The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari will rid Nigeria of corruption, says Emenike

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike, has assured Nigerians that the country will be free from corruption at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term in office.

    Emenike noted that corruption is the biggest problem impeding our growth, adding that when we eventually kill corruption, there will be development in all sectors.

    Speaking at Item in Bende Local Government Area as part of his sensitisation of the electorate, Emenike said if corruption was not killed, it would kill the country.

    Emenike said: “If we are to progress as a country, we should join hands with our dear President to fight and kill corruption before it kills us.”

    The Abia APC leader said: “History was made in the country during the last election; for the first time in the country an opposition party defeated a ruling party, and it was possible because the people were tired of corruption.

    “Let me tell you one fact that you need to know, whether they like it or not, Buhari will win the forthcoming election, as there is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa. Buhari is not leaving till the end of his second tenure.”

    Emenike urged the people to be prepared to return Buhari back in 2019 and vote the APC government so that capital flight will be a thing of the past.

    The Abia APC chieftain noted that the people can only get the type of government they want and that it can only come through voting in the right candidates.

    “The change we all yearn for must come from us through our votes”.

    He told the Bende people that his tour of the 17 councils afforded him the opportunity to see the state of infrastructure.

    “The quality of roads in the state is unthinkable, but I assure you that if APC governments comes, such roads will be a thing of the past”.

    Chairman of APC Dr Emma Ndukwe noted that God is about to bring change to Abia State through Emenike, who is not just godfearing, “but a man who has not soiled his hands in corruption, blood letting and theft of public funds.’’

  • I regret supporting Buhari – Kwankwaso

    Former Kano State Governor and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential aspirant, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said he and other people that dumped the PDP to support President Muhammadu Buhari in 2014 against the then President Goodluck Jonathan are currently regretting their actions.

    Kwankwaso who was in Owerri, the Imo state capital on a consultation visit to PDP members, condemned President Buhari’s approach to “revving the nation’s economy”.

    The former governor expressed worry over the poor state of infrastructure in the Southeast, adding that the anomaly can only be corrected by a change of government in the center by 2019.

    He was hopeful that the PDP will form government at the center and in many states of the federation next year.

    According to him, Nigerians are fed up with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) “and would be happy seeing PDP return to power”.

    Read Also: Buhari: national interest should override personal liberty

    In his words, “from North to South, the citizens are looking for a government that would not pay emphasis on religion,ethnicity and culture but national development. PDP’s government in 2019 shall bring development and create the adequate platforms that provide jobs for teeming Nigerians”.

    “I have been in Southeast in last few days and I want to say that the state of infrastructure in this region is incredible. It is either that the government lacks the capacity to improve the economy or something. Electricity is important in this country. The people need a government that will be just and provide jobs for teeming young Nigerians”.

    In his speech, elder statesman and PDP Board of Trustee (BoT) member, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, described Kwankwaso as a good material for the office of the President.

    He urged Nigerians to join PDP to “vote out a government that had failed the country”.

    The Imo state PDP Chairman, Charles Ezekwem, who was represented by his Deputy,Martin Ejiogu, said that Igbo people would only vote for a presidential candidate that would restructure the country and create an additional state in the region.

  • 2019: Trump’s remarks can’t stop Buhari – BMO

    The Buhari Media Organisation ( BMO ) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be distracted by the derogatory remarks credited to President Donald Trump of the United States of America, but will remain focused on his mandate to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people.

    The group was reacting to a report by the Financial Times that the American President told his aides after a meeting with the Nigerian Leader in April that he never wanted to hold such a life less meeting again.

    While describing the comment as disrespectful, Chairman of the group, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Maduekwe  said in a statement whether it was indeed said or in fact unsaid, Buhari would in his character continue to remain focused on his mandate to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people.

    The group said that “President Muhammadu Buhari is fit and capable to run for the 2019 elections and oversee the affairs of the country for four more years President Donald Trump’s hate speech notwithstanding.”

    They stressed that this was not the first time the US President was heard to make such derogatory remarks about World leaders, and thus President Buhari would not be distracted by such.

    They said: “We are aware that President Trump’s disrespect for World Leaders is not new; his comments on Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, calling him ‘meek and mild’; his reference to Germany’s Leader, Angela Merkel’s actions as ‘insane’, or his outlandish Tweet at the UK’s Theresa May, and more recently, the alleged remarks he made after meeting President Buhari.

    “It is indeed not the first time President Trump would be heard to lower the standards of respect for his colleagues on the world stage. We are not surprised, we know that this age-long character of the US President would not change anytime soon. But it is important that we put it on record that President Buhari remains fit and sprightly, even for the next decade.

    Read Also: BMO replies r-APC, counts Buhari’s achievements

    “We recall that during President Buhari’s visit to Trump in the White House, the US President commended the successes that the Buhari administration had recorded especially in the fight against insurgency and the war on corruption.

    “The US President was full of admiration for Nigeria’s President during the visit, thus such outlandish remarks as reported by the Financial Times are not just to be taken with a pinch of salt but are untrue in themselves.

    “President Buhari has continued to show fitness and capacity to run the country post-2019; it went further to highlight that though the President’s 800 metre walk, where he acknowledged the cheers of members of his constituency, was not intended at showboating, it was an unscripted reference point that further proves a fit and lively President.”

  • NAHCON hails Buhari over 2018 Hajj success

    Abdullahi Muktar, Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON ) has commended President Muhammad Buhari for relentlessly assisting the commission to accomplish its task.

    Muktar made the commendation during a post Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Monday in Makkah, Saudia Arabia.

    He said the commendation became necessary in view of the tremendous support the commission received from the presidency which was instrumental to the successes recorded during the performance of the hajj rites in the holy land.

    The chairman further thanked the government of Saudi Arabia for making all the necessary provisions that assisted in making the 2018 exercise a huge success.

    The NAHCON chairman expressed satisfaction over the diligence and hard work exhibited by the commission’s staff during the exercise.

    He, therefore, called on them to maintain the tempo in subsequent missions.

    He commended state officials for good work in coordinating their pilgrims in good manners.

    ”The states have done wonderfully well in terms of coordinating pilgrims and Jamarat activities (pebble throwing rites) and environmental sanitation; we pray Allah rewards them all.

    On her part, Sen Monsura Sunmonu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, thanked Almighty Allah ” for allowing us to witness this year’s Hajj”.

    Sunmonu hailef NAHCON for a job well done by ensuring hitch-free exercise, adding that she passionately supported the entire operation and prayed Allah to continue to protect the country.

    In a goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended the progress achieved in this year’s hajj, adding that NAHCON made some notable achievements in the last three years.

    He also appreciated the National Medical Team and clerics who guided the pilgrims.

    “We hope that next year and beyond, Nigeria will be on the record of great country, ” he said.

    While giving a brief on phase one of the hajj, Alhaji Sulaiman Usman, Director, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Service, NAHCON, said the feeding and animal sacrifices recorded incremental improvements.

    Read Also: Hajj 2018: NAHCON outlaws political campaign in Mina

    He said 6000 people paid their money for sacrifice through Jaiz Islamic Development Bank.

    He said the commission discovered that some illegal agents collected money for slaughtering animals but shared the crackers to themselves.

    ” We want to believe that those who paid to Jaiz also paid for transporting the meat to poor countries.”

    On environmental sanitation, he said “food vendors at Nigeria’s tents contributed in making our tents as refuse dumps. This are the areas that we need to work on in future”.

  • Buhari: national interest should override personal liberty

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said the rule of Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.

    Opening the 2018 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, he urged lawyers to work for national cohesion and unity as the 2019 elections approach.

    The President told the lawyers: “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.”

    There have been criticism of the government over the detention of some individuals, such as former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, Shiite leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife. Dasuki is being tried for alleged treason and  El-Zakzaky is court facing charges.

    The President also urged the lawyers to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the judicial and electoral institutions.

    Charging them to carry out proper analysis in cases that have to do with nation-building, he reminded them that law can only be optimally practiced in safe, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

    He added: “Given the enormity of the challenges we inherited and the yearnings of a citizenry earnestly desirous of a new way of running national affairs, our first challenge was to transform our country speedily into a society where impunity in the management of national resources would be replaced with a culture of accountability and transparency. We needed to deploy our resources to address our common needs rather than the greed of a callous few.

    ”In order to achieve this, we have had to disrupt age-old assumptions and unsettle ancient norms in the management of our national patrimony, as you have all witnessed in the last three years.

    ”While we have made appreciable progress in several sectors, including public awareness of the need to challenge the corrupt and the brazen in our midst, we have also learnt useful lessons on the dynamism of our society. However, elements within every society, including some lawyers, can equally become unduly resistant to change, even where it is proven that such change is to serve the interest of the larger society.  At worst, corruption fights back.

    ”As we gradually move into another season of intense political activities preparatory to the 2019 General Elections, I enjoin you to remember that by reason of your profession, you all have a responsibility to work for national cohesion and unity through your speeches and public positions and most importantly in your advocacy in court.

    ”In the context of opinions and narratives about our past and present political and socio-economic experience, you cannot afford to jettison rational and proper analysis of issues in a manner which builds, rather than destroys the nation. I also urge you to work to uphold and improve the sanctity and integrity of our judicial and electoral institutions which play a fundamental role in the sustenance and growth of our democracy.

    ”However, let me remind you all, my dear compatriots, that the law can only be optimally practised in a Nigeria that is safe, secure and prosperous,” he said

    The President also assured them of the resolve of his administration to promote measures that will achieve a vibrant economy under which the practice of law will thrive.

    Through fiscal discipline, good housekeeping, he said that his administration navigated the difficult days of economic transformation in 2015.

    He added: “And have now come to improving economic indices, including the consistent increase in our foreign reserves; 13 straight months of decreasing inflation; the expansion of social safety nets programmes as well as the blockages of historical drain pipes in our national treasury, all within the context of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.”

  • Buhari greets Nyako at 75

    President Muhammadu Buhari has joined members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in congratulating former Governor of Adamawa State, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako (retd), as he turns 75 today.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, felicitated with the family, relations, friends, professional and political associates of the renowned farmer, who served the country for years as a former Governor of Adamawa State, Chief of Naval Staff and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, with remarkable honours.

    The President extolled Nyako’s investment in agriculture and establishment of an international business network in animal husbandry and horticulture, especially with the export of mangos, which underscores Nigeria’s versatility and capacity in commodities.

    He prayed that the almighty God will continue to refresh Nyako’s mind and strength as he grows older and grant him the grace to keep serving his country.

     

  • Buhari greets David-West at 82

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Federal Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Prof. Tam David-West, on his 82nd birthday.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined family members, friends and colleagues of the erudite scholar and social critic in celebrating all the years of sacrifice in serving the country he loves so much and worked hard to see grow, especially for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged.

    The President believed David-West’s contribution to the economic and political architecture of Nigeria and his clear reasoning, wisdom and guidance through the transition phases to democracy will always be remembered and respected.

    He commended the former minister, who also served as Federal Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, for always holding leaders to account, assuring him that his views on good governance remain invaluable.

    The President prayed that the almighty God will grant Prof. David-West longer life and good health.

  • Buhari to Lawyers: Improve integrity of nation’s judicial, electoral systems

    President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to uphold and improve the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s judicial and electoral institutions to enhance democratic culture in the country.

    The President gave the challenge while declaring open 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja on Sunday.

    He also enjoined them to work for national cohesion and unity through their speeches, public positions and most importantly in their advocacy in court.

    According to him, the call had become imperative as the nation  is gradually moving into another season of intense political activities preparatory to the 2019 general elections.

    “As we gradually move into another season of intense political activities preparatory to the 2019 General Elections, I enjoin you to remember that by reason of your profession, you all have a responsibility to work for national cohesion and unity through your speeches and public positions and most importantly in your advocacy in court.

    “In the context of opinions and narratives about our past and present political and socio-economic experience, you cannot afford to jettison rational and proper analysis of issues in a manner which builds, rather than destroys the nation.

    President Buhari noted that the law can only be optimally practiced in a Nigeria that is safe, secure and prosperous.

    The president, however, assured the lawyers of the resolve of his administration to promote measures that would achieve a vibrant economy under which the practice of law will thrive.

    He said: “Through fiscal discipline, good housekeeping, we navigated the difficult days of economic transformation at the beginning of this government in 2015.

    “We have now come to improving economic indices, including the consistent increase in our foreign reserves; thirteen straight months of decreasing inflation; the expansion of social safety nets programmes as well as the blockages of historical drain pipes in our national treasury, all within the context of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    “It is equally significant to emphasize that our willingness to hold persons accountable for offences against society, through the judicial process, will equally transform the future of public service in Nigeria in a positive manner.’’

    President Buhari, therefore, expressed the hope that lawyers could contribute to another core objective of enhancing the business environment and promoting social justice by promoting respect for the Rule of Law.

    He also urged them to contribute to the law reform process and putting national interest and professional ethics above self in the conduct of their business.

    “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,’’ he added.

    Buhari also expressed confidence that the NBA conference would achieve tremendous success, and urged the lawyers to participate actively in its various intellectual and social activities in order to build new bonds and strengthen old relationships.

    The president used the opportunity to explain various measures taken by his administration to ensure prudent and accountable management of the nation’s scarce resources.

    “Given the enormity of the challenges we inherited and the yearnings of a citizenry earnestly desirous of a new way of running national affairs, our first challenge was to transform our country speedily into a society where impunity in the management of national resources would be replaced with a culture of accountability and transparency.

    “We needed to deploy our resources to address our common needs rather than the greed of a callous few.

    “In order to achieve this, we have had to disrupt age-old assumptions and unsettle ancient norms in the management of our national patrimony, as you have all witnessed in the last three years,’’ he said.

    He further said that the government had made appreciable progress in several sectors, including public awareness of the need to challenge the corrupt and the brazen in across the country.

    According to him, the government has also learnt useful lessons on the dynamism of the society.

    “However, elements within every society, including some lawyers, can equally become unduly resistant to change, even where it is proven that such change is to serve the interest of the larger society.

    “At worst, corruption fights back,’’ he said.

    The president congratulated the incoming national executive of the NBA, led by Mr. Paul Usoro, and wished them a successful tenure in the task of advancing legal practice in Nigeria. (NAN)

  • Buhari to troops: Get ruthless with bandits, kidnappers

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met troops battling bandits, kidnappers and criminals in Zamfara and neighbouring states under Operations Sharan Daji and Diran Mikiya.

    Addressing them at the Umar Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina State on his way back from Daura to Abuja, Buhari  charged them to remain ”ruthless” in the battle against the criminals.

    Nigerians, he said, “are looking up to you and us to secure the country.”

    He added: “What is happening in the areas of operations is disgraceful. I’m very pleased with the way officers and men are firmly putting it down and I want you to be as ruthless as humanly possible. Nigerians deserve some peace.

    ”The country has to be secured to be managed…we have been doing our best and we depend a lot on you to do what is needed in the field. I do not want you to spare any cattle rustler, armed robber or any person who thinks he is above the law.

    He commended them for a job well done so far and donated five bulls to the security personnel in the spirit of Sallah and in appreciation of their efforts.

    During the interaction, the president applauded officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Army for the counter-offensive against bandits in Zamfara State and its environs.

    He assured them of his full support as ”a worthy Commander-in-Chief.”

    He urged officers and men to keep up the good work in the results achieved in dealing with banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the affected states, within the short period of the operation’s existence.

    In his brief to the president, Air Vice Marshall Sampson Akpasa, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, NAF, said locations such as Mashema, Shinkafi, Ajia, Rafi, Shamashalle, Zurmi and Galadi in Zamfara State, previously used as staging and trading bases by the bandits have been made untenable through sustained air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

    ”The air efforts in the last couple of weeks also provided close air support to ground troops on various occasions. Additionally, the Air Task Force(ATF) responded to several distress calls from sister security forces and locals by neutralising the identified massed bandits and preventing imminent attacks on villages/towns such as Yanwari and Hayin Alhaj,” Akpasa said.

    The unannounced visit was intended to appreciate the work of the soldiers.

    The federal government had, on July 29, assembled the 1000-strong military personnel, comprising the army, air force, police and the civil defence to help in tackling the activities of the bandits.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed fighter aircraft to Katsina, the airport with the closest proximity to Zamfara, to allow for immediate and effective response to the menace of the bandits.

     

     

     

  • Buhari greets Akinnola at 60

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with journalist, human rights and pro-democracy activist, Richard Akinnola, on his 60th birthday.

    The president also joined family, friends and colleagues of the journalist, the media and civil society in celebrating the landmark age, which Akinnola has dedicated to the service of God, country and humanity.

    The president, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, lauded the uncompromising posture of the activist in always telling the truth to leaders, insisting on propriety and regularly mobilising to safeguard the sanctity of human rights and the integrity of the nation.

    Buhari reaffirmed that the democracy that the country enjoys today was borne out of the sacrifices and forthrightness of individuals like Akinnola, who have not relented in fighting for good governance and ensuring that democracy transcends elections to include a lifestyle of respect, dignity and accountability in Nigeria.

    He extolled Akinnola’s magnanimity in setting up a foundation, Richard Akinnola Foundation, which caters for the underprivileged and families of journalists.

    The president prayed that the almighty God will grant Akinnola longer life, good health and prosperity as he continues serving the country.