The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • INEC bars Buhari, Atiku, others from campaigning till Nov. 18

    There should be no public campaigning by presidential candidates until November 18, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday.

    This is in line with the timelines given by the agency and the provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said.

    He advised parties and their candidates to adhere to the electoral timetable during a workshop for election professionals from the Commonwealth Africa Region.

    Yakubu reminded political parties and candidates that the end of primaries did not mean the immediate commencement of campaigns.

    “Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties earlier than 90 days before polling day.

    “Therefore, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Nov. 18.

    “Campaign for Governorship and State Assembly elections begins on Dec. 1.

    “I call upon political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to these dates,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that with the conclusion of primaries by political parties yesterday, the next activity was the nomination of candidates to the commission.

    He reminded political parties that the dates for the submission of lists of candidates (Form CFOO2) and their personal particulars (Forms C1001) for presidential and National Assembly elections are from Oct 10 to Oct.18.

    The date for the governorship and State Assembly elections is Oct. 22 and Nov. 2.

    “The commission will receive the submission from political parties at Aso Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 9.a.m to 4.p.m. daily.

    “Although we have communicated these dates to all political parties, let me reiterate that there will be no extension of time.

    “Similarly, in making submissions to the commission, the covering letters as well as the list of candidates must be duly signed by the National Chairmen and National Secretaries of political patties in line with the commission’s guidelines.’’

    Yakubu described the workshop and its theme, “Strengthening Electoral Democracy in the Commonwealth African Region” as topical and relevant.

    He said that all the countries of the Commonwealth, Africa region, needed to further consolidate on election process so that elections were not merely periodic but also peaceful and credible.

    “Bringing election managers together to share experiences and build capacities is a critical step to the consolidation of electoral democracy,” Yakubu said.

    Yakubu said that participants would be taken through five interrelated sub-themes, ranging from the promotion of sustainable electoral democracy, strategic planning, gender and elections, electoral technology to elections and new media.

  • Buhari breaks Eagle Square jinx 

    For seven years the Eagle Square venue for October 1st Independence Day Anniversary celebration was a no-go-area for the last two administrations.

    Since October 1, 2010, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current administration moved the Independence Day parade to the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.

    In the forecourt of the State House, only limited aspects of the independence parade were carried out during the period.

    The aspects of showcasing the military might of the nation in the form of equipment parade and air shows were completely avoided during the seven years.

    The shift in the venue by the Jonathan’s administration was informed by the bomb blasts that rocked the Square and  its environs during the celebration in 2010.

    The celebrations that year, which were also to mark 50 years independence of Nigeria from Britain, turned out to be everything the Jonathan’s administration never expected.

    People residing or present in the city during the blasts were shaken to their marrows by the attacks.

    The once peaceful Eagle Square arena turned rowdy and unsafe as guests and other Nigerians at the venue and its environs scampered for safety.

    In the blasts, at least 12 people were feared dead while many others were injured.

    Some eyewitness accounts that day claimed that the blasts were caused by car bombs.

    The two first blasts appeared to have been timed to achieve the highest damage to those who responded to the first blast, as they went off about five minutes apart.

    It was also reported that a smaller third explosion went off within the parade ground, believed to have occurred from a gun that accidentally went off.

    Interestingly, before that day, the militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) had threatened to target the Independence Day festivities.

    The attacks by MEND, which had been pushing for a fairer distribution of the country’s oil revenues, were the first time the group was targeting the capital city.

    Prior to the attacks, most of MEND’s attacks were targeted at pipelines and supply terminals in the Niger Delta region.

    The group believed that there was “nothing worth celebrating after 50 years of failure”.

    Jonathan, who was then inspecting a guard of honour at the time, described the attack as  a “wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers.”

    While the fear of the 2010 attacks kept the Eagle Square deserted for seven years on Nigeria’s national day, a former militant leader, Charles Okah, in March this year was found guilty of plotting the 2010 Independence Day bombing.

    From the ruling, he is to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

    To return Nigeria’s independence day anniversary celebration to what it used to be, President Muhammadu Buhari last week Monday, October 1, 2018, broke the jinx.

    He observed the 58th Independence Day parade in high key at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

    Contrary to some sceptics, who believed that the event scheduled for Eagle Square that Monday will be cancelled at the last minute, Buhari arrived at the Eagles Square for the anniversary  parade around 9.30am.

    He stayed at the venue with other top government officials and dignitaries for the two hours duration of the parade.

    Buhari kickstarted the parade with inspection of guards, which was followed by march past in slow and quick time.

    There was also a march past by para-military organisations, agencies and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) mounted troops.

    Also on display were military equipment march past on low loaders

    Apart from police dogs displaying the trainings they had acquired and thrilling the guests, outriders also took the stage by displaying their skills.

    The Nigerian Air Force mishap during training three days earlier also could not stop them from participating colorfully in the aerial show at the Eagle Square.

    To bring the ceremony to a close, the military personnel also took part in firing of volleys and 21 gun salute.

    Before departing the venue, President Buhari signed the 58th Independence anniversary register.

    There were however some dramas at the venue shortly after Buhari and the dignitaries left the venue.

    Some APC youths wearing black T-shirt took over the arena and in a procession with the APC flag, started moving around, singing songs in support of President Buhari’s reelection bid in 2019.

    Trouble however started when somebody, who infiltrated the group, stole the telephone set of one of the youths.

    Rather than submit the telephone set when he was caught, he drew out a dagger to scare away those who tried to get the telephone set from him.

    With the thief’s supporters at the venue backing him, it almost turned to a free for all fight.

    They ran, pushed and pursued one another around the venue for over 15 minutes.

    It got bloody when some of the thief’s gang started throwing stones, which made the youths to run helter-skelter around the venue for safety.

    One young boy of about 15 years was not too lucky as one of the stones landed on his head.

    The boy, who was bleeding profusely, was given first aid treatment by some members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps at the venue.

    With the 58th Independence Day Anniversary celebration over, it is hoped that the 59th anniversary next year and subsequent ones will not experience bloodshed of any kind.

     

  • Buhari, Oshiomhole, others to attend book launch on Bini monarchy

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State  Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole will join other Nigerians at the launch of a book on Bini monarchy.

    Speaking at a pre-launch press briefing in Benin City, Chairman of Global Book Presentation Committee (GBPC), Martin Uhomoibhi, said the book was published under the auspices of the Oba Ewuare Foundation in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council.

    Uhomoibhi said 18 scholars contributed to the book, noting that Oba Ewuare II would launch a new city at Ugoneki village in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

    He described the book as an ‘incredible historical book that is a unique and distinctive publication from the perspectives of aesthetics and intellectual content.’

    According to him, “the book weighs about 6.8 kilogrammes with 18 scholars, some of who are most highly respected authorities within and outside Nigeria on Benin History”, noting that it has 559 pages of well researched articles and 441 iconic images.

    Uhomoibhi said the book launch would also show the monarch’s committed effort to uphold the heritage and effectuate regeneration of the unique essence of Benin kingdom.

    In his contribution, a member of the 10-man committee, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, said the book presents a new dimension to other books on the kingdom because it was authored by a diplomat, with a broader perspective.

    He added that besides the October 20 public presentation  in Benin City, the British Museum and major world capitals have indicated interest in the book launch.

  • Buhari campaign team confused, says Atiku’s camp

    The Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation has said there is confusion in the Buhari Campaign Organisation over the emergence of Atiku as presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A statement on Monday by the campaign organisation said the Atiku camp was not surprised by the attack launched at Atiku by the Buhari Campaign Organisation, raising issues about vote buying at the just concluded the PDP convention.

    The statement said, “We are not surprised that there is confusion in the President Buhari camp. We expected that they would be thrown into a catatonic state, knowing that Atiku Abubabakr’s emergence automatically means the coming end of their ignominious reign.

    “That much was admitted by the President’s former running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare when he praised the emergence of Atiku as an ‘eagle’ and ‘a cosmopolitan wazobia’ politician.

    “Obviously, Pastor Tunde Bakare has foreseen that the era of 97% versus 5% has come to an end with the emergence of the pan Nigerian Atiku Abubakar.

    “We ask how can the Buhari Campaign Organisation disparage the PDP Primary that produced Atiku Abubakar, when even the President’s own wife, Aisha Buhari, has condemned the APC’s primary?

    “Not only did Mrs Buhari condemn APC’s primaries, she described them as ‘unfair’ and lacking in integrity. Who can know President Buhari better than his wife?

    “Eleven aspirants contested against Atiku Abubakar, during the presidential primary of the PDP. Every single one of them accepted his victory.

    “President Buhari was the only candidate cleared by the APC to contest its primary. Yet, a coalition of 5 aspirants are challenging his victory. That alone tells Nigerians his emergence is fraudulent”.

    The group described Atiku as the most investigated politician in Nigeria and that any smear campaign by the Buhari administration remains would have no effect.

    According to the campaign group, President Buahri would have arrested Atiku if he had been found wanting.

    “However, to set the record straight, we want to remind Nigerians that PDP’s primaries were genuine, free and fair. Atiku Abubakar got 1,532 votes in a contest televised live to millions of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Fayose threatens to leave PDP over Atiku’s emergence

    “The All Progressives Congress’ primary, on the other hand, was a study in dictatorship and corruption. The sole candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, scored almost 15 million votes. How could that occur without rigging or manufacturing of faceless voters?

    “No wonder Transparency International rated Nigeria as more corrupt today under Buhari, than just three years ago when the PDP was in power.

    “The scandals are too numerous, including the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process, the several padded budgets, the $41 million Ikoyi Apartment scandal, the recall, reinstatement and double promotion of pension thief and Buhari financier, Abdulrasheed Maina, the N200 million grass cutter scandal, and many others too numerous to mention.

    “The choice before Nigerians in 2019 is a simple one. Nigerians have a choice of electing a lively candidate with a record of providing 50,000 jobs to Nigerians in his private capacity versus the lifelessness (apologies to President Donald Trump) of a candidate under whom Nigeria lost 11 million jobs and became the world headquarters for extreme poverty.

    “Nigerians have a choice of a man who will provide an efficient and business-friendly solution to the herdsmen crisis and a man whose government said ‘giving land for cattle ranching is better than death’.

    “It is very obvious that faced with such a choice that Nigerians would definitely vote for the man who will get Nigeria working again”.

  • 2019: Why Atiku can’t be president – Group

    A group identified as Buhari National Votes Guards and Awareness on Monday reacted to the emergence of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), saying that, Atiku cannot rule Nigeria.

    The group said the former Vice President is no match for President Muhammadu Buhari, as they opined that, his political background has been marred with corruption allegations.

    The Coordinator of the group, Engineer Kailani Muhammad at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday however described Atiku’s emergence as a good omen for President Buhari.

    Kailani said “the main fact however, according to the majority of Nigerians is that for a certainty, Atiku Abubakar is no match for president Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election of 2019 because of his alleged political corrupt marred background and President Muhammadu Buhari’s antecedent as a man of impeccable pedigree that is focused towards building a socio-political and economic development.

    He explained that the former Vice President before securing his ticket under PDP has made four unsuccessful attempts to get a party ticket to contest for the presidency, but “he is not suitable to lead Nigeria at this moment,” as Nigerians have made their stand.

    Kailani explained that, “Politics in our country today is big-time business. The only impediment for actualization of aspirations in the space in our mother Nigeria is the financial capacity and muscle. It is in no doubt either that Atiku has both in abundance. Nigerians are aware that those with the financial muscle to procure the venture hope to reap a million fold.

    Read Also: Buhari, Oshiomhole others to grace book launch on Bénin Monarchy

    He said the Buhari’s government has achieved in 3 years, what previous administrations failed to achieve in 16 years, which includes rapid economic growth, transformation in power sector, education, empowerment of Nigerians and among others.

    While commending the president’s achievements so far in the fight against corruption and insecurity, Kailani also remarked that “Mr President has taken a giant stride to improve the image of the country at the global stage. This are the glaring evidences on ground that some politicians refused to acknowledge.” He said.

  • Buhari, Oshiomhole others to grace book launch on Bénin Monarchy

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, President Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon are expected to join other distinguished Nigerians at the launch of a new book on the Bénin Monarchy.

    Speaking at a pre-launch press briefing in Bénin City, Chairman of Global Book Presentation Committee (GBPC), Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, said the book was published under the auspices of the Oba Ewuare Foundation in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council.

    Ambassador Uhomoibhi said 18 scholars contributed to the book after thorough research.

    Uhomoibhi said the Bénin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II would also launched a new City at Ugoneki village in Uhunmwode local government area.

    He described the book as an ‘incredible historical book that is a unique and distinctive publication from the perspectives of aesthetics and intellectual content.’

    According to him, “The book weighs about 6.8 kilogrammes with 18 scholars, some of whom are most highly respected authorities within and outside Nigeria on Benin History”, adding that it has 559 pages of meticulously researched articles and 441 iconic images.

    Ambassador Uhomoibhi said the book launch promised to be an epoch event that would herald the unveiling of the culmination of Oba Ewuare II committed effort to uphold the heritage and effectuate the regeneration of the unique essence of Benin kingdom in the consciousness of the world.

    In his contribution, a member of the 10-man committee, HRH. Prof. Gregory Akenzua, said the book presents a new dimension to other books on the kingdom because it was authored by a diplomat, and the perspective, more broader.

    He added that besides the October 20th public presentation and launch slated to take place in Benin City, the British Museum and major capitals of the world have indicated interest to also book launch respectively.

  • 2019 election: Atiku can’t stop Buhari’s victory–UK APC

    UK chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari easier.

    Mr Ade Omole, leader of APC UK made the assertion in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, President Buhari remains the best candidate for the 2019 presidential election among the array of presidential candidates being paraded by other political parties.

    He maintained that Atiku’s candidature would not stop the victory of the APC.

    “The task for 2019 election has just been made easier by the leading opposition party by electing a presidential candidate who was part of the country’s problem in the 16 years of PDP rule.

    “Nigerians should be wise enough to know, therefore, that he has nothing new to bring to the table.

    “While I want Nigerians to vote wisely in 2019, I assure that as we did in 2015, we will work hard again to ensure that President Buhari is re-elected.

    “On behalf of Nigerians and the progressives in the Diaspora, I congratulate President Buhari for accepting his nomination to be the APC presidential candidate for 2019 election.

    `His election by over 14 million registered members of the party during the APC presidential primaries held across the federation speaks volumes,”Omole said.

    He further said that Nigerians in the Diaspora were delighted at the enormous recovery tasks undertaken by the Buhari-led administration in securing the country, growing the economy and curbing corruption within the polity.

    The leader of the APC UK chapter commended Buhari and his cabinet for laying the foundation for a better Nigeria.

    He however urged APC members across the world not to be distracted, but continue to work hard to ensure the party’s victory at all levels of government in 2019.

    President Buhari scored a total of 14,842,072 votes at the party’s recent direct primaries held in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to pick the APC presidential ticket.

    His candidacy was affirmed by 7,000 delegates from 36 states of the federation and the FCT at the APC National Presidential Convention on Saturday.

    Aside the statutory delegates, three delegates were drawn from 774 Local Government Area of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, who got elected at the party’s Congresses held earlier.

    Atiku, a former Vice President beat 11 contestants to secure the PDP ticket with 1,532 votes during the party’s presidential primaries held in Port Harcourt.

    A total of 3,274 delegates participated in the election, with his closest challenger, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, having just 693 votes.

    Other presidential candidates seeking to upstage Buhari include, Mr Donald Duke of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Oby Ezekwesili of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria among others.

    The presidential election will hold on Feb. 14,2019.

  • 14.8 million APC members endorse Buhari

    14,842,072 members of the APC  have affirmed President Muhammadu Buhari as the candidate of the party for the 2019 Presidential election.

    The total votes was announced by Ekiti stayed Governor elect, Kayode Fayemi on Saturday night.

    Speaking at the convention, National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said with the conclusion of the primary, the party was ready for the campaign for the elections.

    Oshiomhole said “after today’s convention, we are ready for 2019 electioneering campaign and we believe that we have a lot to disclose to Nigeria. Our opponent are going to produce their candidate and we will look at their records. If they are former governors, we will go to their states and we will call on their people to show evidence of their performance.

    “If you cannot manage your house, you cannot manage a community. If you cannot manage a community,you can’t manage a state and if you failed as a state Governor, you cant possibly win as a president. We will look at their records and background and compare the to Buhari’s record and the Nigerian people will decide.

    “If you say you will put air conditioners all over the country, we will find out how many you have put in your state. If you governed for eight years,we will find our what impact you have made in your state.

    He said Nigeria and indeed the process of change is work in progress and that process has to be sustained. As progressive s, we must ensure that we don’t down play the purpose of government, including the payment of salaries of workers.

    “You have said that you wonder how people sleep when they have not paid their employees, saying “even the Bible says that a worker deserve his wages. Wages are not paid out of pity, but those who work must be paid their wages.”

    He appealed to governors of the party to ensure they pay the salaries and pension of workers as and when due especially when they get extra money from the federal government.

  • Buhari to Nigerians: I will not let you down

    President Muhammadu Buhari in the early hours of Sunday promised again that he would not let Nigerians down.
    He spoke at the Eagle Square, Abuja during his acceptance speech after he was affirmed by delegates as the Presidential  candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    The National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole had formerly presented Buhari as the presidential flag bearer of the party in the 2019 election.
    Buhari in his acceptance speech around 1.13a.m on Sunday also declared that change has truly come to Nigeria.
    He said “I thank you for your support for me. I will not let you or Nigeria down.
    “I accept the nomination of our party APC to be the Presidential candidate and flag bearer in the 2019 election.”
    Stressing that his administration is proud of the achievements recorded since 2015, he wondered what the past administrations did with the huge revenue to the country.
    “Think of what the past governments did with the high revenue. Infrastructures down,  reserves depleted, bankruptcy around the corner, what did they do with the money,” he queried.
    “We can be proud of our achievements. Change has come,” he said.
    He thanked all those that made it possible for him to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

  • APC affirms Buhari as presidential flag bearer

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed the nomination of President Muhamadu Buhari as the Presidential candidate of the party for the 2019 general election.

    About 7000 delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT participated in the exercise which took place at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

    The exercise which was initially scheduled to begin at 2.00pm was rescheduled to 6.00pm and later 8.00pm.

    However, it was a hectic time for delegates finding their way into the square as the security personnel initially locked the gates, creating a long line of desperate delegates wishing to find their way into the square.

    A lot of journalists were trapped outside the square for a long time as non accredited delegates and sponsored supporters from states struggle to find their way in.

    Outside the square, traders had a field day doing brisk business, while fake copies of the APC constitution was on sale to unsuspecting delegates in the name of amended constitution.

    Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Sheri Sani told The Nation that the support given to the President across the country is a vote of confidence on his ability to pull the nation out of the wood.

    He expressed confidence that despite the challenges facing the party, the President has the overwhelming support to win the 2019 general election.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Gideon Zamani, praised the efforts of the President at rebuilding the country, pointing out that the overwhelming endorsement of the President by Nigerians was a vote of confidence on his leadership.

    Zamani told The Nation at the convention ground that President Buhari has,  in the last three and half years been able to stabilise the Nigerian economy,  creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to engage in meaningful business.

    He gave example of the Anchor Borrower Programme which he said has transformed the agricultural sector, turning Nigerian farmers into multi millionaires.

    He said Nigerians will not regret giving the President a second opportunity to consolidate on the programmes which he has started adding that his re-election will give him the opportunity to consolidate the anti corruption crusade.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  National leader of the APC,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  Senate leader,  Ahmed Lawan,  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Yusuf Lasun, Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  Boss Mustapha, former Chairman,  Chief John Odigie Oyegun,  former Senate President, Ken Nnamani,  State governors, former governors such as Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ibrahim Shekarau among others attended the convention.