President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met behind closed doors with the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting started at 3.23 p.m. shortly after Talon arrived the forecourt of the State House.
The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore in a former Inspector-General of Police, Musiliu Smith, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Smith takes over from Mike Okiro, who was also a former IGP.
Also sworn in before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over my President Buhari were Clara Ogunbiyi, AIG Lawal Bawa (retd) and Mohammed Najatu.
Others were – Braimoh Adogame Austin, Rommy Mom and Dr. Nkemka Jombo-Ofo.
Buhari, at the short ceremony, also sworn in, Festus Okoye, as National Electoral Commissioner in the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the National Assembly as a seasonal occurrence on the eve of elections.
He assured his party members that the defections would do no harm to the party at the elections.
In a statement by his media adviser Garba Shehu, President Buhari while wishing the defectors the best in their future undertakings, expressed his total commitment to the values of democracy, freedom of choice and a total willingness to work with all members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their political party, for the benefit of the nation.
The President said none of the defecting federal lawmakers of the APC had any specific grievance against him or the government he leads; neither did he harbour anything against any of them.
The statement said: “As the saying goes, all politics is local. We understand that some of the distinguished and honourable lawmakers have issues with their home states, especially on zoning which bars some of them from seeking another term in their constituencies.”
He commended the leadership of the APC for relentlessly working for its unity and ensuring success in the upcoming elections.
• Nigeria, Niger sign MoU
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday hailed the move by Nigeria to import crude oil from Niger Republic.
He also welcomed the setting up of a refinery in Katsina State that will make use of “stranded crude” from Niger Republic.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
At the ceremony, Buhari thanked the Niger delegation for considering Nigeria as a partner on what he observed as a mutually beneficial strategic initiative.
According to him, the two countries have had excellent relations for several decades as neighbours sharing a long border with common cultural and historical ties.
Nigeria, he said, sees the cooperation on crude oil export from the Niger and construction of refinery facilities in Katsina State as a “win – win” for both nations.
He said: “The initiative will not only provide a reliable market for the stranded crude from Niger Republic but will also provide petroleum products for Nigeria, as it aggressively pursues its aspiration on petroleum product self-sufficiency.
“In addition, it is my hope that the current frontier exploration efforts in the Northern part of the country (Chad Basin, Gongola Basin, Sokoto Basin, Bida Basin and Benue trough) will also result in the provision of additional hydrocarbon inflow to the corridors of the proposed pipeline and a potential refinery around Kaduna axis.
“I am happy that several productive engagements held between Nigerian and Nigerien authorities have resulted in the positive agreements to progress with activities on this important project.
“This project will be private sector driven with the full support of the governments of both countries and I am happy to understand that several expressions of interest from prospective investors are already being received.”
He also announced the setting up of a steering committee to be chaired by the Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Dr. Ibe Kachiku, while the alternate chairman is the Nigerien Minister of Petroleum, to provide strategic leadership, direction and governance oversight for the project.
He also said a senior level joint technical team has been selected based on competence to develop the implementation roadmap and strategy on both the refinery and pipeline projects, adding that the team will be led by Nigeria’s Engr Rabiu Suleiman supported by the DG Hydrocarbon of Niger Republic.
Buhari said he expected that by December this year, the group will come up with a detailed roadmap and guideline leading to actual execution of the projects.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) tried hard to stop the defection of party members to other parties.
He was reacting to the mass defection of some APC members in the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday mainly to the Peoples Democratic Party.
The full text of his response published on his Facebook page reads:
“I wish all of our party members who today defected, the very best in their future undertakings. The APC has done its best to stop the defections, and I must commend the party leadership for working tirelessly to unite the party and position it for future victory.
I am confident that no harm or injury will be done by these defections, to the APC and its aspirations. I urge party faithful to not despair, but to instead see this as something that happens in seasons like this, on the eve of elections.
As the saying goes, all politics is local. We understand that some of the Distinguished and Honourable lawmakers have issues in/with their home states, especially on zoning which bars some of them from seeking another term in their constituencies.
Let me also note that none of the defecting federal lawmakers has any specific grievances against me or the government I lead; neither do I harbour any ill-feeling towards any of them. I fully respect their freedom to choose what party to associate with.
I am using this opportunity to restate my total commitment to the values of democracy, as well as my total willingness to work with ALL members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their political party, for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Muhammadu Buhari”
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to caution President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his actions are detrimental to the survival of democracy in the country.
In a statement in Abuja, the PDP chairman said it was unfortunate that President Buhari allowed the siege on the leadership of the National Assembly by security agencies to happen under his watch.
According to him, it was bad that President Buhari, who was a beneficiary of democracy in 2015, has allegedly done nothing “but destroyed every fabric of democracy and the rule of law” in the country.
He alleged that the Federal Government was using the security agencies to overthrow the leadership of the National Assembly in “order to make it comatose.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday threatened to expel ministers who disobey presidential directives and decisions taken by the party.
National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole described as “the height of mischief for any minister to purport to be honourable and act dishonourably”, adding that “nobody is greater than the party.”
Oshiomhole spoke yesterday at the Presidential Villa afte meeting with Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari.
He was reacting to the delay by the Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, to inaugurate the board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Funds (NSITF).
Minister of Trandpoetation (Aviation) Hadi Sirika is also yet to inaugurate the boards of Aviation agencies mant months after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed members.
Ngige was said to have refused to inaugurate the board due to alleged fraud of over N40 billion perpetrated by the previous board.
Oshionhole said: “If the minister refuses, we will suspend him from the party. You know we must return to internal discipline.
“If the President condones disrespect for his office, I will not condone disrespect for the party. And when we expel the minister we will prevail on the President that he can’t keep in his cabinet people who have neither respect for his own decisions nor have respect for the party without which they would not have been ministers.
“There are no independent candidates in our system, nobody, I emphasis no minister is above the party and they have taken undue advantage of the President’s fatherly disposition.
“Now, it is the same green pen that made them minister that appointed these boards that they are refusing to swear in. And it is absolutely legal for a minister in a democracy to prey the powers of the board because the laws establishing those institutions are clear, that the boards have procedures to follow.
“So, when a minister sits in his office to appropriate the powers of the board in a democracy, not in a dictatorship, award contract that didn’t go though boards, those are clearing abuse of office for which they are liable.
“I am convinced that what they are doing is not with the endorsement of Mr. President. Over the period they have tried to drop the president’s name but I tell them it is the same authority that appoint these people.
“So, we are informing them that it is either they comply to the president’s instructions or they comply with the party’s position or they go and administer outside the government.
“We have respect for ministers but only to the extent that they recognize that they are a product of a political party and we are not negotiating that. If they done that in the past under our leadership we will not tolerate it.
“They either comply or we will expel them from the party. When we expel them we will find out how a government can keep a rebel in the cabinet. There is no question about that.” he said
President Muhammadu Buhari last night met with some senators led by Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The meeting may not be unconnected with moves to stop their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senators were sighted at the presidential Villa, Abuja along with Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru.
Kwankwaso representing Kano state is also believed to be on the verge of leaving the APC having fallen out with his state governor and former protege, Umar Ganduje.
•President greets pharmacist Wali at 83
President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathised with victims of the Jos Terminus Market where more than 200 shops were destroyed.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the president was devastated by the loss.
He noted that trading and agriculture remains “the mainstay of these hardworking businessmen and women, and every democratic leader would genuinely feel the pains of the victims.
The statement reads: “I am touched by the economic losses suffered by the victims. The role of these enterprising Nigerians in the economy of our country cannot be underestimated.
“As you count your losses, I send you my heartfelt commiserations over this devastating disaster. I am confident that your enterprising spirit would help you rebuild your lives. May God replenish you with more prosperity.”
The president also appealed to the local authorities concerned to take measures to forestall frequent fire incidents.
Properties worth millions of naira were burnt on Saturday morning when the market caught fire.
Chairman of the traders association Abdulrahman Yusuf said over 270 shops with property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
“We have a trader who lost goods worth over N20 million. It is a huge loss and devastating,” he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with renowned pharmacist and community leader, Dahiru Suleiman Wali, who turns 83 today.
A statement by Shehu joined Wali’s family, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating the milestone, which has been lined with many years of achievements and recognitions for his contributions to knowledge and an extensive practice to ensure a healthy country.
As he turns 83, the President believes the legacy of being your brothers’ keeper which Wali instituted with the community pharmacy, will become the hallmark of pharmaceutical practice in the country, with stronger focus on providing quality health care and safe guarding the lives of the people.
President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at the weekend in Akwa Ibom State welcomed 5,000 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defectors to the party.
The defection took place at a mega rally held at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium to endorse President Buhari for a second term as well as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere, for governor.
The people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, who turned out en masse for the rally, asked Ekere to resign to contest next year’s governorship election.
Buhari, the special guest of honour and APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole joined other chieftains, including Atuekong Don Etiebet (National Trustee), Senator John Udoedehe and Senator Aloysius Etok to receive the defectors.
The President, represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, listed the achievements of the APC administration at the centre.
He said: “These interventions in power, anti-corruption war, infrastructure, human capital development and social welfare schemes will serve as reference points for the return of the President in 2019.”
Enang, who read the presidential message, assured the APC supporters that the Federal Government was committed to addressing the ills plaguing the Niger Delta, with commitment of funds into federal agencies to develop the region.
He said besides statutory allocations to the NDDC, the Buhari administration had approved N30 billion to settle outstanding bills owed contractors, to accelerate the pace and speed of development of the region in line with the mandate of the commission.
Enang said the Federal Government, apparently worried about the huge debt profile of states, had empowered governors with billions of bailout funds to offset civil servants’ salaries and emoluments.
He hailed the organisers for the endorsement and praised Oshiomhole for working hard since he assumed duty as the national chairman to unite aggrieved members.
“The move has put the ruling party in a good stead to win the elections next year.”
Oshiomhole, represented by the National Chairman, Southsouth, Ntufam Hilliard Etta, said it was time for stakeholders to join forces in the task of returning APC to the centre and breaking new grounds in 2019.
He urged the defectors to make sure the President is re-elected and ensure APC’s success in Akwa Ibom and other states.
Atuekong Don Etiebet, former Minister of Petroleum, listed impunity, corruption, unemployment and political gangsterism as constituting the major sins of the erstwhile ruling party.
He enjoined the people to “be ready to rise up against such brazen rule of force” to ensure the present administration was returned in 2019 to correct the negative precedents of the PDP.