The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • APC chieftain appeals to Buhari, Oshiomhole to curb money politics

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, Alhaji Muritala Abubakar, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, the newly elected National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help uphold the democratic norms and principles of the party.

    Abubakar, who is the chairman of APC Internal Democracy Advocates (APC – IDA), in a statement called on the top leaders of the party to whittle down the negative effects of money in the selection and election of candidates, saying “We are at the brink where principled internal democracy is consistently sacrificed for money, by inducing the delegates so as to become the flag bearer of our party.”

    The group urged Oshiomhole to think of a more credible alternative to adopt in nominating candidates for election, saying the party’s constitution is flexible, as it provides different options like direct primary, where all card carrying and registered members of the party in a particular ward, local government or state will be involved in electing the most popular person.

    Abubakar added, “Our group is not oblivious of the fact that the direct means of election might be cumbersome but it will bring sanity, integrity and ensure transparency for the right and popular aspirant to emerge as candidate.”

     

  • Maharaji to Buhari: deal with herdsmen’s killings

    Founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to deal decisively with herdsmen’s attacks on innocent lives across the country.

    This, he said, as will affirm his sincerity to lead a united Nigeria.

    Maharaj Ji spoke at the journalists’ hangout last week at the Sat Guru Maharaj ji village Rogo, Lagos.

    He lamented the Armed Forces adjudged to have done credibly well in other parts of the world have not been able to stop and deal decisively with the continuous killings of by armed herdsmen across the country.

    He noted the current developments in Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Libya and other war- torn countries are indicators nobody benefits from conflicts.

    He tasked the federal government to build bridge of love as against hate and peace as against conflicts.

    Maharaj Ji, who commended the federal government’s efforts on anti-corruption, said that the killings in part of the country especially by armed headsmen, if not checked, will be a dent on the image of the current administration for life.

    According to him: “The roles our Army played in parts of Africa, especially against apartheid in South Africa without bloodshed is commendable but things have changed today.

    “We hear of ethnic cleansing, smuggling of fire arms and weapons into the country, herdsmen and farmer crises. It has to be checked and addressed urgently and in a transparent manner.”

    He added: “I expect the army to have moved against the herdsmen with the same firmness it employed against Nnamdi Kanu and his fellow pro-Biafra agitators.

    “I am not a supporter of breakup but the government must be seen to be fair and just to all groups, otherwise they would be chaos.”

     

  • ADP pulls out of coalition against Buhari

    The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has pulled out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – led coalition against the reelection bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ADP said it was never part of the arrangement in the first place as it was not in a hurry to hobnob with those who mismanaged Nigeria for sixteen years.

    Its national chairman,  Yabagi Sani, told reporters the party was the third force Nigerians have been waiting to take over power from the PDP and the APC.

    He said: “Let me say here for the avoidance of doubt that we are not part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

    “ADP is the third force that will provide the credible alternative Nigerians passionately yearn for to end hunger, wanton killings and executive lawlessness.

    “At our inception in June 2017, we proclaimed to Nigerians that ADP is a child of necessity that will deepen democracy and good governance to establish the credible political platform that will rescue the country from the imminent collapse of the political space.

    “We also promised that ADP will introduce a corruption- free leadership selection process that will create a new leadership class with commitment, focus and force of will to rebuild the country after the damage done by PDP and APC.”

    He added: “ADP is not prepared to jettison its values and constitutional provisions like the use of direct primaries as against the often used corrupt delegate system by the other parties in the Coalition.

    “ADP is also not in a hurry to hobnob with those who mismanaged Nigeria for sixteen years and now regrouping in an un-strategic haste to resume unprecedented loot of the nation’s treasury.

    “It is important to know that those who pushed Nigeria to the precipice are the drivers of the Coalition and have nothing new to offer.

    “To collaborate with them, is to sleep with strange bedfellows. The ADP is not averse to any political Coalition that can bring about a positive overhaul of the system.

    “But this shall be done with true patriots who are not a part of the Nigerian problem.”

     

  • Buhari leaves for Netherlands today

    President Muhammadu Buhari is due to depart Abuja today to The Netherlands to participate in activities commemorating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, at The Hague.

    Special Adviser on  Media and Publicity  to the President, Femi Adesina, said  Buhari is the  only world leader invited to deliver a keynote address during the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the anniversary at Courtroom 1 of the ICC’s Headquarters at The Hague.

    The president is expected to use the platform to reaffirm Nigeria’s support for the fundamental values of the Rome Statute and to the ideals of the ICC. He will also highlight his administration’s campaign against corruption.

    After the event at the Courtroom, the President will have a bilateral meeting with the ICC Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda.

    President Buhari will attend a dinner hosted by Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, the president of the ICC who is a Nigerian.

    The Nigerian leader, while in The Hague, will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to discuss bilateral issues such as migration, peace and security, and economic cooperation.

    The President and his delegation will have a separate roundtable with some Dutch Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of companies based in Nigeria with a view to urging them to expand their investments, especially in agriculture, oil and gas.

    On Buhari’s delegation are Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); Foreign Affairs Minister  Geoffrey Onyeama; and Justice Minister and Attorney-General of the Federation  Abubakar Malami.

    Others are the Agriculture Minister  Audu Ogbeh; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar; the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru; and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala-Usman.

     

  • Buhari didn’t meet Bakare, Adeosun – Presidency

    The Presidency on Friday night denied the stories claiming that Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly and Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, met together with President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the stories are far from the truth.

    On arrival at the State House after the jumaat prayer, Bakare and Adeosun had walked together moving towards the President’s office.

    But the statement said that the Minister was at the Presidential Villa in connection with the Annual General Meeting and 25th Anniversary Celebration of African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK) holding Saturday in Abuja, which would be graced by President Buhari.

    It added “She ran into Pastor Bakare, who was on a scheduled visit to see the President, and they exchanged pleasantries.

    “The cleric particularly thanked the Minister for finding time to attend his mother’s funeral, which took place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, penultimate weekend.

    “Mrs Adeosun had seen President Buhari not fewer than three times earlier in the week, and did not need to meet with him again on Friday.

    “This statement is to put events in proper perspective, and dispel all conjectures and fictive reporting.” it stated

  • Buhari greets Pastor Folu Adeboye at 70

    President Muhammadu Buhari has joined members of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christendom at large, and all well wishers in celebrating an exemplary woman and mother, Pastor Folu Adeboye, who turns 70.

    President Buhari and his family, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, rejoiced with Pastor Adeboye’s family and friends for the grace of service that God has bestowed on them, which is evident in preaching and living the truth of the gospel, counselling the young and old, and providing warmth and succour for the weak and underprivileged.

    As Pastor Adeboye, who is better known as “Mummy GO’’ attains the landmark age, the President believed her achievements surpass teaching and preaching on the pulpit to include living out the practical love of God, and encouraging many on the virtues of humility, knowledge and hardwork.

    President Buhari affirmed that Nigeria’s greatness today among the comity of nations derives largely from the prayers and teachings of mothers like Pastor Adeboye who regularly seek the face of God on behalf of the country and its citizens, and persistently show that real success comes from adding value and bringing joy to others.

    As “Mummy GO’’ counts her blessings, the President prayed that the Almighty God will yet add to her years, and grant her good health and strength to keep living a life of service to God and humanity.

  • Buhari, Adeosun, Bakare meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and the Senior Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, Tunde Bakare, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The duo arrived the Villa at 2:30 p.m. and moved straight to the President’s office.

    It was not clear why Bakare was in company of the minister who is facing public scrutiny over alleged forgery of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate.

     

     

  • 2019: Buhari assured of landslide victory in Southeast

    COORDINATOR of South East Caucus of the National Committee of Buhari Support Group Senator Hope Uzodinma yesterday said nothing will stop President Muhammadu Buhari from coasting home to a landslide victory in the 2019 elections in the Southeast.

    Uzodinma spoke at the inaugural meeting of the caucus in Abuja.

    He noted that the essence of the inauguration of the caucus was to ensure that it delivered not less than six million votes out of about eight million registered voters in the Southeast during the 2019 election.

    The senator said the caucus would not rest on its oars until it achieved its goal.

    He insisted that overwhelming vote that will return Buhari as President in 2019 will guarantee the Southeast an opportunity to produce the President in 2030.

    Uzodinma noted that it was an opportunity the region had been clamouring for.

    The opportunity, he said, should not be allowed to slip through the Southeast.

    He said: “The national leadership has approved the operation of this caucus and we are going to go for it, bearing in mind that if we succeed, we will smile very well in 2023.

    “We are going to tag our operation, ‘Operation 2023’, meaning that by the time Mr. President wins convincingly in the Southeast, the name of the business will be ‘Reciprocity’, meaning ‘I have done for you, you are now to do for me’. ”

    The Imo State born lawmaker assured that plans were already in place to map out strategies that would enable the caucus to deliver on mandate.

    The caucus, he said, would come up with a programme that would take the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the various units in 2019.

    Uzodinma said: “Every booth in Southeast belongs to some people. They have leaders and if the message is given to them in a manner that they will understand, I am sure that we will succeed.

    “There is no point claiming headship, the common denominator is what would make Buhari president again out of the eight million registered voters in the Southeast, to get a minimum of six million votes.

    “In doing that, we have to make sacrifices and call some people to order. We will do our best.

    “For me as a person, we will try to convince and those that will willingly follow will follow.”

    Uzodinma said plans were underway to organise a mega rally in the Southeast, which President Buhari had approved and promised to be present.

    He noted that management structures would be set up at the state, local government and ward levels for better delivery.

  • Buhari condoles with Japan over deaths

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Japan over the loss of life and property following a heavy downpour which caused flooding and landslides.

    In a Letter to the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, President Buhari described the tragedy as an “unprecedented weather disaster”.

    The President said the government and people of Nigeria extended their sympathy and prayers for the Japanese as they surmount the fall out of the sad incident.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said: “On behalf of the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to commiserate with the Government and people of Japan, following last week’s torrential rain that caused floods and subsequent landslides in Western Japan, killing over 167 persons and forcing millions to evacuate their homes, while dozens remain missing.

    “It is sad that the weather disaster, the worst since 1982, destroyed livelihood. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the distressed population and indeed the entire people of your country during this period of national grief.

    “I am confident that you will quickly recover from this tragedy and show resilience while embarking on the rebuilding process.”

  • Buhari inaugurates Abuja light rail as minister seeks more funding

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday inaugurated Abuja light rail system, hoping that its services will bring a boost to the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) economy and enhance social life.

    He said the completion of the  project was a dream come true.

    The President said: “I commend the Minister of FCT for the hard work and sense of purpose towards the realisation of this long awaited modern transportation system for both FCT residents and visitors.

    “This accomplishment clearly demonstrates our commitment to addressing critical infrastructural projects and keeping with the ideals of the Change Agenda to ensure prudence in the management of public resources and value for money, considering the huge investments in this project.

    “Transportation is the live wire of any city. I am very optimistic that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and greatly enhance social life. I am aware that what we have on ground today are coaches meant to provide skeletal services as we await the main set of the rolling stock for full operations.

    “I have been briefed on the outcome of the Ministers of FCT and Finance recent visit to China, during which the MOUs and agreements for the procurements of the main rolling stock were signed.”

    Buhari gave assurance of the Federal Government’s continued support for the negotiations towards realisation of the Abuja Light Rail system.

    The commissioning of the light rail in the Federal Capital Territory, he said, was another evidence that his government is delivering on its promises.

    He added: “I have observed keenly other milestones that this administration has achieved, especially in the areas of education, public utilities and infrastructure development.

    “I commend the efforts of the Hon. Minister of FCT as well as the support and patience of the residents, while we are working to improve the city’s transportation service.

    “I am thankful to the Government and people of China for their investment in the Nigerian economy. I commend the CCECC Limited – the Contracting Firm, for the quality of work and timely delivery of this project.

    “Let me place on record the Nigerian government’s appreciation to the Government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.

    “This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. I would also like to thank our Nigerian consultants, Messrs Transurb Technirail Consult Limited for their services.”

    The President urged the FCT Administration, especially, the management of the rail services, to ensure efficient operations, good customer service and maintenance culture in the operations punctuality of the rail.

    FCT Minister Muhammad Bello said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2017 approved $1.3 billion for the construction of the Abuja light rail project.

    He said the implementation of the project has been divided into phases, with phase 1 being what has been commissioned at a cost of $823 million.

    The minister said: “The Federal Executive Council approved the project in 2017 for construction by CCECC at a cost of US$1.3 billion. We hope that the Minister of Finance would consider putting this key project in the next borrowing plans, the Minister of Budget and National Planning would agree to it, the National Assembly would approved it and that China Exim Bank would fund it as a mark of goodwill for the cordial relationship between our two countries.

    “The Abuja Rail Mass Transit System is an integral part of the FCT Transportation Master Plan designed primarily to transport large number of commuters and goods between Satellite Towns into the Metropolitan Public Transport system and the different Phases of the Federal Capital City (FCC).”

    Bello said the FCTA is working on Phase ll of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project to cover a distance of 32.54 km from Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway at Garki Area l via the transportation Centre to Gwagwa and from Bazango Station to Kubwa.

    Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Zhou Pingjian said Chinese government remains committed to its relationship with Nigeria.