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Tag: BUHARI

  • Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has called on Nigerians to get up, put our acts together and take our destiny in our hands for the progress and development of the country.

    The monarch said while the ship of the country may be battered severally on the high seas, but with discipline, hard work, selflessness, patriotism, dedication and unalloyed support for President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the ship will safely anchor and be renewed to the surprise of everyone in the world.

    Oba Adeyemi gave the admonition in his Idel Kabir message made available to the media on Tuesday.

    The paramount ruler stated that governments at all levels, political leaders and followers, and all of us, must have the courage and honesty to get to the root causes of our current state of insecurity, underpinned by criminality, and insurgency/terrorism.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Masari doles out N72, 231, 350 gift to Pilgrims

    He enjoin Nigerians to imbibing the virtues of tolerance, understanding and good neighbourliness as the baseline of transforming the country, heal our relationships, and give us the polity of our dreams.

    According to him, this calls for rededication, not only to the Creator, but also to the cause of mankind, appreciate the gift of life and imbibe the virtues of tolerance, and contentment.

    Said he, ‘’ Common indices of the well-being of the society should include peace, the existence of rule of law, socio-economic progress and the safety and comfort of the citizenry. Unfortunately, until recently, these ideals have not been achieved in the country because of the tendency of those in positions of authority seeking their personal well-being first and sometimes try to do this at the expense of the down-trodden people.

    They place themselves in advantageous positions by subverting the commonly accepted rules of conduct and goal attainment’’.

    Alaafin went further, ‘’if every citizen sincerely love in our hearts, governance would work, electoral reforms would be easier to accomplish, funds would be judiciously utilized for the good of the larger number, leadership would love and cherish the led. That is the to all humanity, at this time’’.

    Love, he stressed, considers others first, prefers others above personal and selfish desires, and which seeks to emancipate, unshackle and liberate’’.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari felicitates with Muslims, urges harmony, tolerance

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Muslims over the Eid-el Kabir, urging for the promotion of harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    Buhari, in his Sallah message, posted on his verified Twitter account, also called Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests.

    He said: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, on this year’s celebration. I assure you all that our administration will not rest or relent as we work to build the Nigeria of our dreams—secure, prosperous and free from the ravages of corruption.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari slaughters his Sallah ram (Photos)

    “On this occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I urge all Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests, and to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    “We must imbibe this lesson and make it a duty to sacrifice for others and to always remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Selfishness, greed and corruption have no place in our lives and in our dealings with one another.”

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari slaughters his Sallah ram (Photos)

    President Buhari joined other Muslim faithfuls to observe the Eid prayers in his village, Daura in Katsina state today.

  • Buhari orders security chiefs to step up anti-terror battle

    •Kwara police seize vehicle filled with knives

    •Yobe restricts movement as Adamawa cancels Sallah homage to traditional rulers

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the security agencies to step up their battle to secure the country.

    He gave the directive during the Security Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The meeting was held amid reports of security  threats ahead of today’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

    Many states are taking steps to guarantee a hitch-free celebration.

    The Kwara State Police raised the alarm of a security threat, accusing politicians of planning to disrupt the peace. They claimed to have intercepted a vehicle-load of knives.

    The government of Yobe State announced a restriction of vehicles movement from 10pm last night till 10am today.

    In Adamawa, the government banned the homage to traditional rulers usually made during celebrations.

    Minister of Defence Mansur Dan Ali said the security situation in the Northeast “is worrisome”.

    He explained: “We have looked into it critically and we have taken absolute decision.”

    Apart from the minister, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gabriel Olonisakin attended the meeting alongside   National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff Ibok Ekwe Ibas and Chief of Air Staff Abubakar Sadique were also at the meeting.

    There were also National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ahmed Abubakar, Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris and Department for State Services Acting Director-General Matthew Seiyefa.

    Gen Olonisakin.told reporters that the security chiefs briefed the President on the security situation, adding:

    “We just had two and half hours meeting with the President and Commander-in-Chief. We reviewed the security situation across the country in all the geopolitical zones and, of course, we made all our comments, especially the new operations in Benue, Zamfara, Taraba Operation WISE Stroke, and Operation (Saradaji).

    “We gave the extent of successes in these operations and we are to continue in this line of action in these operations.

    “All the operations were reviewed and all the issues concerning the operations were dealt with. And he directed that we should continue to step up our game to ensure that the nation is safe and people go about their daily activities in a very safe manner.The minister added: “This is a normal routine security briefing with Mr President; he just came back, so we briefed him on all the activities we had while he was away. It is an update of the August 2 meeting.

    “The decision that has been taken is that we have seen that there is a lot of improvement in the security situation in the country, more especially in Zamfara and Benue states, and in the Niger Delta.

    The Adamawa Government cancelled its usual Sallah homage to traditional rulers and other stakeholders due to insecurity and emergencies created by flooding.

    Commissioner for Information Ahmad Sajo said: “After due consultation with the Chairman, Adamawa State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, the Adamawa State Government has directed that the usual Sallah homage be cancelled.

    “The cancellation was due to a number of reasons which included insecurity and the emergencies created by flooding which washed away a number of bridges and rendered many families homeless.”

    He however urged traditional rulers, prominent citizens and critical stakeholders in the state to use the Sallah period to sensitise the people on the importance of peace, unity and security.’’

    A statement by Director of Information and Press Affairs to the Yobe State Governor Abdullahi Bego said the restriction on vehicle movement would begin by 10.00pm on Monday through 10.00am today when all prayers have been concluded on Eid grounds.

    “This is to inform members of the public that following a security meeting he had with heads of security, intelligence and law enforcement in the state, His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has approved the placement of a 12-hour restriction on vehicular movement across the state as part of preparations for a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el Kabir prayers tomorrow Tuesday 21st August 2018.

    “The restriction begins from 10.00pm tonight to 10.00am tomorrow(Tuesday).

    “The public is kindly advised that no vehicle will be allowed within or near Eid prayer grounds except those on special duties.”

    Kwara State Police Commissioner Aminu Saleh said in Ilorin: “Feelers have it that the Sallah will be disrupted. We want to inform you that we are looking and we are watching. We already identified three modes of dressing that we will look out for.

    “It was discovered that the plot is being coordinated by top politicians of the major political parties in the state. Checks also indicated that preparatory for the offensive, they have concluded to hire mercenaries from within and outside the state to meet at designated points.

    “We have intercepted a vehicle loaded with knives. I don’t know whether they needed these knives to come and slaughter rams in Ilorin.

    “I am sure every household has a knife to slaughter their animal. We don’t need fresh knives here. We don’t want to lose the life of anybody for the purpose of Sallah and Durbar celebrations.

    “We are sounding this note of warning for those of them who are bent on disrupting the celebrations. They must take this warning very seriously as we are not going to compromise any disruption of both celebrations.” Saleh also cautioned against hate speech.

     

  • Tambuwal: I have what it takes to challenge Buhari

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal yesterday said he has what it takes to contest against President Muhammadu Buhari on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform if he wanted.

    Tambuwal, reacting to a statement that he defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he feared it will be a tall dream for him to get an automatic ticket, insisted that he could have challenged President Buhari under the APC if that was what he wanted.

    He noted that if he did, only the votes of delegates could have produced a winner.

    Tambuwal stated this in his Tweeter handle “@Sokotogovthouse” as his reaction to the widely publicized statement that he hurriedly left the APC for fear of Buhari.

    He said: “If I wanted to and if the Presidency is what Ahmed Tinubu thinks I defected, I could contest with President Buhari under the APC. I have what it takes to have contested with Mr. President.

    “Tinubu tried to rock the boat when he was denied Buhari’s vice presidency. He thinks every other person could behave his way. If I wanted to contest under the APC as president, I could have done so and only the votes could have produced a winner.

    “In any case, Tinubu is confessing that there is no level-playing ground for all members of the APC; that there is no internal democracy in it and that some people were denied their right to internal democracy.”

    Tambuwal stressed that while addressing the people of Sokoto State and by implication, Nigerians, he stated his reasons for leaving the party (APC) none of which was “automatic ticket”.

    “I adduced reasons my defection to the PDP. The reasons are still on record. Automatic ticket by the APC is certainly not part of that,” Tambuwal said.

  • Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, others urge Nigerians on peaceful co-existence

    As Sallah is being celebrated today, President Muhammadu Buhari leads others in preaching peace, love and tolerance to Muslim faithful, report Ozeigbe Okoeki, Odunayo Ogunmola, Okungbowa Aiwere, Damisi Ojo, Kolade Adeyemi and Chris Oji.

    •Ambode, Aregbesola, Dakwambo, others preach peace

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests in the country.

    He urged them to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    This President’s Eid-el-Kabir message according to Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted him as urging Muslims to use the occasion for sober reflection and self-examination, and strive to be good ambassadors of their religion by upholding high moral values

    He reminded Muslims that this felicitous occasion of Eid-ul-Adha is a remembrance of the submission of Prophet Ibrahim Allaihis-Salam to Allah, his Creator, by which he taught the world the value of sacrifice in relating with one another, and when it comes to nation-building.

    He said “We must sacrifice for others and remember always those who are less fortunate than ourselves,” the President declared.

    President Buhari explained that religion is a major factor in influencing human behaviour towards good conduct and actions.

    Heexpressed regret that selfishness, greed and corruption had overwhelmed human souls to the extent that people abandon their religious beliefs in pursuit of their greed.

    The President stressed that fighting corruption is a task that must be done in order to protect the larger interests of the ordinary Nigerians who are the worst victims of diseases, poverty, malnutrition and other afflictions.

    He said surrendering to corruption is not an option because it destroys society and progress of nations.

    “Even if some people hate you for fighting corruption, you should not chicken out from the task as a leader because doing so is a betrayal of public trust.” the President added

    On the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the President reassured that such are temporary because the welfare of the people is the main thrust of the change agenda of the administration.

    President Buhari cited the many initiatives unfolded by the administration under the Social Investment Programme (SIP) among which was the decision to distribute recovered stolen funds to the poor against the past practices of re-looting such funds by some people in authority.

    The President arrived I his hometown Daura yesterday.

    He arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport aboad the Presidential jet at the airport at about 5.51p.m.

    Katsina state Governor Aminu Masari and Minister of State (Aviation) Hadi Sirika were among those at the airport to welcome the President.

    The President was conveyed from there to Daura by a presidential chopper.

    The President has been observing Eid-el Kabir at his country home in the last three years of his presidency.

    The Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu also urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.

    In separate Eid el Kabir messages, Saraki enjoined Nigerians to increase their efforts in charitable endeavours, perseverance and spiritual intercession for the nation. The Senate President urged Nigerians to further devote their prayers at the Eid praying grounds to the call on Allah to restore peace in all parts of the country, strengthen the unity and rebuild the economy.

    Saraki also congratulated Muslims on the celebration of the 2018 Eid el-Kabir festival and described the special occasion as “a period that honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show submission to Allah’s command”.

    Dogara, enjoined the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, love and tolerance for the peace, unity and progress of the country.

    “While rejoicing with our Muslim brothers on this auspicious occasion of  Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, which symbolises sacrifice and obedience,  I wish to enjoin all people of goodwill to be steadfast in love for one another and demonstrate renewed commitment to the Nigerian project in order to make our society ideal for all and towards the fulfillment of the country’s great potentials”.

    “I also urge our religious leaders to take advantage of the season and preach peace, unity and tolerance among the diverse people, especially now that the country is at  critical political crossroads, with the electioneering process gaining momentum as the 2019 general elections draw nearer”.

    “On our part as lawmakers, we will continue to pursue people-oriented legislations and initiate reforms and legislative interventions that will guarantee peace and stability in the polity and the nation as a whole as well as improve the living conditions of the citizens”.

    Ekweremadu said: “The Eid-el Kabir presents yet another opportunity for the Muslim Umah and indeed all Nigerians to reflect soberly on state of the nation and pray for Nigeria’s future and peaceful elections.

    “Importantly, Nigeria is certainly in need of both attitudinal change and divine intervention as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections. Whereas the extensive electoral reforms carried out by the National Assembly manifested in visible improvements in the quality of the 2011 and 2015 general elections, subsequent elections have been gravely marred by excessive violence, vote buying, and other outrageous manipulations that threaten our democracy.

    “From the Bayelsa Governorship election to the recent bye-elections in Kogi and Rivers States, among others, the nation has witnessed intolerable levels of impunity, violence, excessive abuse and manipulation of vital institutions of democracy, which signal grave turbulence ahead of 2019”.

    ‘Embrace love,unity, sacrifice’

    In Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode urged Muslims to live in love and unity.

    In his Sallah message,Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    “The significance of the season should be beyond feasting, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence should be to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice”, Ambode admonished faithful.

    The governor called on all Nigerians to exhibit these virtues for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

    His words: “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country.

    “This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all.”

    Fayemi urges peaceful co-existence

    Ekiti State governor-elect Kayode Fayemi felicitated with Muslims in the country.

    Dr. Fayemi urged the Muslims Ummah to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which is the foundation of the festival, during and after the festivities.

    In a goodwill message, the governor-elect said: “The Eid-el-Kabir festival offers the opportunity for sober reflection and spiritual renewal which Allah demands from the faithful.

    “The Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths in the country should make peaceful coexistence their watchword and work together for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    “Nigerians need to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as demonstrated in Prophet Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his son in deference to the will of God, which Eid-el-Kabir commemorates.

    “It is only through the love for one another and commitment to peace, security and stability that the country can progress towards the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation.”

    Kalu sues for unity among Nigerians

    Former Abia State Governor of Abia State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC)Orji Kalu  urged leaders across the country to use their positions  to advocate peaceful co-existence among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious and political divides.

    According to him, Nigerians should embrace patriotism, selflessness and discipline in their pursuits for the sake of rebuilding the nation.

    Stressing that Nigeria is better off as an indivisible and united entity, he urged the political class not to use sentiments to polarise the country.

    Kalu said in a statement: “I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir. It is a special season and it calls for special prayers for the country.

    “We should use this opportunity to appraise ourselves as individuals and as a people. We should exhibit piety, selflessness, patriotism and service to humanity in our activities as enshrined in the Holy Quran.

    “Let us respect other people’s religious beliefs and by so doing, there will be no rift in the society. Nigeria remains a blessed nation owing to its diversity in religion and ethnicity.”

    Atiku preaches love, tolerance

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar advised Muslims to take the center stage in promoting and spreading love among fellow Nigerians to consolidate unity.

    He said religion should be used as a means to advance the cause of love amongst the people.

    According to him, diversity cannot be the cause of Nigeria’s problems.He blamed the attitude of Nigerians towards one another.

    He said: “The common interests that unite Nigerians are by far stronger than those petty factors that divide us.

    “Intolerance, extremism and bigotry, if unchecked, could threaten peace and unity in any country.”

    He identified peace and unity as the greatest assets that should not be taken for granted, adding that interfaith dialogue would not go far enough if bigotry is allowed to defeat human reason and wisdom.

    The former vice president noted that all religions preach love of mankind, and urged Muslims to promote the beauty of their faith through positive personal conducts.

    Aregbesola to faithful: imbibe forgiving spirit

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola urged the Muslim faithful to uphold their obedience to Allah in the spirit of forgiveness for one another.

    In a goodwill message, Aregbesola described Islam as a religion that upholds the spirit of love, peace and charity and preach harmonious living relationship with other religions adherents.

    He commended the Muslim community in Osun for supporting his administration and for being good citizens.

    The governor urged Muslims to expand the spiritual benefits of Sallah by ensuring and promoting peaceful co-existence with each other and people of other faiths and shun violence and religious conflicts in whatever form they may manifest.

    He enjoined Muslims to pray for and conduct themselves peacefully before during and after the September 22, governorship election coming up in the state, noting that it is only Allah who enthrones and anyone who wants to forcefully enthrone himself can only do so in vain.

    He advised the faithful to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice which Prophets Ibrahim and his son, Ismaeel, exemplified, an occasion which is being commemorated yearly, thousands of years since.

    The message reads: “Let me congratulate all Muslim on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    “I want you to use the occasion of the festival to demonstrate that the world is united by our common humanity.

    “You have demonstrated that you are patriotic Nigerians with your peaceful conduct, obedience to the laws of the land and invaluable contribution to development of our country.

    “You should continue to pray fervently for those things that would promote unity of the country, and pray against things that threaten the existence of Nigeria.”

    Dankwambo: truth 

    exalts a nation

    Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has joined Muslims in celebrating Eid-el-Kabir.

    He said: “As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, citizens must be reminded of the need to celebrate with love for one another and for our country. I must also say this: as the Holy Books teach us that only truth exalts a nation, only sacrifice by the people can sustain the nation on the path of unity, peace, progress and prosperity.

    Today is a day for sober reflection, especially as a result of the challenges facing Nigeria as a nation and the harrowing personal experience of the majority of citizens.”

    Submit to Allah’s will, Ahmed urges Muslims

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed

    urged Muslims  to imbibe the lessons of total submission and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah and promote the principle of being one another’s keepers.

    The governor emphasised the need to devote oneself to the services of the supreme being and pray for the unity, peace, progress and stability of the country

    He said: “Let’s guide against hate speech, thuggery and violence but imbibe lessons of the season and pray for a free, fair and credible elections in 2019 and beyond.”

    Dr. Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the people of the state for their supports and prayers over the years and renewed his commitment to bequeathing a worthy legacy for his successor.

    “We shall take our projects to fruition levels”, the governor said.

    Okowa urges prayers for leaders

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged Nigerians to put aside their religious and political differences to build a united country.

    He urged Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the prophet.

    Okowa, in a Sallah message said Eid-el-Kabir was a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

    Okowa said: “I enjoin you to use the period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibing the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to the higher authority as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed.

    “This is an opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation; and for all those in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer the affairs of the country.”

    He assured the people of Delta State that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony.

    Akeredolu: celebrate with fear of God

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu believed that the annual festival, which symbolises sacrifice and peace, will be celebrated by the Muslims with the fear of God and continued service to humanity and love of one another.

    He urged them to be moderate in their activities as they peacefully visit various places of interest to celebrate the much-cherished festival.

    The governor noted that as they go to the Prayer Ground for supplication to the Almighty, they should as usual, pray for the leadership of the state and the country in general.

    ‘Emulate Mohammed’

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike urged Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the Prophet.

    Wike described Eid-el-Kabir as a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance which will promote peace across the country and enhance national development.

    He assured the people of Rivers State that the state government will work with the  security  agencies  to ensure that all citizens celebrate  the Sallah  in peace and harmony.

    He congratulated the Muslim community in the Southsouth state  on the Sallah celebration, assuring  them that his administration  will continue  to  partner with  them to move the state forward.

    Ganduje urges Muslims on sacrifice

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje urged Muslims to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and keep fostering unity as they join their counterparts globally to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    Ganduje also cautioned religious and political leaders against hate campaigns, incitement or fanning embers of disunity in this period of heightened political activity in the country.

    In his Sallah message, Ganduje said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

    The governor called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country, stressing the need for constructive criticisms for improved governance, which he said, must be separated from incitements in order to move forward.

    Ugwuanyi calls for prayers, sustained peace

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi urged Muslems  to continue to uphold and promote the core values of Islam for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.

    Ugwuanyi, who felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari and other Muslim faithful, also wished them the guidance and blessings of Allah, calling on all Nigerians to continue to supplicate for the progress of the country, through good deeds, sacrifice and abiding faith in God.

    He noted: “The ultimate goal remains our collective ability to live in peace and harmony, to cherish one another irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences, for sustainable development of the nation”.

  • Buhari arrives Daura for Sallah

    President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in his country home, Daura, for the Eid -el Kabir celebration.

    Buhari landed at the Daura helipad at 6:35 pm on Monday in a presidential helicopter marked NAF -541 along with the members of his family and some aides.

    The  president’s entourage was his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

    Others were Alhaji Garba Darazo, his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and Malam Lawal Kazaure, the Chief Protocol Officer to the President.

    The president was received by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Wakili, and other dignitaries.

    NAN

  • I have what it takes to challenge Buhari under APC – Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, on Monday said he has what it takes to contest against President Muhammadu Buhari under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform if he wanted.

    Tambuwal in his reaction to a statement that he defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he feared it will be a tall dream for him to get automatic ticket, insisted that he could have challenged President Buhari under the APC if that was what he wanted.

    He noted that if he did, only the votes of delegates could have produced a winner.

    Tambuwal stated this in his Tweeter handle “@Sokotogovthouse” as his reaction to widely publicized statement that he hurriedly left the APC for fear of Buhari.

    He said, “If I wanted to and if the Presidency is what Ahmed Tinubu thinks I defected, I could contest with President Buhari under the APC. I have what it takes to have contested with Mr. President.

    Read Also: Tinubu: Saraki, Tambuwal left APC for fear of Buhari

    “Tinubu tried to rock the boat when he was denied Buhari’s vice Presidency. He thinks every other person could behave his way. If I wanted to contest under the APC as president, I could have done so and only the votes could have produced a winner”.

    “In any case, Tinubu is confessing that there is no level-playing ground for all members of the APC; that there is no internal democracy in it and that some people were denied their right to internal democracy”.

    Tambuwal stressed that “while addressing the people of Sokoto State and by implication, Nigerians, he stated his reasons for leaving the party (APC) none of which was “automatic ticket.”

    “I adduced reasons of my defection to the PDP. The reasons are still on record. Automatic ticket by the APC is certainly not part of that,” he said.

  • Buhari, service chiefs meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    It was one of the President’s first major engagement since returning to Abuja on Saturday after 10-day working holiday in London.

    The meeting, which was held at the President’s office stated around 11.27a.m

    It was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Buhari to National Assembly: I’ve resumed

    President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly that he has resumed upon completion of his 10-day working leave.

    In the letter titled: “Resumption of Office”, signed by him on Saturday, Buhari said: “In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I write to inform the Senate and House of Representatives that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from today, Saturday, August 18, after my vacation.”

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, said: “Please accept, distinguished Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker the assurances of my highest consideration.”