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Tag: BUHARI

  • Akeredolu, lawmaker eulogise Buhari at 76

    As President Muhammadu Buhari marks 76th birthday on Monday, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo and Rep. Umar Bago have called for prayers to support the president’s resilience in nation building.

    Akeredolu sought the support and prayers of Nigerians for Buhari to enable him serve the country better.

    In statement by Mr. Olusegun Ajiboye, his Chief Press Secretary, Akeredolu
    joined millions of Nigerians to congratulate Buhari on his birthday.

    Akeredolu also congratulated Nigerians for having Buhari as their president at this difficult time.

    He expressed confidence that the president was celebrating his 76th birthday with calmness, love and robust service to his fatherland.

    He said the president’s commitment to the development of Nigeria as the largest black African nation was increasingly yielding the expected results.

    “I am soliciting more Nigerians’ support and prayers for the President to enable him to serve the country better,” he said.

    On his part the lawmaker described Buhari as a committed progressive concerned with the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

    Bago in a statement commended the president for his political commitment in the ongoing fight against corruption, insurgency, cattle rustling, and sectarian crisis.

    According to him, such positive development will continue to provide enable environment for the country’s growth.

    ” Mr President has succeeded in repositioning the country for the better, especially in the areas of security, transportation, roads construction, agriculture and diversification of the economy.

    ” President Buhari has proved beyond reasonable doubt to be honest, sincere and committed to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, irrespective of political, tribal and ethnic differences.

    ” Our dear nation still has more to reap from his wealth of experience and deep wisdom in its journey to greatness.

    ” I am pleased to join your family and other well-wishers in thanking God for blessing you with the strength and wisdom to live a fulfilling life of honest, commitment to the well-being of all ordinary Nigerians, “he told President Buhari.

    ” At 76, your contributions to national growth have remained undiminished as you continue to fearlessly lend your strong voice and strategic support to the genuine efforts toward making our nation great.

    “I pray that God will still keep you longer to play greater role in the stabilisation of our country. Your life has been one of great sacrifices for the unity and progress of our country.

    ” From your days as a military head of state to a civilian President, you envisioned a great nation where everyone will be well accommodated and freely pursue his or her aspirations.

    “For this, you have worked, and still working to keep Nigeria united and Nigerians happier through democratic governance.”

  • 2019: Buhari opts for low-key campaign

    •Bars MDAs, security agencies from making contributions

    •Atiku bides time for campaign in Northeast, Southeast, South-South

    •PDP governors cautious over campaign funding

    CAMPAIGN FUND LIMIT

    • Presidency N1b
    • Governorship N200m
    • Senate N40m
    • House N20m
    • Assembly N10m
    • Chairman N10m
    • Councillor N1m

     

    In line with the state of the economy, President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) may run a low-profile campaign for 2019 presidential poll.

    The delay in inaugurating the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) was last night said to be part of the new style of Buhari.

    Also, it was learnt yesterday that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is bidding time for his campaign in the Northeast, Southeast, and the South-South.

    Abubakar was yet to secure the buy-in of some stakeholders and leaders in the Southeast and South-South in spite of a recent reconciliation night shuttle to Governor Nyesom Wike.

    The Northeast is rated as the stronghold of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Findings by our correspondent revealed that the President is trying to cut campaign cost to prevent ministers and public officers from diverting resources of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to electioneering.

    It was gathered that Buhari has banned all those who will campaign for him from approaching MDAs for cash unlike what obtained when a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke allegedly sourced over N23.9billion for the failed re-election project of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The President has also directed all security agencies, especially the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to stay away from politics and using scarce resources to fund campaign.

    According to investigation, the President is looking at a timeline of one month to the poll for his campaign to save cost.

    A source in the presidency said: “For the first time in the history of elections in Nigeria, President Buhari may set a new template with a low-profile campaign strategy. He wants to live by example and put in place a new cost template for campaign. APC will not embark on a jamboree.

    “With the state of economy, the President is of the opinion that using huge scarce resources for elections is wasteful. His experience of how PDP blew hard-earned oil revenue and funds meant for arms procurement on campaign made him to opt for a cost effective method.

    “He also believes that his achievements in office will speak better for him. This is why he thinks that character and achievements will determine the 2019 poll.

    “When the campaign takes shape, Nigerians will know which party is spendthrift or prudent.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “There is a standing instruction for all MDAs and chief executive officers/ directors -general not to divert to or use their allocations for his re-election campaign.

    “So, anyone who diverts the funds of his ministry or agency to Buhari’s campaign might need to pay dearly for it.”

    As at press time, the list of the members of the Presidential Campaign Council of the party has been finalized.

    “The President may release the list after he has laid the budget,” another source added.

    Apart from Buhari, most governors have been cautious in deploying state resources to campaign.

    A governor said: “With some of our colleagues now in jail and a few more to join them after completing their tenure, most of us are unprepared to take the risk of pumping state resources into election financing.

    “What we prefer to do is for each governor to manage his state for his party and mobilize support the party’s presidential candidate.

    “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is not helping the situation with its monitoring of campaign finances and surveillance on banks, including high volume of transactions.

    “All these party leaders will not be there tomorrow when you cease to be a governor and you are put in the dock for trial. Caution is now the name of the game.”

    Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar is bidding time for his campaign in the Northeast, Southeast, and the South-South.

    Although he ought to have made campaign shuttles to the three zones last week, Atiku deferred it to secure the buy-in of some stakeholders and leaders in the affected areas.

    One of the critical stakeholders is Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who Atiku and other PDP stalwarts went to beg penultimate Friday.

    Wike had resigned as the South-South Coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council until Atiku and PDP leaders made a nocturnal trip to Port Harcourt to persuade the governor to rescind his decision.

    A party source, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Atiku technically suspended his rallies to take stock, put formidable structures in place in the Northeast, Southeast and South-South.

    “The truth is that some PDP governors and party leaders in these three zones have still not shown much commitment to our presidential project. But Atiku has done well in carrying everyone along and he tried to heal wounds in the process.”

    In his response to The Nation’s enquiry, Paul Ibe of Atiku Media Office, said: “The rallies were only rescheduled. The outstanding three zones of Northeast, Southeast and South-South would be held this coming week.”

    He avoided questions on the challenge which made Atiku to alter his schedule by suspending his campaign shuttles to the three zones.

     

  • Group endorses Buhari

    The Nigeria Peoples Voice (NPV), a nonprofit, non-political movement, has thrown its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term ambition.

    Giving this hint yesterday was the president of NPV, Ambassador Ade Babalola. He spoke during the inauguration of the Lagos State chapter.

    According to him, the NPV, which is an association of progressive-minded people drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country, has no affiliation whatsoever with the existing 91 political parties but whose mission is to lead the vanguard of those desirous of creating a society where social justice, rule of law, respect for citizens, economic prosperity is the order of the day.

    Going down memory lane, Babalola recalled that successive governments under the military era, including Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, instigated the socio economic downturn which prevails till date.

    Specifically, he said, unlike General Yakubu Gowon who left enduring legacies, the duo of Obasanjo and Babangida-led governments left the country worse than they met it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Boko Haram’s end is now – Buhari

    Towards flushing out Boko Haram and other insurgencies in Nigeria and the neighboring countries, an extra- ordinary meeting of Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Benin met in Abuja on Saturday.
    President Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting insisted that the war against Boko Haram and other insurgencies must be won now.
    Those at the meeting included the Chadian President, Idris Deby Itno, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, and Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, who represented President Paul Biya.
    The meeting, which is a follow up to a similar meeting held in N’djamena, the Chadian capital last month, was convened for the adoption of a report of the LCBC security and defence committee on the Boko Haram insurgency.
    Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Buhari, who is the chairman of the LCBC, said the adoption of the report of the committee would bring a dynamism into the fight against the insurgents.
    Stressing that the Boko Haram war must be won, he said, the time has come for evil of the Boko Haram to be brought to a definite end.
    He said “Today’s Meeting is in continuation of our joint efforts to address the prevailing security challenges in our sub-region after our meeting on 29th November, 2018, in N’Djamena.
    “Your participation in today’s summit, in spite of your tight schedules, is a clear demonstration of the resolute commitment that we all attach to the fight against our common enemy, Boko Haram, and the restoration of durable peace and security to our sub-region.
    “Your Excellencies would recall that during our Summit in N’Djamena, the need to overhaul our current strategy and concept of operations in the fight against the Boko Haram Terrorists took the Centre Stage of our discussions.
    “This was necessitated by the resurgence of attacks, particularly on the military, and the abduction of civilians for ransom across our borders by Boko Haram with the support of international terrorists who have infiltrated our sub-region.
    “Our meeting today will consider the report of the Committee we set up during our last Summit on the way forward. I thank the Committee for meeting the deadline assigned to it and I hope that their recommendations will bring a new dynamism in the fight against Boko Haram and their international affiliates.
    “The Lake Chad region has suffered decades of neglect and poor infrastructural development, the Boko Haram crisis in the last eight (8) years has worsened its already bad situation. We must take cognizance of the fact that sustainable growth and development of the sub-region is dependent on the quick attainment of peace and stability in the area.
    “We must put an end to the crisis in the sub-region to enable meaningful development for its people. We must remain resolute and committed in our collective efforts at attaining peace as well as eradicating terrorism and violent extremism from the sub-region.
    “The time has come for the evil of Boko Haram to be brought to a definitive end. I am sure that this summit will take the right decisions in this regard. This is a fight to the finish. We must, and we will, by the grace of God, wipe out terrorism from our sub-region.” he said
    While executing the war against the Boko Haram terrorists, he urged the leaders not to be oblivious of the fact that military may not provide the desired results alone.
    According to him, there is the pressing need to pursue simultaneously both military and developmental approach to the challenges of the region.
    He added “We will work towards strengthening of Civil-Military Cooperation in the fragile areas of the region to accelerate the implementation of the Regional Stabilization Strategy.
    “Our military strategy must be complemented by the mobilization and deployment of adequate resources to ensure the reconstruction, rehabilitation and rebuilding of civil authority, as well as the provision of relief and succor for the affected.
    “The Inter Basin Water Transfer project to recharge the disappearing Lake Chad would also go a long way in the restoration of sustainable peace and security to these areas.”
    Buhari also paid tribute to the gallant troops who have remained focused and committed to the task of ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
    He also urged the troops to remain steadfast in executing the war with the highest sense of honor, professionalism and patriotism.
    Buhari went on “To our esteemed partners and the larger international community, we appreciate your valuable support and contributions in helping with the resultant humanitarian crisis. We thank you for intelligence sharing and operations in our determination to defeat Boko Haram and its affiliates.
    “We, however, solicit greater cooperation and additional assistance to the LCBC/MNJTF to completely end the menace of Boko Haram and eradicate it from the sub-region. Such an outcome would add to global peace and security.” he said
    At the end of the meeting, a communiqué would be issued on the new strategy to be adopted in the fight against Boko Haram.

  • Buhari to govs: economy in bad shape, tighten your belts

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told the governors of the 36 states of the federation that the economy of the country was in a bad shape.

    The President met with the governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja for about 30 minutes.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari, said the President told them to tighten their belts.

    He said, “Mr. President, as usual, responded by telling us that the economy is in a bad shape and we have to come together and think and rethink on way forward.

    “So, Mr. President talked to us in the manner that we have a task ahead of us, so we should tighten our belts and see how we can put Nigerian economy in the right direction and how we can address the nation’s infrastructural decay.

    “So, all of us as leaders, especially those that are coming to the National Assembly and those coming back as governors and the president who will be re-elected by God’s grace, we should not think that things are going to be easy.

    “It is going to be harder than before. This was the message of Mr. President.” he said

    On the meeting of the National Economic Council, the governor disclosed that the Council deliberated extensively on new ways state governments could generate additional revenues for speedy economic growth and development.

    Asked what the decision on the N30,000 new minimum wage was, Yari declined to confirm whether the meeting with the president discussed the issue of the proposed minimum wage or not.

    The Minimum Wage Negotiation team had recommended N30,000 as the new wage while the governors had earlier rejected the committee’s proposal and the N24,500 proposed by the federal government, saying that they will only pay N22,500.

    The NGF chairman also disclosed that the President at the yesterday’s meeting lamented how the previous administrations under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party caused the nation’s infrastructure decay despite huge oil revenue.

    Yari said: “He wondered about what happened in the past; that for the 16 years of the now opposition party, the PDP in power and with oil at 2.1 barrels per day at an average of $100, many infrastructure are in bad shape.”

    Yari said that the President said he was going to open a vigorous campaign and “these are key issues that he is going to raise with Nigerians so that they can weigh their choices.”

  • Pensioners hail Buhari 

    Some retirees, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, applauding his administration as the best they have seen in 14 years of the pension scheme.

    In a letter dated December 10, 2018, signed by the Chairman of the union, Comrade Sylva C. Nwaiwu, the pensioners said they were registering their “unanimous acknowledgement and commendation of the good performance” of the administration in the Contributory Pension Scheme sector in particular, and Nigerian Pension Industry in general.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that the union disclosed that the consensus was reached during the union’s 3rd Post-inaugural Congress/Interactive Session with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) held last month in Maitama, Abuja.

    Distancing itself from partisan politicking, NUPCPS said the union was made of “elder statesmen and women who must stand for the truth, no matter whose ox is gored,” adding: “We owe no one any apology for expressing the truth we know about the good works of your administration.”

    The union said further: “Your administration inherited huge pension liabilities as a result of the excesses and recklessness of the previous administration which mismanaged pension funds meant for the payment of retirement benefits. Nevertheless, your contribution in just a few years in office is one of the best we have seen in the 14 years of the existence of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in our nation.

    “Your insight, determination, political will and commitment as demonstrated in the release of bailout funds to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerian workers/pensioners is unequalled and highly appreciated by the union and other stakeholders.”

    The union urged President Buhari to “complete the good work you have started” by authorizing  additional bailout to clear the outstanding backlog from last year.

  • Buhari tasks Nigerians on tolerance ahead of 2019 election

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday urged Nigerians to preach tolerance and peaceful co-existence ahead of the 2019 general election.

    He made the call while receiving a group known as the National Network for Community and Youth Development (NNCYD) led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed.

    He said that doing so was a responsibility of all citizens of the country, who have a task of stopping selfish politicians from exploring the windows of religion and politicians to achieve their ill motives.

    The President commended the NNCYD for promoting peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions and political parties in Nigeria.

    He said “The fact that you are crossing religious, political and ethnic boundaries in your engagements is praise worthy. Now we are in the season of political campaigns unfortunately some people will attempt to take this opportunity to propagate their hateful agenda.

    “Therefore it is our collective responsibility to also step up by preaching tolerance and understanding.

    “As a government we are doing our best but we need non-governmental organisations like the National Network for Community and Youth Development to also support us in delivering the message of peace and unity after all we only have one Nigeria, our only country.” He said.

    Commending the group for its good work, he said the country needs more of such good groups, in order to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among citizens of the country.

    He however lamented the dangers involved in the spreading of rumours through the social media, which he said was meant to reshape the world.

    He said: “In the past decade the world has seen some fundamental structural changes, a good example is the digital and cyber revolution that is still reshaping the world as we all know.

    “In many instances, this development positively impacts billions across the globe however; on the contrary, the same platforms are used as tools to propagate divisions and hatred. Nigeria is not isolated from these influences.

    “We are seeing rising instances where social media platforms are being used to propagate hatred, through religious, political and tribal groups. These spiteful message that insight violence and are posted by a handful of unpatriotic people anonymously.” he stated

    On behalf of the group, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the organisation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed said the National Network for Community and Youth development aims at enlightening citizens of the country on the need to love one another, love the country and identify with good governance.

    He said the group had since identified President Muhammadu Buhari as a champion of integrity and it will continue to support him.

    Ahmed said though corruption is seriously fighting back, President Buhari should maintain the fight, adding that with the support of few who are committed to the fight, he will surely succeed.

    He said “At this point in time, Mr President, we have actualized our objective, established a first alliance foundation for positive change. This is in line with our realization of the fact that for so long this country has been govern under false pretenses.

    “In our quest to make sure that Nigeria wake up, we come and submit ourselves that we will rather persevere with temporary pains of following the path of truth rather than enjoying the comfort of deceit and falsehood in perpetuity.

    “This is why at this point in time, we freely submit ourselves to the wonderful strides that you represent in this country: integrity and commitment to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians. This we did without being apologetic to anybody because we in Nigeria, if we did not come together to face the reality of adjusting the false life, and I can tell you I have been in government for quite sometimes but really, what we use to do must give way to the reality of our situation.

    Read Also: Buhari challenges governors on infrastructure development

    “In doing that we are bound to suffer, but the suffering for bringing integrity in this country is better, that is why the intellectuals here from the universities on their own, cooperating with the honorable members and partnering with our Christians brothers and sisters all over the country, we are determined to see that this country is changed for the better.

    “The internalization of good things of life do not come with ease. That is why I said, this, country having gone through this rough path, we are a country in a hurry, people forget the past easily because sometimes they may not have known the past. Anybody who does not know the past will enjoy and dance for today, thereby, perpetually giving up his future.

    “But we will not allow this to go on because we are Nigerians we must come together and do the correct thing. Even if it is one, two or three things that we continually do correct, we will definitely entrench a change in the system.

    “We give you the necessary support because we know that you are a man of integrity, we know that you have insisted on doing things right in governance.

    “Sir, this particular gathering, having been with them in the last five years, I can attest to the fact that at least, fifty percent of us are committed to seeing that the right thing is done and that you return elected in 2019.

    “We commend your fight against corruption, but we have seen that it is also fighting back. If you can have even few people doing doing the right thing irruption and other vices will be forgotten sinner or later.” he said

  • Economy in bad shape, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has told Governors of the 36 states of the federation that the economy of the country was in a bad shape.

    The President met with the Governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja for about 30 minutes on Friday.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari said the President told them to tighten their belts ahead.

    On what the President’s response was, he said: “The President responded by thanking and telling us that the economy is in bad shape and that we have to come together and thinking and rethinking on way forward.”

    Read Also: Buhari, governors meet in Aso Rock

    He also said that the governors thanked the President for releasing the Paris club funds to them without any discrimination.

    In attendance at the NEC are David Umayi (Ebonyi),Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Nasiru El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi).

    Some Deputy Governors are also in attendance including the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mannir Yakubu.

  • Buhari, governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with the 36 states governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which started around 12.40p.m, was held at the Council Chamber.

    The governors were in Abuja for the extended National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Buhari, had on Nov.19, held similar meeting with representatives of Nigerian Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the same issue of national minimum wage was deliberated upon.

    Representatives of the Governors forum, who met with the president over the issue then, included governors of Zamfara, Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu, while the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige was also in attendance.

    The Amal Pepple Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage, had on Nov. 6, submitted its report to President Buhari where it recommended N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

    While receiving the report, the president expressed his commitment to ensuring the implementation of a new national minimum wage and pledged to transmit an Executive Bill (on National Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    However, the 36 state governors had since expressed reservation over the proposed N30,000 new minimum wage by the Amal Pepple committee, saying the state governments were not in a stable financial position to pay the new minimum wage.

    The Chairman of the Governors’ forum and Governor of Zamfara, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari, had on Nov. 15, told newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting of the governors in Abuja that payment of N30, 000 wage was not practicable.

    The meeting with the President was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Pensioners hail Buhari

    *Describes his administration as best in 14 years of contributory pension scheme

     

    Some retirees, under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, applauding his administration as the best they have seen in 14 years of the pension scheme.

    In a letter dated December 10, 2018, signed by the Chairman of the union, Comrade Sylva C. Nwaiwu, the pensioners said they were registering their “unanimous acknowledgement and commendation of the good performance” of the administration in the Contributory Pension Scheme sector in particular, and Nigerian Pension Industry in general.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that the union disclosed that the consensus was reached during the union’s 3rd Post-inaugural Congress/Interactive Session with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) held last month in Maitama, Abuja.

    Read Also: Abe to court: declare me APC candidate

    Distancing itself from partisan politicking, NUPCPS said the union was made of “elder statesmen and women who must stand for the truth, no matter whose ox is gored,” adding: “We owe no one any apology for expressing the truth we know about the good works of your administration.”

    The union said further: “Your administration inherited huge pension liabilities as a result of the excesses and recklessness of the previous administration which mismanaged pension funds meant for the payment of retirement benefits…Nevertheless, your contribution in just few years in office is one of the best we have seen in the 14 years of the existence of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in our nation.

    “Your insight, determination, political will and commitment as demonstrated in the release of bailout funds to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerian workers/pensioners is unequalled and highly appreciated by the union and other stakeholders.”

    The union also urged President Buhari to “complete the good work you have started” by authorizing additional bailout to clear the outstanding backlog from last year.