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Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari condoles with Japan over landslide deaths

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commiserated with the Government and people of Japan over the loss of lives and property following a heavy downpour that resulted in flooding and landslides.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

    President Buhari, who described the tragedy as an “unprecedented weather disaster’’, 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.

    Read Also: Buhari lauds Nigeria’s educational ties with Belarus

    President Buhari 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 176 and forcing millions to evacuate their homes while dozens remain missing.

    “It is indeed sad that the unprecedented weather disaster, the worst since 1982, has caused massive destruction to livelihood in the flood stricken areas.

    “Our thoughts and sympathy are with the distressed population and indeed the entire people of your country during this period of national grief.’’

    President Buhari expressed the hope that the government and people of Japan would quickly recover from the tragedy and show resilience while embarking on the rebuilding process.

  • Buhari commissions Abuja light rail

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned Abuja light rail system.

    He was optimistic that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and enhance social life in the city.

    Buhari said “I am very pleased to be here today to formally Commission the Abuja Light Rail System. The completion of this very important project is a dream come-true . I commend the Hon. Minister of F.C.T for the hard work and sense of purpose towards the realization 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, 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.

    Read Also: Buhari’s Executive Order splits Reps

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

    The President gave assurance of the Federal Government’s continued support for the negotiations towards realization of the Abuja Light Rail system.

    The commissioning of the light rail in the Federal Capital Territory, he said, is 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 F.C.T. 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.

  • Buhari, South African President meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met behind closed doors with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting started at about 3:00 p.m. after Ramaphosa arrived the forecourt of the State House, Abuja.

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

  • Buhari signs NFIU Act into law

    President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit bill (NFIU) into law.

    This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, while briefing State House correspondents on Wednesday.

    According to him, NFIU is the Nigerian arm of the global Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) which was before now domiciled within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as autonomous unit and operating in Africa.

    He said the NFIU seeks to comply with international standards on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism and proliferations and checking of suspicious transactions.

     

  • Be mindful of your comments on Buhari – BMO cautions Secondus

    The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has called on the national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Uche Secondus, to refrain from making inflammatory comments capable of inciting Nigerians against President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration.

    The organization’s Chairman, Mr Austin Braimoh, and its Secretary, Mr Cassidy Madueke, made the call in a jointly signed statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The group described Secondus’ allegation at the PDP rally in Ekiti, that Pesident Buhari was responsible for the killings across the country, as careless and inciting.

    According to the organisation, such inflammatory comments are capable of exacerbating the current security situation in the country.

    Read Also: We are taking measures against killings, says Buhari 

    “For the information of Mr Secondus and his co-travellers, we need to remind them that under their past administrations, Nigeria was under siege and nearly collapsed, but for the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration that has already brought the situation under control.

    “As we approach the 2019 elections, he should always weigh the implication of his public comments to avoid the possibility of plunging the country into unnecessary crisis.

    “As the chairman of the leading opposition party, he must realize that he owes it a duty to the country to exhibit the highest sense of decorum in his conduct and public utterances,” it said.

    The organization called on security agencies to caution Secondus to desist forthwith from making such comments.

  • Ekiti must grow beyond stomach infrastructure, says Buhari

    •Senators, others dump PDP for APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged the people of Ekiti State to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election.

    He said the people of the Fountain of Knowledge should not allow themselves to be insulted by the stomach infrastructure policy being promoted by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The nation’s number one citizen said Ekiti should grow beyond stomach infrastructure vote APC to enjoy god governance, development, better standard of living and infrastructure development.

    He expressed regrets that many politicians have been capitalising on the herdsmen crisis in some parts of the country accusing him of not doing anything because he is Fulani.

    Describing the allegation as a “cheap blackmail,” Buhari said protection of life and property of Nigerians is paramount to him noting that measures are being taken to put an end to the herdsmen’s onslaught.

    Buhari spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale governorship rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where APC national leaders and governors canvassed for votes for the flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The President described Fayemi as competent, capable and experienced enough to be elected governor again noting that the APC flag bearer served excellently well as Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

    He said Ekiti get its fair share of resources and projects from the Federal Government despite the political difference between the government at the centre and state government.

    Joining Buhari at the rally are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Governors Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Umaru Al Makura (Nasarawa) and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

    Ministers who attended the rally include Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology), Adebayo Shittu (Communications) and Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior).

    Thousands of residents defied Fayose’s order to stay at home and thronged the stadium to welcome the President who first paid courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional ruler at the palace.

    Commercial activities were going on at the city’s main markets while many commercial drivers and motorcycle riders plied their trade on the major roads.

    Buhari, whose helicopter touched down at about 12.35 pm at Christ’s School sports field headed to the Ewi’s Palace where the monarchs were waiting to receive him.

    At the palace, Oba Adejugbe, advocated for creation of cottage industries in Ekiti to generate jobs for the unemployed. He urged Fayemi to do more for the people if he wins the poll and is sworn in again.

    At the stadium, Buhari said Ekiti people are dear to him which explained why many indigenes of the state got very important appointments in his administration including the most senior military officer in the land, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.

    The President said he and his party have not only come to campaign for the votes of Ekiti people but to key in to the change agenda and vote APC.

    He disclosed that the APC-led Federal Government has carried out laudable projects including construction and rehabilitation of 13 federal roads including Ikole-Omuo Road, Efon Alaaye-Iwaraja Road, Ido-Ifaki Road, Ado-Ifaki Road, Ila-Ilale-Ekan-Otun Road and internal roads at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

    Buhari said his administration also awarded contract for a Federal Secretariat which is under construction in Ekiti to ensure that federal civil servants have office accommodation.

    He noted that a National Housing Project to provide accommodation for residents was extended to Ekiti State by his administration which has also generated jobs for local artisans.

    The President further explained that thousands of Ekiti residents benefited from the social investment programmes of his administration including Npower for youths, School Feeding for primary school pupils, Conditional Cash Transfer and several tranches of bailout funds.

    Urging Ekiti electorate to vote Fayemi, Buhari said: “Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed by stomach infrastructure, your future is in your hand, you must grow beyond stomach infrastructure.

    “Ekiti should do the right thing by voting APC and commence the journey to reclaim your land and restore your values.

    “I recommend Fayemi to you, he served as Minister of Mines and Steel

    Development, he is experienced. Don’t waste your vote, vote Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

    APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged Ekiti voters to elect Fayemi and reject PDP which he accused of inflicting hardship of non-payment of salaries on civil servants, teachers and local government workers.

    Oshiomhole accused Fayose of pocketing the over N20 billion bailout funds given to him by the Buhari administration to pay arrears of workers’ salaries and dancing “kurukere” when workers are suffering.

    He disclosed that he held a meeting with labour unions in Ekiti on Monday where he gave a commitment that Fayemi would pay all the outstanding arrears owed by Fayose to give relief to workers.

    Oshiomhole said: “I have served as a guarantor that Fayemi will pay the arrears of workers’ salaries when elected and he will ensure that all Ekiti people get what is due to them.

    “Four years ago, I was a sitting governor of Edo State and I wanted to come and campaign for Fayemi in the 2014 election but the PDP made sure that I did not have the opportunity to come and campaign for the then incumbent Fayemi.

    “Mr. President, we thank you and we know that you will not do the same, we are not here for revenge. Fayose has been trying to divert attention, he abused INEC, Police and he is behaving like a typical armed robber.

    “Fayose has resorted to very primitive tactics, he gave unlawful order that all shops be closed and manipulated drivers not to bring out their vehicles to convey people here.

    “This boy (Fayose) is a poor student of student thuggery; nothing, absolutely nothing can stop people that are determined. The President is proud that you defied his tactics and came here today.

    “You will vote freely and fairly and nothing will happen. Whoever Fayose demotes, Fayemi will promote him and whoever Fayose dismisses, Fayemi will reinstate.

    “All of you go to your polling units with your PVCs and by Saturday, Fayose will cry.”

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Ekiti electorate to reject the PDP which he described as a “party of looters.”

    Tinubu described APC as a pain killer that will put an end to the pains being experienced by Ekiti people and Nigerians at large.

    He said Buhari built three refineries for Nigeria but the PDP government dismantled and sold them off leaving Nigerians to suffer.

    Tinubu said: “They (PDP) stole all the money, what do you have left in the treasury? PDP is a party of destruction, it is Poverty Development Party.

    “When they stole your money, they stole your life, they stole your future. APC is here to rebuild what has been destroyed. We thank God for the party under the leadership of our Baba, President Buhari.

    “APC is the pain killer, my mama used to give me APC when I was young.

    When you vote APC, you are voting for future, you are voting for the sake of your children.

    “It is not for the sake of Kayode (Fayemi), he had an appointment in Abuja but he has come back to serve you. If you want Ekiti to look like Lagos, to witness development and have your children in schools, vote APC.

    “Don’t let anybody intimidate you, you will be protected, nobody can intimidate you. If you want to eat the seed inside palm kernel, it will not be easy/

    “You can’t sleep at home and be expecting power, nobody serves it in a restaurant. No matter the level of their lies, propaganda and intimidation, fear has gripped them.

    “Vote and stand by your vote, it will not be like that of 2014. It is your turn to get your government for your good and progress, go there on Saturday and vote APC.”

    Fayemi promised return of good governance to Ekiti if the people of the state elect him. He commended the people for trooping out in large numbers for the rally to welcome the President.

    He said the party is united after the primary noting that all governorship aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket with him are resolute to ensure victory for the party.

    Fayemi said: “During my time, there is no community that did not benefit from our government. If we did not construct your road, we built your school, if we did not build your school, we constructed palace for your Kabiyesi, if we did not build palace for your Kabiyesi, we fixed your drains.

    “We did all that, we did not owe workers a single Naira; we paid the elderly, we paid free WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB fees. We increased workers salaries (minimum wage) from N8,500 to N13,000 and then to N19,000.

    “We were the first to pay Rural Teachers Allowance in Nigeria, Core Teachers Allowance. I am running on a track record of service in all constituencies, there is no single community that did not benefit from our (first) tenure.

    “Why am I back? President did not sack me (as minister). My people need me for reclaiming your land and restoring our values. Your PVCs must be ready because the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

    Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State governorship election, Kebbi State Governor Bagudu said the magnitude of crowd that thronged the stadium was a pointer to an APC victory on Saturday.

    Bagudu said Ekiti has the best potential to develop under Fayemi noting that Ekiti people appreciated what he did during his first tenure.

    “Go to your polling units on Saturday and vote APC; guard your votes, don’t be intimidated. President Buhari has assured that security will be provided and your votes will count,” Bagudu said.

    Yari, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) said Fayose held its rally on the streets last week because he was afraid of an empty stadium.

     

  • We are taking measures against killings, says Buhari

    •Gowon: President can’t be involved in killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that the Federal Government is doing everything to address the killings of Nigerians by bandits and herdsmen.

    Speaking in Ado Ekiti yesterday during the final rally to campaign for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dr. Kayode Fayemi, President Buhari said:   “May I, again, clear the air on the issue of herdsmen and farmers’ conflicts, on which many politicians in their mischievous attitude have been blackmailing me and the APC-led administration, purporting that I have not taken any action on the issue because I am a Fulani man.

    “This is cheap blackmail. Like I said recently, the protection of lives and property of Nigerians is my responsibility. This, I have vowed to do, and will stick to the oath of office.

    “I assure you that measures are being taken to ensure lasting solutions.”

    Also yesterday, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon stated that the President should not be linked with killings. He spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    Condemning the social media posting suggesting the President’s involvement in the killings, Gowon said: “”the Buhari I know will not be involved, certainly no leader will encourage his people to be killed.”

    He, however, said “people arrested in the Plateau killings should be arrested, investigated and prosecuted where the crime was committed”

    He spoke at the Government House in Jos during a condolence visit to Governor Simon Lalong following last month’s attacks in state in which an estimated 200 people were murdered.

    With the governor to receive Gen. Gowon, an indigene, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, were Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyodden, Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Chief Rufus Bature among others.

    Lalong said: “we’ve reviewed adequate laws to prosecute offenders in Jos and the laws will soon be signed for it to have official status and become applicable.

    He praised the former Head of State for standing by the State as a father. “We will ensure the enthronement of sustainable peace on the Plateau, that is my area of topmost priority since I assumed office, this last attacks is just a temporary setback, we will intensify in our peace building program”

  • Atiku rallies PDP supporters against Buhari

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has described the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari’s watch as the most corrupt since the return of democracy in 1999.

    Atiku spoke in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital yesterday. He was addressing supporters of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), at the state secretariat of the party. He was in the state to seek support for his presidential ambition.

    Pointing out the anti-corruption fight as the only achievement recorded by the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government, the former vice president  argued that fighting corruption is not the only responsibility of government.

    He said: “What is happening today in our country is in contravention with all the provisions of our constitution. In our federation, we are supposed to have an inclusive government but you know that this federal government is not inclusive.

    “You know that this Federal Government is not united, you know that this federal government is incompetent, you know that this federal government is more corrupt than any government we have come through since 1999.

    “So, let nobody come and deceive you on corruption. They are more corrupt than any government that I know since 1999 and we shall be revealing their level of corruption. Fighting corruption alone is not the only responsibility of government.

    “Our unemployment is accelerated high and there have never a time we had more than 11 million people, young people, young women thrown  out of job. Today, we have more than 11 million unemployed people. Today, we have witnessed much insecurity in this country. Today, we are witnessing high inflation the APC government has brought to us in this country.”

    Atiku told the crowd that he was in the state to seek their support to battle Buhari from Aso Rock.

    He said the coalition formed by PDP and about 40 other parties is the first step in voting out the president in next year’s general election.

    “Yesterday, 40 political parties came together to meet themselves to present one candidate for presidential election. The coalition is going to have one candidate for presidential election, one candidate for governor, one candidate for senator, one candidate for House of Reps, one candidate for House of Assembly, one candidate for party chairman.

    “We need this alliance because what I have seen in the last three years is what I have not seen in the last 35 years in this country. Therefore, we are determined, we are united and we are ready to make sure that in the next election whether state or national or federal, we will kick out APC in every state in this country.”

     

     

     

  • National Assembly transmits PIGB to Buhari for assent

    •Bill unbundles NNPC

    THE National Assembly has transmitted the controversial Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent, it was learnt yesterday.

    A source close to the office of the Senate President said the clean copy of the Bill was sent to the President on July 3, 2018.

    The Senate had on March 28, 2018, passed the harmonised version of the PIGB after it was considered by the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    The passage followed the adoption of the report of the Conference Committee on the PIGB, which harmonised the versions earlier passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

    The harmonised version of the Bill seeks to unbundle the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and merge its subsidiaries such as the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency into one entity.

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari, Ramaphosa to discuss security of Nigerians in South Africa

    Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said yesterday that security of Nigerians living in South Africa will be part of discussion when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, visits Nigeria today.

    Onyeama told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that President Ramaphosa is coming to Abuja on a working visit.

    Onyeama said Nigeria and South Africa were serious about the implementation of the early warning mechanism established to address the security issue in South Africa.

    “On the issue of the early warning system, we hope to have the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed soon, the South African President is going to be here tomorrow (today),” he said.

    Onyeama said “I am discussing with South African Foreign Affairs Minister to put in place the mechanism that will go a long way in addressing the security of Nigerians in South Africa.

    “The Minister was very supportive and believed that Nigeria should not be targeted.

    “She is ready to do everything possible, including having Nigeria being part of some of security apparatus being put in place to monitor and provide security in the country.”

    The Nigeria mission in South Africa on Sunday confirmed the killing of another Nigerian, Mr Ozumba Tochukwu-Lawrence, by gunman in South Africa

    “An eye witness account said an unknown man made a way into the compound of Mr Ozumba Tochukwu-Lawrence and requested to see him on July 6.

    “On being told about his guest, he came out to meet him and the man opened fire on him and shot him six times, resulting in his death before he could reach the hospital.

    “The reason behind the sad incident is yet to be established, but this is very unfortunate and condemnable,” Abraham said.

    Abraham said that the Nigerian Consulate would, however, continue to advance the welfare and security of Nigerians in South Africa.

    “We also call on our citizens to remain calm and eschew violence, as we seek to obtain justice for the deceased and members of his family.”

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had also expressed worry over the killing of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Dabiri-Erewa stated that no fewer than 117 Nigerians were extra-judicially killed in South Africa between 2013 and 2018 for one flimsy reason or the other.