The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Stop these killings now, NASU tells Buhari

    The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions ( NASU ), has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately ensure the stoppage of this blood-lettings and carnage in parts of the country, especially the recent killings in Jos, Plateau state.

    Rising from its National Executive Council meeting, the Union said while the achievement recorded by the government in tackling the Boko Haram issue is commendable, the high incidence of the killer Herdsmen menace, kidnapping, armed robbery and resurgence of Boko Haram activities in recent times is worrisome.

    In a communique signed by the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Ani and General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the Union also expressed concern over the growing tension in the land regarding the forthcoming 2019 general elections in Nigeria and the recent movement by politicians from one political party to the other to fulfill their political ambitions.

    The union said this was as a result of the lack of political ideology by Nigeria political parties as being responsible for this ugly development which is purely for the selfish interest of politicians and called on politicians to have the interest of the masses at heart and conduct themselves in a manner that will ensure the success of the year 2019 general elections and desist from doing anything that will truncate the electoral process.

    They appealed to all eligible voters to remain peaceful, law abiding and ensure that they come out in mass during the elections to vote for the candidates of their choice.

    They lamented high tax deductions being made as Pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E) by the Federal and State Governments via their Boards of Internal Revenue (B.I.R) from Nigeria workers and asked the government to immediately put an end to such deductions.

    The union condemned the 7% budgetary allocation to education in year 2018 Federal budget, which is a far cry from the 26% UNESCO recommended budgetary allocation to education.

    It observed that in admittance of under funding of education, the Federal Government in year 2013, approved the sum of N800 Billion for the Universities as intervention funds and released the sum of N200 Billion the same year as first tranche after which no further release has been made.

    The Union said further that in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education sectors where Needs Assessments were carried out in 2013, Government is yet to release the White Paper thereby negatively affecting the release of intervention funds in the sectors.

    They called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, improve on the budgetary allocation to the Education Sector and also release the outstanding tranches of intervention funds for 2014, 2015 and 2016 for the Universities. In the same vein, NEC call on the Federal Government to release the White Paper for the Needs Assessments in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education sectors.

    They also expressed concern over the under funding of the health sector in the country, pointing out that it was sad that the leaders and privileged individuals in the country often embark on medical tourism for simple ailment which is a demonstration of lack of confidence on the nation’s health sector.

    It called on the Federal and State Governments to improve on the funding of their Primary and Tertiary Health Institutions as well as ensure the provision of adequate facilities and equipment for them to meet international standards to avert brain-drain syndrome and capital flight which results from the money expended annually on foreign treatment by top Government functionaries and other privileged Nigerians.

    The union commended the Federal Government for the funds released so far for payment of Earned Allowances to the Non-Teaching staff in the Universities and Inter-University Centres, but called on the Government to clear the outstanding arrears of the Earned Allowances and ensure that the 2019 budget takes care of the allowance on a month-to-month basis.

    While commending the federal government for setting up a committee to renegotiate 2009 and 2010 FGN/NASU Agreements for Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it expressed dismay, the slow pace of work being done by the FGN Re-negotiation Teams which have not met for several months now.

    The union urged the Re-negotiation Teams to expedite action on the re-negotiating process in the three sectors mentioned above to ensure that the re-negotiations are concluded in good time.

    While expressing concern over the rising spate of unemployment in the country which remained unabated, the union said the situation has “needlessly resulted in some graduates taking to crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, internet fraud as well as being ready tools in the hands of insurgents, politicians and sponsors of communal crisis.”

    The union said the unemployment situation was a by-product of gross disparity inherent in the nation’s planning and haphazard execution of projects aimed at generating employment opportunities that should absorb the numerous graduates being turned out annually by tertiary institutions.

  • Adamawa APC primary: Group takes protest against shift to Buhari

    A group, Adamawa Youth for Change and Consolidation, has taken to President Muhammadu Buhari its protest against the postponement of the Adamawa State governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The group also questions the change of mode from indirect to direct primary, charging that some ‘Abuja politicians’ are behind everything and asking the president to call such politicians to order.

    The Sunday APC governorship primary was dogged by intrigues in Adamawa State and when it could not start by Monday morning, the national headquarters of the party announced a decision to postpone it to Thursday and to adopt direct instead of indirect primary initially planned for it.

    At a press briefing in Yola Tuesday morning, the Adamawa Youth for Change and Consolidation alleged that both the change in date and mode of conduct of the primary were influenced by the Abuja politicians intent on causing chaos in the Adamawa State APC.

    The Chairman of the group, Menan Kongo, who read to journalists an open letter the group addressed to Buhari, said the promoters of the aspiration of a politician close to Buhari were intimidating the APC at the National level using Buhari’s name, and that the influential politician had in the course of the botched Sunday primary threatened to call Abuja to postpone the primary which was ongoing after the accreditation of delegates.

    “We are using this medium to call on the president who is known for justice to come out and condemn the action of the people using his name for cheap political points,” Menan Kongo said.

  • Buhari to Kumuyi: your visit a morale booster

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that the visit by Deeper Life Bible Church General Superintendent Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, has boosted his morale.

    He noted that God did not make any mistake by creating 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said: “God did not make a mistake when he created over 250 different ethnic groups, and decided to put them in a place called Nigeria.”

    Buhari said Nigerians must appreciate God for bringing everyone together.

    “We must appreciate God for bringing us together. He knows what he was doing. He didn’t make a mistake,” the President noted.

    Describing Nigeria as “a great country” endowed with human and natural resources, President said: “We have challenges in trying to get people to understand us.

    “With my experience as a governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, I thought I had seen it all, but Nigeria has a way of going at its own speed.

    “My morale is raised by your visit. I very much appreciate it,” he added

    The President noted what he described as Pastor Kumuyi’s “intellectual achievements” as a scholar and university lecturer before going into full time ministry, adding that he was “excited a great deal” for the General Superintendent’s acceptance of government’s invitation to preach the sermon at the country’s 58th independence anniversary.

    “Thank you very much,” the President said.

    Pastor Kumuyi, who leads one of the country’s largest Pentecostal churches, said it was an honour to be received by the President on a busy day as October 1.

    He told the President that he appreciates the government.

    “Please remain focused and courageous and do what is right. Not everyone will support you publicly, but we are praying for you so that your tenure will be one of progress and prosperity for the country.”

    The General Superintendent was accompanied by his wife, Esther, Pastor Samuel Afuwape, Pastor Chike Onwuasoanya and Pastor Seyin Malomo, the Chaplain of Aso Chapel.

  • Buhari condemns Jos killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent violence in Jos, Plateau State.

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, also appealed to the communities to embrace peace, stressing that peace has no alternative.

    He recalled that through the last three and a half years of the present administration in the state, the government has worked with various communities, which clearly demonstrates that lasting peace can be achieved.

    The statement reads: “I am worried about the seeming indifference to the sanctity of life by criminals whose hearts are hardened by evil.

    “I know it is not an easy thing but the resultant peace achieved by the people of Plateau State should not be squandered. Every citizen deserves stability and development; peace has no alternative.

    “I appeal to the communities to embrace peace. Where there are differences, dialogue should be used to bring about understanding. There is also the due process of the law; differences cannot be resolved by abuses or by bullets.”

    The President also lamented that some politicians were promoting ethnic and religious prejudices for cheap popularity, despite knowing that such could play into the hands of hate mongers.

    He reiterated that his administration would continue to engage stakeholders to address the root causes of the repeated violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country.

    Governor Simon Lalong has urged security agencies to deploy their professionalism to end the crisis.

    Lalong spoke yesterday after a security meeting in the Government House in Rayfield, Jos.

    A statement by his media aide, Mark Longyen, said: “Following the latest resurgence of violence in some parts of the state capital, Jos, Governor Simon Lalong has held a security meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.

    “The meeting was attended by the Commissioner of Police Undie Adie; Commander of the Special Task, Maj.-Gen. Augustine Agundu; Director of the State Security Council (SSS) Babagana Bulama and Commander of Operation Rainbow, Maj.-Gen. Steve Guar (rtd).

    “While the government and the security agencies are working to ensure a return to normalcy, Lalong has urged residents to beware of fake news circulating the social me. They are admonished to always cross-check every information they get.

    “The governor also implores the people to be security conscious and watch activities and movement of suspicions persons within their environment, and report same to relevant security personnel for decisive action.

    “The governor also urges security agencies to exhibit professionalism in their duty, and observe the rules of engagement in their efforts to maintain law and order.”

  • Conductors’s group rallies in Kogi for Buhari

    The Bus Conductors’ Association of Nigeria (BCAN) teaming up with the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) has rallied in Okene, Kogi State to garner support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term bid for the presidency.

    The process started with the inauguration of the Mrs Felicia Unoiza Omorogbe-led BCAN, an ally of the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), in the state.

    Those present at the well-attended event included the representatives of Governor Yahaya Bello, those of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr Ado Ibrahim, All Progressives Congress (APC) chiefs, council administrators and party enthusiasts.

    The National Liaison Officer, BCAN-BCO, Prince Israel Adeshola, while inaugurating the Kogi Liaison officers, reiterated President Buhari’s unwavering commitment to quality life for Nigerians, through the improvement of the living standard and provision of infrastructural facilities.

    He challenged those impugning on his integrity to point to anywhere in Abuja or any part of the world where President Buhari own landed estates or hidden cash.

    According to him, the group, with a membership of over five million working in concert in with other groups, constitute the bedrock of Nigerians that will propel the ruling APC under President Buhari to a second term in office, at the national level.

    He urged Nigerians not to relent in their support for the president, because of his sincerity of purpose and commitment.

    He said, “We are deeply and passionately committed to ensuing that the quality of life of Nigerians and indeed our future generation is secured and preserved. And, the only to achieve this is for us to collectively ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari returns in 2019.

    “Our task is therefore to make this possible through our votes. Your coming from far distance serves to remind us all just how desirous we are to see the return of President Muhammadu Buhari, come 2019.

    The newly inaugurated Kogi Liaison Officer of the BCAN-BCO, Mrs Felicia Unoiza Omorogbe, called on individual Nigerians, organizations, and groups, to join hands, in ensuring a second term for President Buhari.

     

  • Buhari condemns Jos killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent violence in Jos, Plateau State which led to the imposition of curfew in the state capital.

    Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, also appealed to various communities to embrace peace, stressing that peace has no alternative.

    He said, “I am deeply worried about the seeming indifference to the sanctity of life by criminals whose hearts are hardened by evil.”

    The President recalled that through the last three and a half years of the present administration in the state, the government has worked very hard with various communities, which clearly demonstrated that a lasting peace can be achieved.

    He said, “I know it is not an easy thing. It is a very difficult thing. But the resultant peace achieved by the people of Plateau state should not be squandered. Every citizen deserves stability and development. Peace has no alternative.

    “It is my appeal to all the communities in the state capital, and the entire state as a whole to embrace peace.

    “Where there are differences, dialogue should be used to bring about understanding. There is also the due process of the law. Differences cannot be resolved by abuses or by bullets.” he said

    The President also lamented that some politicians were promoting ethnic and religious prejudices for cheap popularity, despite the knowledge that such incitement could play into the hands of hate mongers.

    He said his administration would continue to engage with stakeholders to address the root causes of the repeated violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country.

    He also warned that no responsible government would allow anarchy to replace law and order.

  • Buhari mourns late Sen. Dafinone, Chief Sunny Okogwu

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday condoled with the families of a Second Republic legislator, late Sen. David Dafinone and a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ojise of Asaba, late Chief Sunny Okogwu, on their death.

    Buhari, also commiserated with the government and people of Delta, as well as business associates and friends of the deceased.

    According to him, the late senator, who represented Bendel South in the defunct Bendel State, was a renowned chartered accountant, who lived a life of service to God and the nation.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday, the president commended the late senator’s disposition to serve the Federal Government whenever he was called upon, while always promoting democratic values and culture among his people.

    Read Also: NBA to politicians: Don’t pollute judiciary with do-or-die politics

    Also, Buhari joined the business community in mourning the passing of Okogwu, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Okogwu, the Ojise of Asaba.

    He condoled with the family and friends of Ojise of Asaba, whose love and care for the poor and downtrodden remained historical, especially in Kaduna, where he spent most of his life.

    The president recommended to other Nigerians, the “detribalised and cosmopolitan outlook of Okogwu”, who developed strong and meaningful relationships outside his roots, and graciously invested in the transformation of many lives.

    Buhari said he believed Okogwu’s business acumen also reflected in his large-heartedness as he contributed generously to the development of communities across the country.

    He urged his family to carry on with the legacies of the iconic businessman.

    The president prayed that Okogwu and Dafinone would find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

  • Nigeria@58: Independence celebration in Abuja (Videos)


  • Full text: Muhammadu Buhari’s 58th Independence Day address

    NATIONAL BROADCAST BY H.E MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE 58TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2018

    Fellow Nigerians,

    Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection. It is the anniversary of the day Nigerians realised one of the most cherished of human desires – the desire for freedom. We, therefore, give thanks to and remember our founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath to us this wonderful nation. It is our duty to consolidate this great legacy.

    2.     On this first October date and on the eve of the start of the general  election cycle, we should do well to reflect on what binds us together and the great strength our diversity bestows on us. Ours is an ambitious nation, and, as citizens we have every right to look forward to the future with confidence and optimism which are well founded, considering where we find ourselves today.

    3.     There has been a steady improvement in the security situation in the North East.  We remain committed  to ending the crisis and make the North East safe for all.

    4.     Our thoughts and prayers are always with the victims of the Boko Haram’s atrocities and their families. Beyond that, we know that the goals of the Boko Haram terrorists include capturing territories, destroying our democracy and denying our children the right to education. We will not allow them to succeed.

    5.     I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe.  In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.

    6.     As their Commander -In- Chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field. I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.

    7.     We are diversifying away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capacity, solid minerals development, and agriculture.

    8.     Efforts are on course  in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future.

    9.     The age-long  conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively. We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem.

    10.     This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts. In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law.  Meanwhile, we urge all peace loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based.

    11.   We are one of the countries in the world most affected by environmental degradation,  as a consequence of climate change.   We are signatories to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences.

    12.     The consequences on lives and livelihoods of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and the pollution caused by oil exploitation activities alone make it mandatory on us to be at the forefront of the struggle for a safer and more sustainable environment. We will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard.

    13.     We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira is no more. Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.

    14.   Consequently, and this is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments. Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and sea ports, welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.

    15.     There is now an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria.  We are building a rules-based system – a level playing field that is free from fixers and intermediaries. This is the cornerstone to help genuine investors and honest consumers, and the platform that will allow for the real reforms that we intend to deliver over the coming years.

    16.     We are gradually strengthening the economy with a stable Naira and falling inflation rate. We are building an economy that is moving away from over reliance on oil. Consequently we have witnessed massive return to farms and seen bumper harvest, despite recurrent floods across the country.

    17.     These positive developments are the result of our collective pursuit of a common vision through  hard work and dedication, after the missed opportunities and disappointments that followed the return to democracy in 1999.

    18.     At the forefront, have always been our youths. They have been at the vanguard of the struggle for independence.  They fought in the war to keep the country united.  And it was they who kept alive the struggle for democracy and human rights in our country at times when these were at risk, especially following the June 12th 1993 election and the historic 2015 election process.

    19.     Even today, our  youths play a central role   in Nigeria’s continuing progress and developments in all fields of our national endeavour –technology, agriculture, mining, engineering and especially the creative arts. Together we are building a more diverse, inclusive and self-reliant economy.

    20.     In the past three years we have introduced many policies and programmes targeted at youth development and youth empowerment. We support the ‘not too young to run’ legislation aimed at giving the youths greater say in our national politics and governance.

    21.   The school feeding program in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrolment and attendance. We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for upgrade of facilities, training programs for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking.

    Fellow Nigerians,

    22.     Now we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.

    23.     Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in today’s  world of social media. We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts.  Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake.

    24.     I have committed myself many times to ensure  that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly  INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box  is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.

    Fellow Nigerians,

    25.     Developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be  no quick fixes or short cuts. These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation.

    26.     At the international level, we remain a responsible and respected member of the international community, playing active positive roles within ECOWAS, the African Union  and the United Nations as well as all other regional and international organisations and institutions of which we are members.

    27.     We will continue to support initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of our times: global and regional crises and conflicts, terrorism, trans-border crime, climate change, human rights, gender equality, development, poverty and inequality within and between nations, etc.  In this context, we are working hard to achieve both the AU 2063 Agenda for socio-economic transformation of our continent; and the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which together aim at addressing these challenges

    Fellow Nigerians,

    28.     As we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our independence, we know we are on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation.  We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride.  Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.

    29.     I want to assure you that as President, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united,  peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of  background, can aspire to succeed.

    Thank you. I wish you a memorable independence  celebration.

  • I’m committed to ‘Independent’ INEC – Buhari

    Ahead of the general elections next February, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday that he is fully committed to make the Independent national Electoral Commission(INEC) to be truly ‘Independent’.

    The president reiterated the commitment in his speech to mark Nigeria’s 58th Independence anniversary.

    ‘I have committed myself many times to ensure  that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly  INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box  is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.

    “Developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be  no quick fixes or short cuts. These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation”, he said.

    Perhaps with the pestilence of fake news and people inflaming ethnic passions and divisions on his mind, Buhari seized on the occasion to warn citizens not to misuse the technology now “in our hands”.

    “Now we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.

    “Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in today’s  world of social media. We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts.  Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake”, he said.