The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • 2019: Buhari kickstarts campaign at 5pm

    President Muhammadu Buhari will today between 5pm and 8pm unveil what his presidential campaign council called ‘The Next Level’ to Nigerians at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The INEC Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 general elections indicated that formal campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections begin today, Nov. 18.

    Festus Keyamo, Director, Strategic Communications for the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, said the ‘Next Level’ is one of two documents the president will present today ahead of full blown campaign.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has decided to first showcase his achievements and projections for the next four years to Nigerians before the official flag-off of the campaigns.

    “The event for this presentation is tagged “THE NEXT LEVEL” which will take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 5pm to 8pm. It would be broadcast live from different T.V stations and will be a precursor to the official flag-off of the campaigns.

    “At the event, the President is expected to unveil two documents: one that will highlight his achievements in the last three and half years and will also contain other facts to guide supporters in the course of the campaigns; and the other document is titled “THE NEXT LEVEL”, which captures the projections of the Buhari administration in the next four years if given the mandate again by Nigerians.

    “A formal announcement as to the official flag-off of the campaigns would be made in the next few days,” the statement said.

    Ex Vice President Atiku Abubakar who is PDP presidential candidate will on Monday unveil what he called ‘People’s Policy Launch’ ahead of his campaign.

  • 2019: Buhari unveils ‘Next Level’, Atiku ‘People’s Policy’

    PDP candidate to launch document on Facebook Monday

    APC govs  gather in  Abuja for campaign today

    Party’s NWC meets Wednesday on campaign structure

    Analysis: Issues that will shape the contest

    All is set for the 2019 presidential battle with President Muhammadu Buhari launching his campaign tagged “Next Level” today.

    He is beating the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the game.

    The Presidential Candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar will on Monday unveiled his Policy Document.

    Also, the President may by Monday announce members of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Although the list of members of the Council was kept under wraps last night, our correspondent gathered that it may be chaired by the President who will be assisted by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, co-chairman and governors as coordinators.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi retains his portfolio as the Director-General of the campaign.

    This is coming as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today lift ban on campaign for 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Feb. 16, 2019.

    A statement by Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, INEC Director Of Voter Education and Publicity, yesterday in Abuja said that political parties which fielded candidates for both elections would commence campaigns across the country.

    Investigation by our correspondent show that President Buhari has adopted “Next Level” as the theme of his campaign in order to give Nigerians a peep of where he is taking the nation to in the next four years.

    It was learnt that all APC governors have been invited to the launching of “Next Level” at the Presidential Villa by 4pm today.

    As at press time, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha was busy with logistics for the launch which is being coordinated by the Vice President.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “Next level is the theme of President Buhari’s campaign. It is about the next set of ideas and programmes we are taking the country to.

    “The President will on Sunday reel out all his achievements; he will present his score card and manifestoes coded the “Next Level”.

    “The launch of Next Level is to prepare the ground for a nationwide comprehensive campaign. We will surely take the battle to the PDP and other parties.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has been constituted with the President as the chairman, supported by Osinbajo, many co-chairmen, APC governors, the National Chairman of APC, ministers including Adamu Adamu (Education) and Hadi Sirika (Aviation) and other party leaders like Farouk Adamu.

    “Hopefully by Monday, the list of the PCC members will be out. We have kept the list under wraps because we know PDP has been spying on us.

    “Even the launch of Next Level has caught many unawares because we felt we should beat the opposition to its game.”

    A source in the PCC of PDP said the party’s presidential candidate will on Monday unveil his Policy Document.

    Although Atiku was in Yola last night, he was being expected in Abuja on Monday to present his manifestoes allegedly drafted by a 400-man team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about three weeks ago.

    The source in PDP said: “The Policy Document is more of a farewell to disunity, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and underdevelopment in Nigeria.

    “It contains practical and measurable solutions to all problems facing this country.”

    Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC will meet on Wednesday on the setting up of a reconciliation committee and work on campaign structure for victory in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    A member of the NWC said: “We actually scheduled a meeting for Tuesday but due to the public holiday, we may meet on Wednesday.

    “The NWC will use the session to raise a reconciliation committee on issues arising from the primaries and how to keep the party united for 2019 poll.

    “We know there are some challenges but we will try as much as possible to appease the aggrieved in order to move forward.

    “We are expected to consider proposals for campaign structure in a manner that APC will be in good stead for a resounding victory in all the 36 states and the FCT.”

    The Next Level document obtained yesterday gave insights into Buhari’s new economic drive with employment as a major thrust.

    Some of the highlights include the following:

    *Engagement of 1m N-Power graduates

    * Skill up 10 million Nigerians under a voucher system in partnership with the private sector

    *Anchor Borrowers Scheme to support input and jobs to 1m farmers

    *Livestock Transformation Plan to create 1.5million jobs

    *Agriculture Mechanization Policy to create 5m jobs

    *Provision of $500m innovation fund to tech and creative sector to create 500,000 jobs

    *To train 200,000 youth for outsourcing market in technology, services and entertainment

    The document said: “Soft loans of up to N1m to small traders, artisans (carpenters, tailors, mechanics, hairdressers, barbers, plumbers, vulcanisers etc) and commercial drivers (Taxis, Keke, and Motorcycles).

    “Next level will take current number of 2.3million traders, farmers, artisans under Trader Moni, Market Moni and Farmer Moni schemes to 10million Nigerians under the People Moni Scheme.

    The President also pledged to raise power generation to 11,000 megawatts.

    The document added: “A minimum of 1,000 MW new Generation Incremental Power capacity per annum on the grid to bring a total of a minimum of 11,000 MW.

    “Distribution to get to 7,000MW under Distribution Expansion programme.”

    On security, the document indicated plans to “decentralize funding of police operations and foster true community policing by implementing direct transfer of funding to Police Divisions.

    “Execute the second phase of the Farmer-Herder and National Livestock Policy to end the decades-long conflict between farmers and herders.”

    He has also promised more inclusion in government.

    It said: “To achieve 35 % in female appointments. More youth appointment for boards, special mentoring programmes in governance with young graduates working with ministers and other senior government appointees.”

    On Education, there is a plan in the Next Level to “remodel and equip 10,000 schools per year.”

    Atiku to kick-start campaign with ‘people’s policy launch’

    In the meantime, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar will tomorrow kick-start his 2019 presidential campaign with an address to Nigerians on Facebook at 12 noon.

    Atiku will be using the platform to present his vision for Nigeria and his action plan to achieve it, as encapsulated in his policy document.

    A statement by the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation yesterday said the policy document will be uploaded on his website (www.atiku.org) for all Nigerians to access at no cost.

    The statement added that Atiku’s decision to kick-start his presidential campaign with the launch of his policy document is to reiterate his commitment to run an issue based campaign.

    “The intention is to take our policy directly to Nigerians and to register the belief of Atiku Abubakar that it will take the collective efforts of every Nigerian to rebuild the country. That is why we want Nigerians to access the policy directly and ultimately take ownership of it.

    “Our campaign offers a simple message: united, the people of Nigeria can begin anew, creating a prosperous and secure future and a better life for every Nigerian.

    “On the first working day of the campaign, the PDP and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar will put forward his plan to get Nigeria working again.

    “We have chosen to do this by having the PDP presidential candidate speaking directly to the Nigerian people on Facebook. This medium came about as part of the telecommunications revolution that he helped start as Vice President in 1999-2007.

    “We have also chosen to have our candidate speak online as it facilitates the ability for anyone to download a copy of his policy document at no cost, as we intend this to be the policy of every Nigerian.

    “Our policy document focuses on creating jobs, ensuring security, growing business, developing power and water infrastructure, agriculture and education and how we will empower women.

    “Our policies outline the goals and methods for developing and revitalising Nigeria as the foundation of our campaign.

    “This policy document is being launched to encourage a dialogue with the people of Nigeria, inviting everyone to join us in helping to get Nigeria working again.

    “The PDP presidential candidate looks forward to conducting vital discussions as he travels across the length and breadth of Nigeria, meeting and talking with stakeholders: farmers, small business people, workers, students, mothers, and children.

    “We recognise that this will be a vigorous and hard fought election. We are completely confident that with peaceful, free and fair elections, we will be victorious.”

    Buhari campaign groups ready

    The President Buhari support groups such as the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) is set to kick off the campaign with what they call the ‘Buhari Connect’ meant to showcase the achievements of the President in the last three and half years.

    The APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, told The Nation that the lifting of the ban by the electoral management body does not make it mandatory that parties should commence campaign immediately as they cannot determine for the parties when to start their campaigns.

    He said “Campaigns are not starting tomorrow (Sunday). What has happened is that the ban on campaign is officially lifted and parties are now free to begin their campaigns. You know, INEC can tell you when not to campaign, but they cannot determine for you when to start.

    “They have lifted the ban and parties are now free to go out there and openly campaign for the elections. Within the next one week, we will roll out our campaign plans.”

    Director of Strategic Communication of the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo (SAN) could not be reached for his comment on plans for the President’s campaign as calls to his phone and SMS sent to him were not answered as at the time of this report.

    The party and the campaign organisation were yet to constitute a formal campaign organisation as at yesterday 17 to carry on with the campaign.

    But the Buhari Media Organisation(BMO), one of the President’s support groups said it has lined up an open-air event to kick-start the campaign today at the Unity Fountain, Abuja where it intend to highlight and promote the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    The show, with the theme, ‘BUHARICONNECT’ and the slogan ‘THE PEOPLES PRESIDENT’, it said will attract Ministers, Governors and other top echelon of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    A statement by the Secretary of the organisation, Cassidy Madueke said the variety  show will also be an opportunity to highlight the achievements of President Buhari with testimonials from the beneficiaries of the administration’s Social Investment Programmes, including poverty alleviation, school feeding, Tradermoni, women empowerment, Anchor Borrowers and cash transfer programme.

    The show will also feature appearances by political leaders and top government officials at the event which kicks up at 1pm today.

    The INEC in a statement by Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, announcing the lift of ban on campaigns said that political parties which fielded candidates for both elections would commence campaigns across the country today.

    He said that the commencement of campaigns was in line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the INEC. He added that it was also in accordance with Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which provides that “the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”

    “Political Parties are expected to conduct their activities in an organized and peaceful manner, devoid of rancour, hate and/or inflammatory speeches.”

    He reminded political parties and their candidates that campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly would commence on December 1.

     

  • 2019: Igbo leaders’ endorsement of Atiku has no substance, says President

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the split within the Ohanaeze, Igbo socio-cultural group, over its reported endorsement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, did not surprise him.

    He made the remark while speaking at a meeting with a select group of South East leaders yesterday, at the State House, Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said that the moment the so-called resolution was announced, he got calls from well-meaning leaders from the region asking him to disregard it as it was without any substance.

    He said: “From that moment, I knew that the resolution would not stand, and alas, there it was.”

    President Buhari said his party, the All Progressives Congress, got it right from the very beginning that the major problems facing the country were mainly on security, corruption and economy.

    He said: “We have done so much. Given the chance, we will do more.  Given every chance, we will tell Nigerians where we were in 2015 and what we have achieved up to now.

    “We will not get tired of speaking about the golden opportunity Nigeria lost during 16 years of the PDP.  We earned money which we didn’t use.

    “The state of infrastructure we inherited was terrible – no roads, the railway was killed. They lacked conscience because anybody with conscience will not do what they did.  We will report them to Nigerians.  Let anybody lead this country but not the PDP.  They were so reckless with the resources of the country.

    “If you ruin the economy, send your children abroad to get education, won’t they come back?” he asked, adding: “I said it 30 years ago that this is the only country we have.  We must stay here and salvage it together.”

  • …UPP, Igboezue adopt Buhari

    The electoral support for President Muhammadu Buhari towards the 2019 general elections got a boost yesterday with the endorsement of his candidature by an Igbo group, Igboezuo, and the United Progressive Party (UPP).

    The national Chairman of UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, briefed State House correspondents after meeting behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the Igbo nation had put their eggs in one basket for too long and would not do it again in the 2019 general elections.

    He said that the Igbo had not benefited anything other than the benevolence of President Buhari in bringing some infrastructure to the South East.

    He said he decided to support President Buhari for 2019 in order to ensure Igbo presidency in 2023.

    Okorie, who is also the coordinator of Igboezue socio-cultural group, said: “It is not good that Igbo nation has put all their eggs in one basket for 16 years.

    “In spite of this, Buhari has not stopped the development of the region.

    “This is time to get them to earn Igbo presidency by voting for him in 2019.” he said

    Speaking on the Enugu declaration of some Southeast leaders for the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the UPP boss said that the adoption of Atiku was not done by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership.

    He said: “Only four founding members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo are alive today, and we have never met to endorse Atiku. We are poised to change the narrative.

    “Just as Zik and Igbo leaders led Igbo people into coalition in the First and Second republics, that is what Igboezue is determined to do now.” he stated

  • Buhari appoints CEOs, EDs of federal agencies

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of five chief executive officers and two executive directors of some federal agencies.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mr Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary (General Services) Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja yesterday.

    According to him, Mr Okechukwu Ukwuoma, Director-General, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), is re-appointed for a final term of four years with effect from July 22.

    Also, Prof. Victor Adetiloye, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, was re-appointed for the final term of four years with effect from September 22.

    Buhari also approved the appointment of Ambassador Abdul-Jalil Suleiman as the Director-General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), for an initial term of four years with effect from September 17.

    Also appointed was Dr. Bassey Abasi as Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, for an initial term of four years with effect from September 22.

    Capt. Junaid Abdullahi was appointment as the Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency (BDCA) with effect from September 22 for an initial period of four years.

    The President also appointed Mrs Mojoyi Dekalu-Thomas as Executive Director (Liability Management) of Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) for an initial term of four years with effect from September 20.

  • Again, Buhari assures of credible elections

    President Muhammadu Buhari has again assured of his determination to lay a foundation for free, fair and credible elections in the country.

    He was responding to a speech by a delegation of Imams and senior Islamic scholars from the 36 states of the federation at the State House, Abuja.

    According to him, a number of measures put in place have seen the gradual improvement of elections as in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, from what he described as “dismal and unacceptable levels witnessed in Rivers and Kogi states.”

    The President, in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said: “What I want to assure Nigerians of is that I will continue to pressure the police and other agencies to do their best to ensure a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections.”

    On the issue of security raised by some religious groups, President Buhari said he would continue to nudge security agencies to find lasting solutions, stressing, however, the need for community and religious leaders to play a part in identifying the criminals in their midst.

    He thanked the Muslim religious leaders for recognising the various achievements of the administration, especially in dealing with insecurity, fighting corruption and making progress in agriculture.

    The leader of the delegation, Dr. Khalid Aliyu, who is the Secretary General of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam, had lavishly praised the President’s achievements in key areas of his campaign in 2015, namely security, corruption and the economy.

    “So far, so good. Government has gone a long way in meeting its promises,” he stated.

  • My plans for Nigeria clear, on course, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that his vision and objectives for Nigeria are very clear.

    According to him, he is on course to achieving the objectives.

    Buhari spoke while receiving members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Rev. (Dr,) Samson Ayokunle, at State House, Abuja.

    In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said he was doing his best to fulfil his electoral promises of securing the country, fighting corruption and resuscitating the economy.

    He said that fighting corruption takes longer time, especially with the need to adhere to the rule of law.

    “It is on record that some cases initiated by the anti-graft bodies since 2003 are yet to be concluded. We will, however, not be discouraged.

    “Where monies have been recovered, such monies will not find their way back to the looters, as I have directed EFCC to account for every money it has recovered and put them in a dedicated account,” President Buhari said.

    Responding to the request of CAN for an overhaul of the intelligence gathering system, President Buhari said the burden of intelligence gathering involves everyone, especially  district heads, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and especially religious leaders who are very close to the grassroots.

    He said that bandits who are operating in various communities live among the people, as he enjoined leaders of thought in various communities to avail security agencies of information about criminals.

    President Buhari also told the visitors that he had assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the 2019 elections will be free and fair, as he has been a victim of  fraudulent elections and  beneficiary of  free and fair election in the past.

    “When I decided to put on this Agbada to see what the people are seeing in it, I tried three times, 2003, 2007 and 2011. But the fourth time, in 2015, I succeeded.

    “We thank God and technology in the form of permanent voters card and card reader, because what they used to do was to look at constituencies, award the votes and then they will say whoever didn’t agree should go to court.

    “When people are looking for what to eat, where do they have the money to go to court to pay the SANs?” President Buhari said.

    On farmers and herders clashes, President Buhari told the visitors that government was working towards finding a lasting solution to it.

    The CAN delegation had lauded the President for his efforts in fighting corruption, the initiatives to stem the tide of unemployment, the various efforts aimed at revamping the economy, the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and the implementation of the Bank Verification Number and the Treasury Single Account.

    They, however, called on the President, to ensure that the security agencies are non-partisan as Nigeria head to the 2019 elections.

    They also urged him to restore peace to troubled spots in Northern parts of the country, especially in the Garshish District of Plateau State, and institute a judicial panel  of enquiry to look into the killings in the North Central particularly the murder of Major General  Idris Alkali (rtd) and the Royal Highness of the Adara Kingdom in Kaduna, Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima.

     

    They also called on the President to ensure that Nigeria does not go back into recession, urgently resolve the issue of minimum wage and task the security agencies to ensure the release of Miss Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls still in captivity.

  • Rotary president hails Buhari, says I see great things happening in Nigeria

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been described as a good man who is passionate about the development of Nigeria and the progress of Nigerians. The President of Rotary International, Barry Rassin, who was accompanied by his wife, Esther, yesterday at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in an interactive session with reporters, as part of activities lined up for his maiden visit to the Niger Delta state, also stated that he could see great things happening in Nigeria.

    The interactive session was also attended by the Director of Rotary International, Yinka Babalola, who was also accompanied by his wife; the Governor of Rotary Club’s District 9141, consisting of Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta states, Adeyemi Oladokun; the Chairman of National Polio Plus, Dr. Tunji Funsho; President of one of the Rotary Clubs in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who was a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); and the incoming Governor of District 9141, Virginia Major; among other eminent personalities.

    Rassin also attended the graduation of one month vocational training for 337 persons, especially the youths of various communities in Rivers State, an initiative of Rotary Club of Trans-Amadi, which took place at Rumueprikom- Port Harcourt Civic Centre in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and was attended by the paramount ruler of Rumueprikom Kingdom, Eze Amehule Barry Opara-Owabie. The paramount ruler and his chiefs, inside Rumuepirikom Civic Centre, also decorated as chiefs, the president of Rotary International, his wife and Babalola.

  • PDP: Buhari, APC jittery over our candidate’s acceptance

    THE People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the spontaneous and overwhelming acceptance accorded its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the Southeast is a manifestation of the trajectory that awaits him in all the geo-political zones across the country.

    The opposition party said the acceptance demonstrated the settled resolve of Nigerians across board to vote out the President Muhammadu Buhari administration because of what it described as its manifest failures in governance.

    A statement yesterday by PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the PDP was aware of how the acceptance of its candidate has sent jitters to the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He added that the acceptance of Atiku belied claims that the President and the APC were making inroads into the Southeast.

    The statement said: “With the assemblage of all leaders of note in every sector from all the five states of the Southeast receiving our candidate, it is settled that President Buhari and the APC do not have any support in the zone.

    “This acceptance could not have been less significant because the Buhari-led APC administration has no achievement, of any sort, in the entire zone.

    “The PDP commends the people of the Southeast and Nigerians in general for their courage in collectively resolving to rally with Atiku and our other candidates to rescue our nation from shackles of the Buhari administration and return her to the path of good governance, national cohesion and economic prosperity.”

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari restates commitment to safeguarding nation’s unity

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday  unveiled the Buhari Unity (Wrist) Band where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to safe guarding the unity of the country.

    The president, who inaugurated the Buhari Unity (Wrist) Band, an initiative of the Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria in collaboration with the Presidency, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, maintained that no nation could progress without unity.

    He, therefore, described the inauguration of the Band as a token symbol of the Federal Government’s determination toward ensuring unity among Nigerians irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds.

    “I welcome you to this occasion of the unveiling/launching of the Buhari Unity Band which in collaboration with the Presidency is an initiative of a group of patriotic and politically active Nigerians, who believe in the unity of our country.

    “This occasion is part of our commitment to the sustenance of unity and mature coexistence as one people united by shared history and shared destiny.

    “It is our determination to see Nigeria succeeds as we come to agreement that no nation can truly make progress without unity.

    “Our country has passed through difficult times on occasions threatening the foundations of our unity but with the help of God we have always emerged from each crisis stronger,’’ he said.

    According to the president, the nation is still facing some pocket of issues threatening the nation’s unity but the country will overcome such challenges as Nigerians had resolved to remain united.

    The President used the occasion to urge all Nigerians to sign up to the initiative by obtaining and wearing the Unity Wrist Band, saying people wearing the Band would be known as Nigerian Unity Ambassadors.

    He said: “There is no doubt that we still have pockets of issues that question our unity but we are convinced that, with the determination of all Nigerians, we shall remain strong and united.

    “The Buhari Unity Band is a visual and token symbol of our resolve to live in unity as one and to preach the message of unity wherever we live.

    “Those who subscribe to the unity wristband will be known as Nigerian Unity Ambassadors.

    “You will be building on the legacy of a number of our patriots who have, in the past, sacrificed so much, some even their lives, in defense of our nation.’’

    The National Coordinator of the Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria, Mr Felix Idiga, highlighted the importance of unity to the country’s growth and development.

    The high point of the event, which was witnessed cabinet ministers and some prominent Nigerians, was the decoration of President Buhari with the insignia of Unity.