non-Aligned Movement, President Buhari believed that Castro’s place in history is assured, given his sustained successful commitment and towering role in the liberation and anti-colonialism struggles in Africa.

    He said that his prayers and thoughts are with Castro’s family, friends and many admirers as they go through this period of national mourning and exit of a truly admired selfless global leader.