The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari mourns Ambassador Worlu

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the spouse and other family members and the government of people of Edo State following the demise of Ambassador Queen Worlu, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

    Worlu, died at her post on Monday. He remains were evacuated immediately  by the Nigerian Air Force based on the directive of the President.

    The President described the loss of the career diplomat he appointed ambassador in 2017 after 30years of foreign service as a painful loss to the nation.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said “Ambassador Worlu was a talented career officer who gave her best to the Nation. She was an admirable diplomat who was associated with the good relationship that exists between Nigeria and all the counties of her posting,

    “We pray to God to give her family the fortitude to bear this sad loss.” he stated

  • 2019: PDP, 38 parties form coalition against Buhari

    THIRTY-NINE political parties have formed an alliance to wrest power from President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is acting as the rallying point for the alliance, under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

    But the Buhari Campaign Organisation has dismissed the coalition as a “deceit”, which it believes will only feather the PDP’s nest.

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed by the parties at the end of an enlarged meeting at the Yar ‘Adua Centre, Abuja yesterday, resolved, among others, to field a joint presidential candidate.

    The coalition also resolved to agree on common candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The MoU, which was read by Chief Tom Ikimi, also resolved to promote core values for the restructuring of the country and sharing of political offices among persons and groups across the six geopolitical zones.

    The coalition also promised a unity government in the event of winning the election with a joint manifesto that will usher in a well structured economic and fiscal federalism.

    Besides the PDP, other parties in the coalition include the Action Alliance (AA); Alliance for Democracy (AD); Africa Democratic Party (ADC); Action Democratic Party (ADP); All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP); Action Peoples Party (APP); Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD); and Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP).

    Others are: Democratic Alternative (DA); Democratic Peoples Party (DPC); Grand Democratic Party of Nigeria (GDPN); Green Party of Nigeria (GPN); KOWA Party; Labour Party (LP); Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA); and Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN).

    Also in the group are: National Conscience Party (NCP); New Generation Party (NGP); National Unity Party (NUP); Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM); Peoples Alliance for National Development and Liberty (PANDEL); Peoples Progressive Party (PPP); People for Democratic Change (PDC); Providence People’s Congress (PPC); and the Reformed All Progressive Congress (RAPC).

    Others are the Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN); Social Democratic Party (SDP); Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); All Grassroots Alliance (AGA); National Interest Party (NIP); Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP); Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA); and Young Democratic Party (YDP) among others.

    Speaking at the event, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus said the country has witnessed all forms of intimidation aimed at suffocating democracy in the land.

    Secondus also cited what he described as frame-ups, arrest and total breakdown of law and order in some states, such as Zamfara, where the governor relinquished his position as the chief security officer.

    The PDP chairman said, “Just last week, the APC conquest regime came up with Executive Order which all political watchers, including civil society groups, likened to Decree 2 of the military era.”

    Also speaking at the event, PDP National Chairman Chief Olu Falae said there was need for the coalition to produce overwhelming majority in the federal and state legislatures to form the required majority for the restructuring of the country.

    Speaking as national chairman of the R-APC, Alhaji Buba Galadima said his presence at the event alone signified a lot.

    Said he: “I am highly delighted and elated by the presence of the creme de la creme of the Nigerian society seated here. What we are about to do will send the shivers not only to those on the other side but to the entire world.

    “We are witnessing a significant event, most diplomats and leaders of other countries of the world keep wondering whether there are men and women of courage and integrity in this country.

    “Let me say that since we made a declaration of the formation of the Reformed All Progressives Congress, R-APC, we have received unprecedented messages of support, solidarity from all over the world.

    “I am confident that if we put our acts together, should we talk together, if we are fair to ourselves, do things transparently and bring up one man or woman, we will provide future for our children and grandchildren.

    “This is not going to be a tea party, there are demands we will be facing. He (Buhari) is a military General, but we know him and you know that I know him. If I were him and if I were his adviser, I would advise him not to attempt to contest.

    “I have my reasons. If what I know, if what I have access to and I know, I assure you that General Buhari will not only lose the election but will lose his deposit.

    “I said it is not going to be a tea party because from the day we announced the formation of the Reformed APC, a lot of people received threats, a lot of people received gratification and a lot of people received the pressures from all quarters  to persuade them to back out. But one person that most people could not approach I don’t want to mention names.

    “Some of us are old soldiers and history said they never die. We are ready, prepared to take on this fight despite any deprivation, intimidation and even torture because this country belongs to all of us.

    “They are thinking of setting aside public money, which they accused others of using during elections, for this purpose. They can use the big stick because you know a desperate person can do anything. He can kill, if he has power, he can arrest and detain, but whichever one they choose to do, we are prepared to lay down our lives to save our nation.

    “They can say anything, they say we are inconsequential, they said we don’t matter, but when we were forming the party, the APC of which I was one of the nine signatories, those people that are making this noise, we did not see their faces, neither did we see their signatures. So how could they say we are inconsequential?

    “And if we are inconsequential, why would they run helter sklter, from pole to pole going to the National Assembly to persuade my people that they should not leave? So this is a challenge to them and I assure you seated here that if we put our acts together, talk together, discuss together, the sky is our limit and success is ours.”

    Deputy President of the Senate Ike Ekweremadu said signing the MoU would rescue Nigeria in 2019 and restore her to the path of democratic freedoms, joy, security, and development.

    Ekweremadu added that the event was a gathering to witness the birth of a new Nigeria and to show that Nigerians have seen  hope again. He urged the coalition not to disappoint the Nigerian people.

    Ekweremadu said: “For three years, what I see on the faces of Nigerians is frustration and anguish. But for the first time, I tell you that I saw joy. I saw people laughing and smiling for the first time in three years.

    “Those our brothers and sisters, and investors, who left Nigeria in the last three years, are also rejoicing with you because by this time next year, they will all be back.

    “Those factories that were closed are going to come back alive by this time next year and Nigerians will rejoice.

    “The people of the South East whom the programmes and  practices of this government are forcing them to have a rethink on their membership of this country, today will rejoice and be happy that a new country that will be fair to all is coming; a country that they will be proud to be part of and continue to contribute to her development.

    “All our people in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, who have been wondering or believe that they will spend the rest of their lives in the IDP camps are happy today because their stay there is almost over; because next year, we will enthrone a government that will take them to their homes and protect them there.

    “The media houses, all the instruments and institutions of democracy that have been trampled and muzzled in this country, they will be free again to do their work without fear of intimidation.

    “Those, who are being persecuted on account of their political views or insisting that the right thing should be done, are also going to rejoice because a new dawn is here.

    Others who also spoke at the gathering include Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel; former National Secretary the PDP, Senator Ben Obi among others.

  • Buhari to inaugurate Abuja light rail Thursday

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to commission the first Phase of the Abuja Light Rail Project on Thursday.

    He will also be expected to flag-off the railway services signalling the beginning of operations of the long-awaited rail services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

    The Phase, which comprises Lots 1A and 3, is only an integral part of the six Lots, which form the scope of the FCT railway system.

    The event will take place in the Abuja Metro Station, in the Central Business District – the flagship of the 12 completed railway stations under this package.

    The 45.245km of standard garage rail line running between the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Abuja Metro Station is the first of its kind in West Africa.

    The project, which was completed by the present administration, has been in the works for over 11 years.

  • Buhari’s war against terrorism and echoes of victory from northern Borno

    The fight against insurgency in Nigeria precedes this present administration. The level of destructions experienced regarding physical and emotional impacts are unquantifiable. We were witness to terror. We stared at death in the face. We were at the mercy of insurgents as nobody and nowhere were safe anymore.

    We were witness to attacks on critical government infrastructure such as the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, the headquarters of the United Nations, and many others. It was gory. The private sector was not left out too. There were also stacks on media houses. And we also lost brilliant and promising Nigerians, quite a black era in the annals of Nigeria.
    Fast forward to 2018, and you would have a reason to thank God. The president was at Monguno recently at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration. For the president as well as the indigenes of Monguno, it was an emotional meeting because there was a time that Monguno was under the firm control of Boko Haram insurgents. The frequency of attacks in the local government area was phenomenal. But all of that is history, thanks to the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari and the appointment of a seasoned infantry officer as Chief of Army Staff.
    I am particular about the choice of Monguno for certain reasons. It was a sharp departure from the usual parade, combat march past, weaponry and equipment usually displays at the Eagle Square in Abuja or any of the big cities in the country. And it adds to the narrative of once upon a time, Monguno was under constant attacks from Boko Haram insurgents. But not anymore.
    Some might not fully appreciate the efforts of the military in the fight against insurgency, but when the story of Monguno and northern Borno is analyzed, and then we will begin to appreciate the leadership of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. As a first, I knew something was going to change in the Nigerian Army upon the assumption of office of President Muhammdu Buhari because, in a way, the army is his constituency. I knew he was going to get the best for the position of Chief of Army Staff. And so when he made the announcement sometime in 2015, I said yes. Yes for the fact that things were going to turn around. Yes because I knew that the end of Boko Haram was just around the corner. And I wasn’t wrong. How was this possible? The military achieved all these feats through transparency and accountability, the hallmark of the present administration.
    Back to the crux of the issue, Monguno is not just a local government area in Borno state. It is one of the local government areas with military bases. And guess what? The military base in Mongono was not only attacked, but it was also ransacked by Boko Haram insurgents sometime in 2015. It was indeed a shame. Some said it was unthinkable. Some even said it was as a result of lack of strategy and motivation. Some also blamed the leadership of the Nigerian Army. But in all of these, it was evident that something was wrong. It was also apparent that something would give and eventually Monguno eventually fell into the hands of Boko Haram insurgents.
    Now fast forward to 2018. Monguno is not only safe, but it also hosted the prestigious Nigerian Army Day celebrations and the president, as well as other notable dignitaries, was also in attendance. At the event, the president expressed his delight in the following words:
    “I am delighted to be in your midst today on this special occasion of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2018. I am particularly elated by choice of the venue for this year’s celebration here in Monguno, Northern Borno State. The choice of this venue is very noteworthy and assuring to all Nigerians that the negative history which was associated with the North East in the past decade is now gradually becoming a thing of the past. We are aware of the effects of Boko Haram insurgency on the livelihood, economy, and security of the North East people.”
    “It’s gratifying to hear on a daily basis the progress of our gallant troops as they carry out clearance operations along the fringes of Lake Chad Waters and Northern Borno. Members of the Boko Haram insurgents now surrender willingly in their numbers to our troops. Today is a perfect opportunity for me to again sincerely commend members of the Armed Forces particularly the Nigerian Army for their role in the defeat of the Boko Haram insurgents and for the many sacrifices they have made in ensuring the safety of our great nation.”
    These were the words of the president who is naturally excited by the successes recorded by the Nigerian Military in the fight against the insurgency. Like I mentioned earlier, the significance of the event is not that it is the routine Nigerian Army Day Celebrations, but the fact that it was hosted in an area that was once under constant attacks from Boko Haram insurgents.
    This is worthy of celebration. It is indeed a testament to the capacity of the service chiefs, especially that of the Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency in North East Nigeria. If we must be honest with ourselves, before the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari, the country was indeed under siege that we feared for our continued existence. But today, Northern Borno state has been liberated. And that speaks volume of leadership and capacity. I am tempted to mention how the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai has been able to lead the troops to victory. But in all, I will say it has been a job well-done.

    Kolawole, PhD is a University Lecturer and writing from Keffi.

  • NUPENG to Buhari: make refineries work

    Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that local refineries work so as to ease the pressure of fuel trucks in Lagos and other cities in the country.

    Its Lagos Zonal Chairman, Comrade Tayo Aboyeji, who spoke against the backdrop of the fuel tanker crash in Lagos and its needless fatalities, said had the refineries been working to full capacity, there would have been no need for over 1,000 trucks to enter Lagos every day to load fuel.

    Speaking in Lagos at the weekend, he said the accident was very unfortunate, adding that members of the group will comply with Lagos State government’s directive on how to curb the challenges of accident on the road.

    He said: ‘’On a daily basis, over 1,000 tankers enter Lagos. This will always make the roads to be rowdy and there is possibility that accidents may occur once in a while.

    “If fuel depots outside Lagos were in full operation, tanker drivers would have no reason to come to Lagos. If you go to Ogere along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, you will see tankers park there waiting for calls for them to come and load. However, the problem is that as they get to Lagos, on their way to the tank farms, they are trapped because of the activities of articulated vehicles going into the ports. Our members are just victims of the congestion on the roads to the tank farms.

    “The problem can only be solved if the ports in Lagos are de-congested. It is not about bad roads, it is purely about the volume of traffic going and coming out of the ports. If and when the roads are fixed, and the ports are not decongested, the gridlock will continue. Government should ensure that other ports in the country such as Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt and Warri are patronized by diverting ships to them.’’

    “He said contrary to insinuations that tanker drivers are decidedly reckless, he said his members are law abiding citizen and are always prepared to cooperate with the government to ensure safety on the roads.

     

     

     

  • Buhari hails Thailand’s rescue of trapped children from cave

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the Thai government and international volunteers in the efforts to rescue 12 children and their coach trapped in a cave for more than two weeks.

    Reacting to ongoing rescue efforts, which are already yielding positive results, Buhari said Thailand has inspired other developing nations that despite limited resources, a people can achieve success through their efforts towards emergency response.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said: “In a globalised world, the bond of our common humanity is getting stronger day by day.

    “Although Thailand is located thousands of miles away from us, we in Nigeria share the pains and difficulties of these trapped teenagers, who face imminent danger to their lives.

    “The way the international community responded with empathy and enthusiasm, is evidence that our common humanity is greater than our differences.

    “When we perceive the victims as our own children, we are bound to identify with the trapped kids and be moved to action.”

    The statement said the President was greatly inspired by the response of the Thai government to the crisis and the dedication and enthusiasm of the rescue teams.

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari committed to new minimum wage for workers, says Oshiomhole

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole has assured  workers that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the implementation of a new national minimum wage.

    He asked workers to disregard anyone, who says the President would not implement the new minimum wage.

    Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, also said the President would not be part of any act that tends to undermine the gains that workers have achieved over the years.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke while receiving a delegation of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, at the APC National secretariat, said he was proud of his labour background since the trade union prepared him for the position he is occupying today.

    He added that he would, therefore, consider the trade union movement as his first and primary constituency.

    He told them to ignore any voice within the APC family that tends to suggest that the Buhari administration would superintend over abolition of the National Minimum Wage, saying that would be the wishful thinking of such individual.

    Accompanied on the visit by the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the TUC delegation include Olusoji Salako (1st Deputy President), Francis Olabode Johnson (2nd Deputy President), Oyinkan Olasanoye (Chairman of TUC Women Commission), Quadri Olaleye (National Treasurer), Musa Lawal (Secretary-General) and Salihu Anka (Asst. Secretary-General).

    Oshiomhole said: “The trade union movement and the working class represent part of the constituency that President Buhari believes in. That is why on occasions like this, I can safely assure the TUC and NLC that if you hear any voice within the APC family talking in a way as to suggest that President Buhari’s government will superintend over abolition of the National Minimum Wage that will be the individual’s wishful thinking. President Muhammadu Buhari will not dismantle any of the gains that the working class has achieved over the years.

    “One of which is the idea of a National Minimum Wage to provide a social club below which no Nigerian workers should be engaged. I think there is no better evidence of this than the fact that even at a time many people were calling for the abolition of the National Minimum Wage, President Buhari decided to set up a panel to review upward the existing National Minimum Wage. As they say, action speaks louder than words.”

    The APC National Chairman expressed his resolve to use his position to influence government policies in a way that it will benefit the Nigerian worker.

    Oshiomhole also said Buhari remained committed to worker’s welfare, the fight against corruption and the unity of the country, despite resistance from a section of the political elite.

    He said: “My understanding of the Nigerian condition is deepened by the fact that I had the opportunity as a factory worker and an industrial union leader and later as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). I am very proud when people acknowledge that what qualifies me for the present position is the rich trade union background, where I was able to manage a pan-Nigeria institution and mobilise the people for a good course without recourse to ethnic, religious and primordial sentiments.

    “That is the challenge of the political class today because many are still afflicted by these primordial sentiments. I am very proud of those values that I had to imbibe as a union leader. I know the struggles that we waged together.”

     

  • Buhari sent 12 Bills to National Assembly in three years

    THE Presidency sent 12 bills to the Eighth National Assembly since its inception in June 2015, available record in the legislature has shown.

    The 12 bills are different from the statutory budget-related bills, findings has shown.

    The Bills generally referred to as Executive Bills are normally read by the Senate leader.

    The Bills sponsored in both chambers of the National Assembly in the last 37 months include: Communications Service Tax Bill 2015; Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2011 (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill, 2016; Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2016; Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (Est. etc,) Bill, 2017; National Lottery Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the National Water Resources Bill, 2017.

    Others are the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Est. etc,) Bill, 2017; Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (Est. etc,) Bill, 2017; Federal Institute of Industrial Research Bill, 2017; Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill, 2018; Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (Est. etc,) Bill, 2018 and the Minerals and Mining Bills,2018.

    It was gathered that of the 12 Bills, only two were aimed at enhancing the anti-corruption war of the government.

    The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2016 has been passed by the National Assembly. The other one – Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2011 (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill, 2016 – was withdrawn by the Executive due to reported disagreement between the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu.

    The Senate has, however, passed four other bills in support of the anti-corruption agenda of the present administration, namely – Witness Protection Bill, the Whistleblower Protection Bill, Federal Audit Service Commission Bill and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill (NFIU. These four bills were sponsored by individual senators as private member bills.

     

     

  • Kwara APC hails Buhari on Saraki’s acquittal

    The Bashir Bolarinwa-led faction of the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the acquittal of Senate President Bukola Saraki as a testament of the openness of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration openness.

    He added that it shows the administration’s commitment to the independence of every arm of government while vigorously fighting corruption.

    Saraki has been on trial for alleged false asset declaration.

    Bolarinwa said: “The trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki for alleged false asset declaration shows that no one, no matter how highly placed, should be considered or placed above the law.

    “The successful prosecution and conclusion of his trial is to assure every citizen that the Federal Government will always allow every citizen explore every window open for defence in the all important fight against corruption.

    “The Federal Government is already leading the fight against corruption in every area of our national life – it therefore behoves every arm of government to join the fight by giving it the desired support and ensure accountability and probity in their corridors too.

    “We hail Nigerians who have played patriotic and altruistic roles since the fight against corruption and sundry practices started.”

  • Herdsmen: Buhari can’t back killers – Kalu

    Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu said that only a sick man or woman will accuse President Muhammadu Buhari of supporting herdsmen killing innocent Nigerians in the country.
    According to Kalu, the Buhari he knows cannot support killing of citizens under his administration.
    Kalu spoke in his residence in Abuja while hosting the outgoing Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pavel Mikes, to a dinner.
    Those who attended the dinner included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), former National Chairman of APC, John Odigie-Oyegun and Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige.
    Kalu said “It’s surprising when people will accuse our President of supporting herdsmen. It’s a sick man or woman that will be able to say that.
    “I don’t know why a President of Nigeria would be expected to aid people to kill his citizens. It’s embarrassing to even hear that. There is no way any man elected by the people will leave…. and be doing other things.
    “The issue of herdsmen has become a big challenge to us since government dismantled Boko Haram. It’s embarrassing to continue to see where human being will kill their fellow human beings. It is not acceptable to anybody created by God,” Kalu said.
    Being a former governor himself, he charged state governors to do more to end the series of herdsmen killings in the country.
    Speaking with journalists on APC, Kalu  said “APC is on track, it is the most progressive party in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa. We are very ready for the next task.”
    On whether truce was in sight in APC since Buba Galadima  attended the dinner, he said “There was no meeting, it was dinner. Buba Galadima had been my personal friend. You remember I went to school in the University of Maiduguri. I know him and Dr. Haman Sule through President Buhari. I invited him for this dinner and he came.
    “Through our new comrade chairman, we have engaged most of them to get them back. We will control it because it is a family matter. In every family, you quarrel. All arms of the APC are busy talking, as much as we can talk to them. There is no panic.
    “We have not got to the destination. The destination is to bring back an APC President in 2019, which is Muhammadu Buhari,” he said
    Speaking on the outgoing Ambassador, the former Abia governor  said “On behalf of my family, I want to specially appreciate the outgoing Czech Ambassador to Nigeria. The Ambassador has been our friend all the time he was here. I also want to thank him for his untiring efforts as a Dean of European Diplomatic Corps to ascertain that all levels of our government maintain rule of law.
    “When government fails to observe rule of law as an instrument of great change, we will have problems because to us the rule of law is more important. It is the softer part of the democratic process.
    “To me, rule of law is the software of democratic process. If you get the software right, you will also have the hardware right. Thank you for those efforts and I want to thank you for those efforts that the European Union is putting on to make sure Nigeria’s democracy stands,” Kalu said.
    The outgoing Ambassador thanked Kalu for hosting him and his family.
    Explaining  that he sought for extension to stay in Nigeria for about five years after his first three years expired, Mikes said that he found out that Nigeria was a complex nation.
    According to him, he discovered a good friend in Kalu, who is always busy and working hard to promote Nigeria abroad.