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Tag: BUHARI

  • Saraki, Tambuwal, others exit had no dent on APC, says Buhari

    •Conservatives have moved away, says Oshiomhole

    President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole yesterday reflected on the defections from the party and concluded that they had a feeble effect.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara) and Samuel Ortom (Benue) and some members of the National Assembly, defected in a move believed to have planned to cripple the party.

    Buhari and Oshiomhole spoke at the party’s sixth National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja – the first under the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC).

    The President, who arrived at the APC national secretariat at about 11.20am and departed at 2.16 pm, said the party must ensure hitch-free, fair and credible primaries which will be a precursor to a free, fair and credible general elections in 2019.

    Buhari congratulated the new NWC leadership, saying:  “The team emerged at a turbulent time when there were rumours and speculations of massive defections in such a way that could rock the very foundation of the party.

    “Despite reconciliatory attempt to keep the house together, some members were hell bent on pulling down the roof. They left, threatening to go along with scores of people. But due to the work of the new party leadership, the exit barely made a dent on our super structure as they could not muster the figure they had envisaged to cause an upset, particularly in the two chambers of the National Assembly. The APC remains in control and is increasing by the day with quality people joining the party.”

    The President added that as the party marches towards the primaries, “I ask all and sundry to ensure that we play the game according to the rules. Let us come out with free, fair and credible primaries which will be a precursor to free, fair and credible election next year.

    “Let us shine the light through our primaries and the rest of the country will find the way. Our primaries must be in complete compliance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Electoral Act and, above all, the constitution of the party.

    “This is the time we must work for unity, harmony and togetherness. Let us all join hands to move the party forward. We must take our party to the next level and I urge all and sundry to give support to our National Working Committee.

    “The new National Executive Committee members assumed duty at a very critical time. With the general elections coming very early next year, 2019, any political party worth its salt must get its internal dynamics right and march as a team.”

    Buhari assured of his commitment to fulfilling his electoral promises, saying “Hope is rekindled in our heart that we will give our country purposeful leadership and improve the quality of life of the people.

    “We will continue to secure the country, fight graft and reposition the economy in such a way that jobs can be provided for our youth and give them a future and hope. We will fulfill all the promises we made to Nigerians. We are fulfilling them and will continue to serve with heart and might to build a nation where peace and justice and prosperity shall reign.”

    Oshiomhole said ambition was responsible for the exit of those who defected and not because of any thing done to them by the party.

    He said: “I stumbled on a quote which might interest Mr President and I think it summarises what has happened to us. I can’t find anything more appropriate.

    “I do not know exactly the occasion and I don’t know the date this statement was made by one of Nigeria’s foremost political leaders who was described as the best president Nigeria never had, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “In one of his works, he said, ‘For the Progressives to be in power, they need the support and collaboration of some Conservatives. After attaining power, the conservatives would on their own move away. The progressives, once the conservatives have moved away on their own, would now build a great party that will move the nation forward’.

    “Mr President, the conservatives have moved away. So, this was bound to happen because when we promised change, they all sang it, but it had different meanings to different people.

    “For some, it was to be the change that would lead to more of the same but for the Nigerian people; they know that change meant a move from a political order that services only the political elite at the expense of the poor and the masses.

    “When it became clear that this change cannot allow business as usual, the conservatives left on their own. Our party is stronger, smarter, more cohesive and there is no better evidence than the fact that we have won all the major elections after they left the party.”

    He recalled the efforts of his NWC to persuade those who defected to stay adding that although some people left, the efforts paid off with many senators and Representatives staying in the party.

    “I made a comment which seems to have been misunderstood in some quarters, when I said that if some individuals of no particular fixed political address decide to leave, I will not lose my sleep.

    “I speak of no particular fixed address because if you have a history of moving every season from one political party to the other with one constant thing in mind, to contest, now what is your political address? So, for people like that who are migrant politicians, rolling stone politicians, I am not able to identify their political address and, therefore, I refuse to miss my sleep.”

    On defectors, Oshiomhole said:  “We have seen people who go back to their communities to defect and we see ‘uncommon defectors’ but the others sat in their chambers, in a guest house and prepared their defection notes. Some are known to have remained in Abuja, detained by their own conscience and unable to visit their constituencies.

    “So, I want to assure you that we have purged ourselves of excess fat that would have possibly interfere, with the flow of blood in our veins. We are stronger, more determined and we are much certain of our future.”

    Turning to the President, he said: “We asked the President to continue to provide leadership to deal with the vices that have detained Nigeria and which seem to explain the paradox that has detained Nigeria, a country that is so rich and its people so poor.

    “Mr. President, God has a purpose for sparing your life and that is because you have not finished the mission that He entrusted to you, to lead the forces of change, to reposition our country, reorder our values and to encourage all of us.

    “Those who submit to change, in spite of their past, still have a chance to play a role in the commitment to rebuild the nation and ensure it offer hope to every citizen.

    “Mr. President, you are the only one who has had the courage to look at western leaders eye ball to eye ball and ask them to return the stolen money. If you have stolen money in their vault, you won’t have the courage to say so. None of your predecessors has had the courage to say so in the manner that you did. Those are things we are proud of and they give us courage and confidence that Nigerians will not be fooled come 2019.”

  • Buhari urges women to go for elective offices

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged women to go for elective offices so as to help make the needed change in the country.

    He spoke during the women political aspirants’ summit organised by National Council of Women Societies, (NCWS) and Women in Politics Forum.

    He also expressed optimism that Nigerian women would vote massively for him next year as they did in 2015.

    He said women constitute more than 50 per cent of voters, and are by experience more dedicated and principled than their male counterpart.

    He said “Politicians rely on women voters because their word is usually their bond.  Women stand by candidates they believe in all the way, so politicians do a lot to gain their confidence.

    “Let me thank Nigerian women who put their confidence in me and voted for me in 2015. It is my hope that the confidence is still there; seeing this gathering. I am confident that it will remain.

    “Nigeria is a country of opportunities and possibilities. It is blessed with productive and skilled manpower, coupled with resources still being harnessed. With the right leadership at all levels, appropriate mindset and strong institutions, we can attain great heights.” he said

    The challenges his administration had witnessed since 2015, he said, have given way to dividends, which can only increase considerably and translate to better infrastructure, more jobs and more food on the tables of Nigerians.

    “A few months ago, I met with female parliamentarians and they raised issues concerning the passage of Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill now before the National Assembly and the implementation of 35 per cent affirmative action, among others.

    “I am fully in support of both positions because these measures will improve the representation of women in our politics. Let me add my voice to the call on women to contest for political offices and effect the changes they want to see. I am confident that women can make great leaders and move the nation forward,” he said.

    The Director-General of Women Development Centre Mary Ekpere Eta said: “Over the last two decades, the rate of women’s representation in national parliaments globally has incrementally increased from 11.8 percent in 1998 to 17.8 per cent in 2008 to 23.5 per cent in 2018.

    “However total global representation is still well below the 30 percent benchmark often identified as the necessary level of representation to make an impact on laws and policy.

    “Here in Nigeria,women’s participation in politics has sadly remained poor and  as suggested by data, the participation of women in the affairs of political parties has not transformed to real opportunities as to allow them participate effectively in governance.

    “What are the solutions? How can we change politics from being  a male-oriented, male-dominated enterprise in Nigeria?

    “Elections in Nigeria have often been characterized by one form of violence or the other.”

  • Buhari meets Southwest stakeholders on Osun election

    President Muhammadu Buhari last night met with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from the South West at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting was on the September 22 Osun State governorship election.

    The meeting started at the First Lady Conference hall around 8.30pm when the President arrived.

    Those at the meeting were APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, party stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former APC interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande.

    Major stakeholders at the meeting were from Osun State.

    The Chairman of the Osun Governorship Campaign Committee and Kano State Governor Abdullahi Gamduje was there as well as Osun State Governor Rauf Aragbesola, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    APC candidate Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola was also there.

    Also there were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari.

     

  • Buhari to discuss infrastructure financing with Jinping

    •President leaves for China-Africa summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari will today depart for China to participate in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to hold on September 3 and 4 in Beijing.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu said that the President’s first engagement in Beijing would be an interactive session with the Nigerian community in China at the Nigerian Embassy.

    He added: “Before the formal opening of the FOCAC Summit, President Buhari in his capacity as the chairman of ECOWAS is expected to deliver remarks at the High-Level Dialogue between Chinese and African leaders, business representatives and African entrepreneurs.”

    President Buhari is scheduled to join President Jinping and other African leaders for the opening and roundtable sessions of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit under the theme: “Towards an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.”

    After the FOCAC Summit, President Buhari will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss infrastructure financing for strategic projects in Nigeria and the upgrading of Nigeria-China relations “from strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership.”

    The President will also use the occasion of his audience with the Chinese leadership to assess the progress made so far in Chinese interventions in Nigeria’s key priority infrastructure projects, particularly ongoing projects in the railway and power sectors.

    “It is noteworthy that since the last FOCAC VI Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December 2015 – the first attended by the Nigerian leader – and his successful state visit to China in April 2016, the current administration has pushed forward practical cooperation with China in the areas of infrastructure construction, trade, investments, finance, power, agriculture, education cooperation, among others.

    “President Buhari has acknowledged Chinese support for infrastructure development in Nigeria.”

     

  • APC NEC: Buhari challenges members on free, fair party primaries

    President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to abide by the nation and APC’s constitutions as well as the electoral act while conducting the forthcoming party primaries.

    The President, who gave the challenge at the opening of the 6th meeting of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja on Thursday, said the call had become necessary so as to ensure fairness and justice to all.

    According to him, it is only by so doing that the party will serve as a shining example for others to emulate, adding that any political party worth its salt must get its internal democracy rights.

    Today, we are meeting to look at some major decisions that will lead to excellent performance at the polls next year starting with party primaries at various levels.

    “I urge you all to ensure that the decisions taken here today are those that will be for the good of the party and that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of our teaming members and supporters nationwide. They look up to us for guidance and we must not disappoint or fail them.

    “As we stand on the threshold of party primaries, I urge all and sundry to ensure that we play the game according to the rules. Let us come out with free, fair and credible primaries which will be precursor to free, fair and credible general elections next year.

    “Let us shine the light through our primaries and the rest of the country will find the way.

    “Our primaries must be in complete compliance with the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Electoral Act and above all the constitution of our party, the APC.’’

    The President lauded the new leadership of the party which he said emerged at a turbulent time where there were massive attempt of defections.

    He, however,  noted that in spite reconciliation mission embarked upon by the Oshiohmole led NEC some members of the party were bent on pulling down the roofs.

    He said: “Let me congratulated the current leadership of our party led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    “The team emerged at a most turbulent time when there were rumours and speculations of massive defections in a way that will possible rock the very foundation of the party.

    “Despite reconciliatory attempts to keep the house together some members were held bent on pulling down the roofs.

    “They left plotting to go along with scores of people this upsetting the party.

    “But due to yeoman’s work by the able party leadership, the exit barely made attempt in our super structure as they could not muster the figures they had envisaged to cause an upset, particularly in the two chambers of the National Assembly.’’

    President Buhari noted with delight that the APC had remained in control and increasing its membership by the day “with quality people joining the party. I say congratulations to the new members.

    “Hope is rekindled in our hearts but we will give our country purposeful leadership that will improve the quality of life of the people.”

    He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to secure the country, fight corruption and position the economy in a way that jobs could be provided for the unemployed across the country.

    According to him, his administration will fulfill all promises made to Nigerians.

    In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, attributed the recent electoral victories recorded by the party in Bauchi, Kogi and Katsina states to the visionary leadership of President Buhari.

    According to him, the party leadership considers it a huge privilege to be elected and are indebted to the president and members,

    He, therefore, vowed to continue to do his best in ensuring fairness and justice to all members and supporters of the party.

    Oshiomhole described the recent defection of some members of the party to other political parties as a blessing in disguise, saying that the party only shed “excess fats”.

    He said: The decampees felt it will be a huge blow to our party but I repeat those that left for personal ambition, those with no political address, migrant politicians and Rolling Stones politicians, I won’t loss my sleep.

    “Many felt my comments were arrogant but we needed to be blunt.

    “Those who have grievances arising from genuine misunderstanding our responsibilities is to help our party to have common ground and genuinely resolved those issues and we have been trying are best to do so as can be arrested to by those that have remained.

    “We have purged ourselves of excess fat that will clog our veins and we are much more certain of our future.”

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, APC state governors, APC National Assembly members and other chieftains of the party including Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan attended the meeting.

    Some others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government the Federation, Boss Mustapha, members of the National Working Committee and NEC.

    However, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun, sent in their apologies due to their inability to attend the meeting. (NAN)

  • Osun 2018: Buhari, APC South West stakeholders meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from the South West at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    Main discussions at the meeting bordered on the forthcoming September 22 governorship election in Osun State.
    The meeting started at the First Lady conference hall around 8.30pm when the President arrived the hall.

    Those at the meeting included the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former APC interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

    Major stakeholders at the meeting were from Osun State.
    The Chairman of the Osun Governorship Campaign Committee and Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gamduje was also at the meeting.

    Others at the meeting were Osun State Governor, Rauf Aragbesola, , Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari were also at the meeting.

    Details Later…

  • Soyinka faults Buhari’s ‘national interest’ comment

    Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for saying that rule of law can be suspended for the sake of national security or interest.

    Soyinka claimed that Buhari was preparing an alibi for disregarding judicial decisions.

    The President made the comment last Sunday at the opening of the 58th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, in reliance on a Supreme Court judgment.

    He said: “Rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.

    “Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.”

    Soyinka also, in a statement titled Buhari’s pernicious doctrine’ faulted the President’s view.

    “Here we go again! At his first coming, it was ‘I intend to tamper with Freedom of the Press’ and Buhari did proceed to suit action to the words, sending two journalists Irabor and Thompson to prison as a reward for their professional integrity”.

    “Now, a vague, vaporous, but commodious concept dubbed ‘national interest’ is being trotted out as alibi for flouting the decisions of the Nigerian judiciary.”
    Soyinka wondered if President Buhari’s incarceration by the former President Ibrahim Babangida’s regime was also in the ”national interest”.

    He further thanked the President for notifying Nigerians of his intentions in advance.

    “The timing is perfect, and we have cause to be thankful for the advance warning, since not all rulers actually make a declaration of intent, but simply proceed to degrade the authority of the law as part of the routine business of governance. We have been there before.

    The playright challenged the the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to give a “robust response”.
    He said: “It should be of mere interest, not despondency, that this latest proclamation of dictatorial recidivism has also been made before an assembly of officers of the law, the Nigerian Bar Association. We expect a robust response from the NBA as part of its conclusions.

    According to Soyinka, “There is no short cut to democracy.

    “The history of law, even where uncodified, is as old as humanity. Numerous rulers have tried again and again to annul that institution. Sometimes, they appear to succeed, but in the end, they pay heavy forfeit. So does society.

    “The Rule of Law, however, outlasts all subverters, however seemingly powerful. If the consequences for society in defence of the Rule of Law were not so costly, any new attempt would be merely banal and boring, hardly deserving of attention. We know, historically, where it will all end.”

  • Buhari to women: Go for political post to effect changes

    *Says women more principled than men

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday charged Nigerian women to contest political positions in order to help effect the needed changes in the country.

    Buhari made the call during women political aspirants summit organized by National Council of Women Societies, (NCWS), Women in Politics Forum.

    He also expressed optimism that Nigerian women will vote massively for him in the 2018 general elections as they did in the 2015 election.

    According to him, the summit signified the spirit of Nigerian women organized to support women political aspirants in politics.

    He said that women constitute more than 50 percent of voters, and are by experience more dedicated and principled than their male counterparts.

    He said “Politicians rely on women voters because their word is usually their bond. Women stand by candidates they believe in all the way so politicians do a lot to gain their confidence.

    “On this note, let me recall and thank Nigerian women who put their confidence in me and voted for me in 2015. It is my hope that the confidence is still there; seeing this gathering. I am confident that it will remain.

    “Nigeria is a country of opportunities and possibilities. It is blessed with productive and skilled manpower, coupled with resources still being harnessed. With the right leadership at all levels, appropriate mindset and strong institutions, we can attain great heights.” he said

    The challenges his administration had witnessed since 2015, he said, have given way to dividends, which can only increase considerably and translate to better infrastructure, more jobs and more food on the tables of Nigerians.

    “A few months ago, I met with female parliamentarians and they raised issues concerning the passage of Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill now before the National Assembly and the implementation of 35 percent affirmative action, among others.

    “I am fully in support of both positions because these measures will improve the representation of women in our politics. Let me add my voice to the call on women to contest for political offices and effect the changes they want to see. I am confident that women can make great leaders and move the nation forward,” he said.

    The President also urged all political parties to create the enabling environment for free and fair playing grounds where women can contest elective positions and participate in our political process.

    Read Also: Buhari departs for China Friday to attend FOCAC

    The Director-General of Women Development Center, Barrister Mary Ekpere Eta said that the coming together of women was an evidence that Nigeria was only aligning with the renewed global thinking on how to adequately harness the untapped capacity and talents of women and women’s leadership.

    She said, “Over the last two decades, the rate of women’s representation in national parliaments globally has incrementally increased from 11.8 percent in 1998 to 17.8 percent in 2008 to 23.5 percent in 2018.

    “However total global representation is still well below the 30 percent benchmark often identified as the necessary level of representation to make an impact on laws and policy.

    “Here in Nigeria,women’s participation in politics has sadly remained poor and as suggested by data, the participation of women in the affairs of political parties has not transformed to real opportunities as to allow them participate effectively in governance.

    “What are the solutions? How can we change politics from being a male-oriented, male-dominated enterprise in Nigeria?

    “We can start with a merit- oriented quota system, in which qualified women are supported to occupy a designated percentage of positions within the party, political appointments and for elective office.

    “Then there is the issue of violence that often characterizes Nigerian politics, right from within political parties, through to the campaigns and elections proper.

    “Elections in Nigeria have often been characterized by one form of violence or the other. Due to the fear of violence, many women think it wiser to leave politics to people with daring.“

  • Buhari departs for China Friday to attend FOCAC

    *To discuss infrastructure financing with President Jinping

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday depart for China to participate in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled to hold September 3 – 4, 2018 in Beijing.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the President’s first engagement in Beijing will be an interactive session with the Nigerian Community in China at the Nigerian Embassy.

    He added “Before the formal opening of the FOCAC Summit, President Buhari in his capacity as current Chair of ECOWAS, is expected to deliver remarks at the High-Level Dialogue between Chinese and African leaders, business representatives and African entrepreneurs.”

    Buhari is also scheduled to join President Jinping and other African leaders for the opening and roundtable sessions of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit under the theme: “Towards an even Stronger China-Africa Community with a shared Future.”

    After the FOCAC Summit, President Buhari will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss infrastructure financing for strategic projects in Nigeria and the upgrading of Nigeria-China relations “from strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership.”

    The President will also use the occasion of his audience with the Chinese leadership to assess the progress made so far in Chinese interventions in Nigeria’s key priority infrastructure projects, particularly on-going projects in the railway and power sectors.

    “It is noteworthy that since the last FOCAC VI Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa in December 2015 – the first attended by the Nigerian leader – and his successful State visit to China in April 2016, the current administration has pushed forward practical cooperation with China in the areas of infrastructure construction, trade, investments, finance, power, agriculture, education cooperation, among others.

    “It would be recalled that President Buhari has consistently acknowledged Chinese support for infrastructure development in Nigeria.”

    The statement recalled that in January 2018 while receiving the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, the President had said: ‘‘We send our gratitude to the Chinese for all their support to Nigeria. Since independence, no country has helped our country on infrastructural development like the Chinese. In some projects, the Chinese help us with 85 percent payment, and soft loans that span 20 years. No country has done that for us.’’

    Read Also: Buhari to May: 2019 polls will be free, fair, credible

    President Buhari will be accompanied to Beijing by his wife, Aisha, who is scheduled to participate in a Spouses’ Programme on China-Africa at the Great Hall of the People, under the theme, ‘‘Joining Hands for a Future of AIDS.’’

    Also on the President’s entourage are Governors Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, Akinwunmi Ambode, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Rochas Anayo Okorocha of Bauchi, Lagos, Jigawa and Imo States respectively.

    Others are Senators Abdullahi Adamu, George Akume, Godswill Akpabio and Aliyu Wamakko representing Nasarawa, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Sokoto States respectively.

    Also accompanying the President are: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, and Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    Others are the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; the Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar; and the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

  • Buhari to May: 2019 polls will be free, fair, credible

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured British Prime Minister Theresa May of his commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

    The President spoke during a bilateral meeting with the visiting Prime Minister at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, welcomed Britain’s support at strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

    He said: “I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well. The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly.

    ‘‘Nigeria has accepted multiparty democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder,’’ he said.

    On the anti-corruption campaign, the President applauded Britain’s support to Nigeria, noting that the success of the fight is very important to ordinary Nigerians.

    He said: “We had great opportunities and resources between 1999 and 2014, due to high oil prices. But when we came in 2015, oil prices plunged to as low as 37 dollars per barrel.

    ‘‘What we have been doing since 2015 is to focus on infrastructure development, despite low earnings. Work is ongoing in roads, rail, power, and many others.”

    On Brexit, Buhari noted that it provides an opportunity to strengthen the historic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    ‘‘We are nervously watching the development about Brexit because we know that the relationship had been on for a long time.  I assure you that I am prepared to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.’’

    The President also thanked the UK government for its support on security and the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, and the improved trade relations between both countries.

    ‘‘I am very grateful to the British government under you leadership for the help in security, particularly your training team that is in our institution in Kaduna,’’ he said.

    Speaking earlier before the bilateral meeting, Buhari underscored the need for UK support on reviving of Lake Chad, which is a means of livelihood for millions of people.  The water is said to be dying up, putting at risk fishing, which is the major means of livelihood for many.

    The President told the visiting Prime Minister that Europe and China were already conducting an in-depth study on recharging the Lake through inter-basin transfer from the Central African Republic.

    May, who welcomed the assurance by the federal government on credible elections in 2019, said she was pleased to be in Abuja to continue the ‘‘excellent discussions’’ she started with President Buhari in London last April, particularly on security, trade, asset recovery and the fight against corruption.

    ‘‘Security and defence cooperation are very important steps to address Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa,’’ May said.

    On asset recovery, the Prime Minister told President Buhari: ‘‘We do not want to hold anything that belongs to Nigerian people, but we follow the judicial process, which can be slow.’’

    The Prime Minister urged Buhari to use his position as ECOWAS Chair to keep human trafficking on the front burner in the sub-region.

    President Buhari and Prime Minister May witnessed the signing of two agreements: Security and Defence Partnership and Economic Development Forum Agreement.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said: “There were two agreements that were signed today. The first one was Defence and Security Partnership between the two countries. It was signed by the respective national security advisers and the second one was on Economic Development Forum that has been set up.

    “This clearly highlights the two priority areas in our relationship at the moment.

    “Under the Defence and Security Pact, it is a comprehensive agreement that covers all aspects of security challenges. So, apart from the military training, there is also the support for policing, civil policing, human rights aspect of security and the close cooperation that the two countries will have, the training that will be provided by the UK to our security forces.

    “On the economic development forum, this is a forum that really aims at co-prosperity. The prosperity of our two countries is sloping to leverage in areas where we have as countries comparative advantages, the financial centre that London is and the investment opportunities in our country and ready to build that up with the private sector as well as the government level. So everything will be comprehensive and involve different stakeholders and this is in the context of UK’s BREXIT. Coming out of the European union, they feel freer now to engage with countries on bilateral level and build up trade relations with those countries.

    “For us, this also fits into our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan where Mr. President has put forward a roadmap that is really transforming this country. So this partnership is a framework that is very key to our Economic Growth and Development Plan.”

    “On human rights, we have taken a number of steps. Mr. President has set up a committee that looks into the various allegations made against our military and the process is ongoing and we are very keen to have as a government a mechanism within the security apparatus of this country that ensures that the correct procedures and methods are employed by the military and so of course, in a cooperation with us in the area of security, the United Kingdom and other countries also expect that we will maintain the highest human rights standard,” Onyeama said

     

    UK offers Lagos access to 750m pounds finance

    British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday told the Lagos State Government of the availability of 750 million Pounds export credit finance to benefit from.

    Speaking during a whistle-stop visit to Lagos, Mrs May pointed out the important role a stable government in Lagos had played in giving confidence to investors.

    The prime minister arrived at the Presidential Wing of the International Airport at about 4:30pm. She was received by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Deputy Governor Oluranti Adebule, Secretary to the State Government Tunji Bello and Special Adviser Overseas Affairs and Investment Ademola Abass.

    She hinted of her interest in the development of the technology industry in Lagos, adding that an expert in Fintech was on her delegation.

    .She also noted the special strength of the London City as a financial hub that could be of considerable importance to Lagos State. She urged the sustainability and growth in the UK/Lagos relationship.

    Ambode said Nigerian education, cultural and political systems were largely influenced by Britain and that there are more Nigerians living in the UK than elsewhere outside Nigeria.

    He told the prime minister that Lagos remained a place of choice for British investors especially given that stability in the government, the size of the Lagos economy and population, the particular focus of his administration on the rule of law and justice sector reform.

    He said it would be of particular importance to Lagos State if British investors could explore the various opportunities in the areas of energy, technology, export finance, infrastructure and the creative industry.

    Ambode said “the important part of this visit to us about how investment in Lagos can be improved upon by British investors and you would realize that Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and a whole lot of British investments are domiciled in Lagos.  We spoke about how we can improve the investment climate in Lagos and then the other parts of what Lagos has been doing to attract investors. You know we have been doing a lot in judicial sector reforms and security sector reforms.”

    Giving her impression of the visit, Mrs May told reporters: “I have had a fantastic visit to Nigeria and we have outstanding relationship between UK and Nigeria but there is much more that we can do in the future. I enjoyed being able to come to Abuja and also to Lagos to see the thriving business community here.

    “We want to see increased trade between Nigeria and UK; increased investment; bringing jobs here to Nigeria, jobs in the UK being good for both countries and I have had an excellent time here and I am very pleased to being able to be here and thank you Governor (Ambode).”