The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • 2019: We have not endorsed Buhari, any aspirant – CAN

    The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has refuted the alleged report in some online media platforms: “CAN says no vacancy in Aso Rock, endorses Buhari, Oshiomhole’.

    The CAN president said this in a statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant, Media & Communications to the CAN President, on Wednesday in Abuja

    Oladeji quoted the leadership of CAN as saying that the report was issued by a political movement, ‘Change Advocates of Nigeria (CAN),’ with the same acronym, CAN.

    He said that CAN reiterated that the Christian body has not endorsed President Buhari or any other presidential aspirant for election.

    He, however, urged the general public to discountenance the claim because it did not emanate from Christian Association of Nigeria at all.

    “CAN recognises the right of political groups to perform their activities and also endorse whoever they deem fit in support of their political aspirations.

    “We wish to therefore dissociate ourselves from the political group making this claim using our acronym ‘CAN’,” he said.

    Ayokunle said the leadership was presently making enquiries to determine the circumstances behind the group deploying its acronym for political mileage.

    He said the leadership of CAN called on Nigerians once again to dismiss the alleged report as coming from CAN.

    “We pray for all that are contesting for one position or the other including the incumbent President that the will of the Lord will come to pass in their lives and that the best person in the mind of God would emerge victorious in the name of Jesus,” he added.(NAN)

  • Buhari approves appointment of 28 judicial officials

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of 28 judicial officers for the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    While 12 were approved for the Court of Appeal, the President approved the appointment of nine for the Federal High Court and seven for the High Court of the FCT.

    The Director of Information, National Judicial Council (NJC), Soji Oye, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    Oye said Buhari’s approval followed an earlier recommendation by the NJC.

    Those elevated to the Appeal Court were Justices Gabriel Kolawole, Bilikisu Aliyu and Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, and Abubakar Mahmud  Talba of the High Court of the FCT (who was suspended for one year by the NJC over his ruling in the John Yakubu Yusufu case in 2013.

    Oye had said in a statement on April 26, 2012 that NJC resolved at its meeting held on April 24 and 25, 2012 to suspended Justice Talba for 12 months without pay.

    Also elevated to the Appeal Court were Justices Folashade A. Ojo (of the High Court of the FCT),  P. A. Mahmud; I. A. Andenyangsto; Ebiowei TobI;  J. G. Abundaga; A. S. Umar; A. M. Bayero and  A. M. Lamido.

    Those who made it to the Federal High Court bench were Justice Peter O. Lifu (who is currently a judge of the National Industrial Court), Sunday Bassey Onu, Mrs. Adefunmilola Adekemi Demi-Ajayi, Obiora Atuegwu Egwuata, Sa’adatu Ibrahim Mark, Mobolaji Olubukola Olajuwon, Aminu Bappa Aliyu, Tijjani Garba Ringim and Nkeonye Evelyn Maha.

     

  • Buhari lacks capacity to implement 2018 budget – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has viewed President Muhammadu Buhari’s submission that the 2018 budget would be “near un-implementable” as a clear admission that the President lacks the capacity and competence to run a development-oriented economy as desired by Nigerians.

    According to the party, Nigerians and the business community worldwide were stunned by the President’s assertion while signing the budget.

    A statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said President Buhari exhibited unpardonable ignorance of the dynamics of international best practices in macro-economic management, adding that it was an indication that the economy was in very bad hands.

    The statement said: “President Buhari, in picking holes on items that would directly impact on economic productivity, infrastructural advancement, rural development as well as those that would provide urgent palliatives to the plights of Nigerians, showed his aversion to developmental economy as well as insensitivity to the welfare of our citizens.

    “In fact, President Buhari, in his comments on the budget has further de-marketed our economy before international investors, thereby worsening our woes as a nation.

    “How on earth can a President, if indeed he loves the people, quarrel over budgetary items seeking to cushion the biting effects of the economic recession, particularly for the poor, who are the direct victims of the harsh policies of his incompetent administration?

    “Furthermore, President Buhari’s resort to blaming the National Assembly for his inability to exert himself as a leader and ensure smooth implementation of the budget, further shows that he cares little about the actual needs of the people, having holed himself in the comfort, security and pleasures of the Presidential Villa.”

    The PDP urged the National Assembly to ensure strict implementation of the 2018 budget.

  • Budget: Projects cut and inserted by National Assembly

    President Muhammadu Buhari has listed projects which cost were reduced and new ones inserted in the federal budget by the National Assembly.

    The details are as follows:

    “a. The provisions for some nationally/regionally strategic infrastructure projects such as Counter-part funding for the Mambilla Power Plant, Second Niger Bridge/ancillary roads, the East-West Road, Bonny-Bodo Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Project were cut by an aggregate of 11.5 billion Naira.

    “b. Similarly, provisions for some ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the FCT, Abuja especially major arterial roads and the mass transit rail project, were cut by a total of 7.5 billion Naira.

    “c. The provision for Rehabilitation and Additional Security Measures for the United Nations Building by the FCT, Abuja was cut by 3.9 billion Naira from 4 billion Naira to 100 million Naira; this will make it impossible for the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfill its commitment to the United Nations on this project.

    “d. The provisions for various Strategic Interventions in the health sector such as the upgrade of some tertiary health institutions, transport and storage of vaccines through the cold chain supply system, provision of anti-retroviral drugs for persons on treatment, establishment of chemotherapy centres and procurement of dialysis consumables were cut by an aggregate amount of 7.45 billion Naira.

    “e. The provision for security infrastructure in the 104 Unity Schools across the country were cut by 3 billion Naira at a time when securing our students against acts of terrorism ought to be a major concern of government.

    “f. The provision for the Federal Government’s National Housing Programme was cut by 8.7 billion Naira.

    “g. At a time when we are working with Labour to address compensation-related issues, a total of 5 billion Naira was cut from the provisions for Pension Redemption Fund and Public Service Wage Adjustment.

    “h. The provisions for Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and Special Economic Zones/Industrial Parks, which are key industrialization initiatives of this Administration, were cut by a total of 14.5 billion Naira.

    Read Also: Budget: My concern with changes by National Assembly– Buhari

    “i. The provision for Construction of the Terminal Building at Enugu Airport was cut from 2 billion Naira to 500 million Naira which will further delay the completion of this critical project.

    “j. The Take-off Grant for the Maritime University in Delta State, a key strategic initiative of the Federal Government, was cut from 5 billion Naira to 3.4 billion Naira.

    “k. About seventy (70) new road projects have been inserted into the budget of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. In doing so, the National Assembly applied some of the additional funds expected from the upward review of the oil price benchmark to the Ministry’s vote. Regrettably, however, in order to make provision for some of the new roads, the amounts allocated to some strategic major roads have been cut by the National Assembly.” he said

    He pointed out that another area of concern is the increase by the National Assembly of the provisions for Statutory Transfers by an aggregate of 73.96 billion Naira.

    “Most of these increases are for recurrent expenditure at a time we are trying to keep down the cost of governance.

    “An example of this increase is the budget of the National Assembly itself which has increased by 14.5 billion Naira, from 125 billion Naira to 139.5 billion Naira without any discussion with the Executive.

    “Notwithstanding the above stated observations, I have decided to sign the 2018 Budget in order not to further slowdown the pace of recovery of our economy, which has doubtlessly been affected by the delay in passing the budget.”

  • Budget: My concern with changes by National Assembly- Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed displeasure on some of the changes made in the federal budget which he signed on Wednesday by the National Assembly.

    Speaking before signing the N9.1trillion budget instead of the N8.6trillion he sent for approval, Buhari said “the logic behind the Constitutional direction that budgets should be proposed by the Executive is that, it is the Executive that knows and defines its policies and projects.”

    “Unfortunately, that has not been given much regard in what has been sent to me. The National Assembly made cuts amounting to 347 billion Naira in the allocations to 4,700 projects submitted to them for consideration and introduced 6,403 projects of their own amounting to 578 billion Naira,” Buhari stated.

    According to him, many of the projects cut are critical and may be difficult, if not impossible, to implement with the reduced allocation.

    He added that some of the new projects inserted by the National Assembly have not been properly conceptualized, designed and costed and will therefore be difficult to execute.

    “Furthermore, many of these new projects introduced by the National Assembly have been added to the budgets of most MDAs with no consideration for institutional capacity to execute them or the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.

    “As it is, some of these projects relate to matters that are the responsibility of the States and Local Governments, and for which the Federal Government should therefore not be unduly burdened.

    Read Also: Buhari reluctantly signs 2018 budget

    “Such examples of projects from which cuts were made are as follows:

    “a. The provisions for some nationally/regionally strategic infrastructure projects such as Counter-part funding for the Mambilla Power Plant, Second Niger Bridge/ancillary roads, the East-West Road, Bonny-Bodo Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Project were cut by an aggregate of 11.5 billion Naira.

    “b. Similarly, provisions for some ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the FCT, Abuja especially major arterial roads and the mass transit rail project, were cut by a total of 7.5 billion Naira.

    “c. The provision for Rehabilitation and Additional Security Measures for the United Nations Building by the FCT, Abuja was cut by 3.9 billion Naira from 4 billion Naira to 100 million Naira; this will make it impossible for the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfill its commitment to the United Nations on this project.

    “d. The provisions for various Strategic Interventions in the health sector such as the upgrade of some tertiary health institutions, transport and storage of vaccines through the cold chain supply system, provision of anti-retroviral drugs for persons on treatment, establishment of chemotherapy centres and procurement of dialysis consumables were cut by an aggregate amount of 7.45 billion Naira.

  • Breaking: Buhari reluctantly signs 2018 budget

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill into law.

    The short ceremony took place in the President’s office.

    According to the President, he signed the Budget reluctantly because he had no choice.

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were represented at the ceremony.

    The Presidency had on May 25th received the harmonized document from the National Assembly.

    The two chambers of the National Assembly had passed different figures which necessitated the harmonization process.

    From the harmonized figure the National Assembly raised the budget figure proposal submitted by President Buhari last November by N500 billion, from N8.6 to N9.1 trillion.

    The President said “I would like to thank the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as all the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, for passing the 2018 Appropriation Bill, after seven months.

    “When I submitted the 2018 Budget proposals to the National Assembly on 7thNovember 2017, I had hoped that the usual legislative review process would be quick, so as to move Nigeria towards a predictable January-December financial year. The importance of this predictability cannot be overemphasized.

    “While the Federal Government’s budget represents less than 10% of aggregate yearly expenditures in the economy, it has a very significant accelerator effect on the financial plans of other tiers of government, and even more importantly, the private sector, which mostly operates on a January-December financial year.

    “Notwithstanding the delay this year, I am determined to continue to work with the National Assembly towards improving the budgeting process and restoring our country to the January-December fiscal cycle.

    Read Also: Buhari’s speech at the signing of 2018 budget into law

    “I note, with pleasure, that the National Assembly is working on the enactment of an Organic Budget Law, so as to improve the efficiency of the nation’s budgetary process.

    “As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2018 Appropriation Bill, we intend to use the 2018 Budget to consolidate the achievements of previous budgets and deliver on Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020.

    “It is in this regard that I am concerned about some of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the budget proposals that I presented. The logic behind the Constitutional direction that budgets should be proposed by the Executive is that, it is the Executive that knows and defines its policies and projects.

    “Unfortunately, that has not been given much regard in what has been sent to me. The National Assembly made cuts amounting to 347 billion Naira in the allocations to 4,700 projects submitted to them for consideration and introduced 6,403 projects of their own amounting to 578 billion Naira.

    “Many of the projects cut are critical and may be difficult, if not impossible, to implement with the reduced allocation. Some of the new projects inserted by the National Assembly have not been properly conceptualized, designed and costed and will therefore be difficult to execute.

    “Furthermore, many of these new projects introduced by the National Assembly have been added to the budgets of most MDAs with no consideration for institutional capacity to execute them or the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.

    “As it is, some of these projects relate to matters that are the responsibility of the States and Local Governments, and for which the Federal Government should therefore not be unduly burdened.

    “Such examples of projects from which cuts were made are as follows:

    “a. The provisions for some nationally/regionally strategic infrastructure projects such as Counter-part funding for the Mambilla Power Plant, Second Niger Bridge/ancillary roads, the East-West Road, Bonny-Bodo Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Project were cut by an aggregate of 11.5 billion Naira.

    “b. Similarly, provisions for some ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the FCT, Abuja especially major arterial roads and the mass transit rail project, were cut by a total of 7.5 billion Naira.

    “c. The provision for Rehabilitation and Additional Security Measures for the United Nations Building by the FCT, Abuja was cut by 3.9 billion Naira from 4 billion Naira to 100 million Naira; this will make it impossible for the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfill its commitment to the United Nations on this project.

    “d. The provisions for various Strategic Interventions in the health sector such as the upgrade of some tertiary health institutions, transport and storage of vaccines through the cold chain supply system, provision of anti-retroviral drugs for persons on treatment, establishment of chemotherapy centres and procurement of dialysis consumables were cut by an aggregate amount of 7.45 billion Naira.

    “e. The provision for security infrastructure in the 104 Unity Schools across the country were cut by 3 billion Naira at a time when securing our students against acts of terrorism ought to be a major concern of government.

    “f. The provision for the Federal Government’s National Housing Programme was cut by 8.7 billion Naira.

    “g. At a time when we are working with Labour to address compensation-related issues, a total of 5 billion Naira was cut from the provisions for Pension Redemption Fund and Public Service Wage Adjustment.

    “h. The provisions for Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and Special Economic Zones/Industrial Parks, which are key industrialization initiatives of this Administration, were cut by a total of 14.5 billion Naira.

    “i. The provision for Construction of the Terminal Building at Enugu Airport was cut from 2 billion Naira to 500 million Naira which will further delay the completion of this critical project.

    “j. The Take-off Grant for the Maritime University in Delta State, a key strategic initiative of the Federal Government, was cut from 5 billion Naira to 3.4 billion Naira.

    “k. About seventy (70) new road projects have been inserted into the budget of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. In doing so, the National Assembly applied some of the additional funds expected from the upward review of the oil price benchmark to the Ministry’s vote. Regrettably, however, in order to make provision for some of the new roads, the amounts allocated to some strategic major roads have been cut by the National Assembly.” he said

    He pointed out that another area of concern is the increase by the National Assembly of the provisions for Statutory Transfers by an aggregate of 73.96 billion Naira.

    “Most of these increases are for recurrent expenditure at a time we are trying to keep down the cost of governance.

    “An example of this increase is the budget of the National Assembly itself which has increased by 14.5 billion Naira, from 125 billion Naira to 139.5 billion Naira without any discussion with the Executive.

    “Notwithstanding the above stated observations, I have decided to sign the 2018 Budget in order not to further slowdown the pace of recovery of our economy, which has doubtlessly been affected by the delay in passing the budget.

    “However, it is my intention to seek to remedy some of the most critical of these issues through a supplementary and/or amendment budget which I hope the National Assembly will be able to expeditiously consider.

    “I am pleased with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2017 Budget. A total sum of 1.5 trillion Naira has been released for the implementation of capital projects during the 2017 fiscal year. In response to this and other policy measures implemented, we have observed significant improvement in the performance of the Nigerian economy.

    “To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2018 Budget, we will work very hard to generate the revenues required to finance our projects and programmes. The positive global oil market outlook, as well as continuing improvement in non-oil revenues, make us optimistic about our ability to finance the budget.

    “However, being a deficit budget, the Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly. I crave the indulgence of the National Assembly for a speedy consideration and approval of the Plan.

    “The 2018 Budget I have just signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of 9.12 trillion Naira, which is 22.6% higher than the 2017 Appropriation. Further details of the approved budget will be provided by the Minister of Budget and National Planning.

    “I thank the Ministers of Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and everyone who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to bring us to this day. However, the job is only partly done.

    “I am sure you will remain committed to advancing our Change Agenda, not only in the preparation of the national budget but also in ensuring its effective implementation.” he stated

     

  • Buhari’s speech at the signing of 2018 budget into law

    “I would like to thank the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as all the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, for passing the 2018 Appropriation Bill, after seven months.

    2. When I submitted the 2018 Budget proposals to the National Assembly on 7th November 2017, I had hoped that the usual legislative review process would be quick, so as to move Nigeria towards a predictable January-December financial year. The importance of this predictability cannot be overemphasized.

    3. While the Federal Government’s budget represents less than 10% of aggregate yearly expenditures in the economy, it has a very significant accelerator effect on the financial plans of other tiers of government, and even more importantly, the private sector, which mostly operates on a January-December financial year.

    4. Notwithstanding the delay this year, I am determined to continue to work with the National Assembly towards improving the budgeting process and restoring our country to the January-December fiscal cycle.

    5. I note, with pleasure, that the National Assembly is working on the enactment of an Organic Budget Law, so as to improve the efficiency of the nation’s budgetary process.

    6. As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2018 Appropriation Bill, we intend to use the 2018 Budget to consolidate the achievements of previous budgets and deliver on Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020.

    7. It is in this regard that I am concerned about some of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the budget proposals that I presented. The logic behind the Constitutional direction that budgets should be proposed by the Executive is that, it is the Executive that knows and defines its policies and projects.

    8. Unfortunately, that has not been given much regard in what has been sent to me. The National Assembly made cuts amounting to 347 billion Naira in the allocations to 4,700 projects submitted to them for consideration and introduced 6,403 projects of their own amounting to 578 billion Naira.

    9. Many of the projects cut are critical and may be difficult, if not impossible, to implement with the reduced allocation. Some of the new projects inserted by the National Assembly have not been properly conceptualized, designed and costed and will therefore be difficult to execute.

    10. Furthermore, many of these new projects introduced by the National Assembly have been added to the budgets of most MDAs with no consideration for institutional capacity to execute them or the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.

    11. As it is, some of these projects relate to matters that are the responsibility of the States and Local Governments, and for which the Federal Government should therefore not be unduly burdened.

    12. Such examples of projects from which cuts were made are as follows:

    a. The provisions for some nationally/regionally strategic infrastructure projects such as Counter-part funding for the Mambilla Power Plant, Second Niger Bridge/ancillary roads, the East-West Road, Bonny-Bodo Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Project were cut by an aggregate of 11.5 billion Naira.

    b. Similarly, provisions for some ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the FCT, Abuja especially major arterial roads and the mass transit rail project, were cut by a total of 7.5 billion Naira.

    c. The provision for Rehabilitation and Additional Security Measures for the United Nations Building by the FCT, Abuja was cut by 3.9 billion Naira from 4 billion Naira to 100 million Naira; this will make it impossible for the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfill its commitment to the United Nations on this project.

    d. The provisions for various Strategic Interventions in the health sector such as the upgrade of some tertiary health institutions, transport and storage of vaccines through the cold chain supply system, provision of anti-retroviral drugs for persons on treatment, establishment of chemotherapy centres and procurement of dialysis consumables were cut by an aggregate amount of 7.45 billion Naira.

    e. The provision for security infrastructure in the 104 Unity Schools across the country were cut by 3 billion Naira at a time when securing our students against acts of terrorism ought to be a major concern of government.

    f. The provision for the Federal Government’s National Housing Programme was cut by 8.7 billion Naira.

    g. At a time when we are working with Labour to address compensation-related issues, a total of 5 billion Naira was cut from the provisions for Pension Redemption Fund and Public Service Wage Adjustment.

    h. The provisions for Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and Special Economic Zones/Industrial Parks, which are key industrialization initiatives of this Administration, were cut by a total of 14.5 billion Naira.

    i. The provision for Construction of the Terminal Building at Enugu Airport was cut from 2 billion Naira to 500 million Naira which will further delay the completion of this critical project.

    j. The Take-off Grant for the Maritime University in Delta State, a key strategic initiative of the Federal Government, was cut from 5 billion Naira to 3.4 billion Naira.

    k. About seventy (70) new road projects have been inserted into the budget of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. In doing so, the National Assembly applied some of the additional funds expected from the upward review of the oil price benchmark to the Ministry’s vote. Regrettably, however, in order to make provision for some of the new roads, the amounts allocated to some strategic major roads have been cut by the National Assembly.

    13. Another area of concern is the increase by the National Assembly of the provisions for Statutory Transfers by an aggregate of 73.96 billion Naira. Most of these increases are for recurrent expenditure at a time we are trying to keep down the cost of governance.

    14. An example of this increase is the budget of the National Assembly itself which has increased by 14.5 billion Naira, from 125 billion Naira to 139.5 billion Naira without any discussion with the Executive.

    15. Notwithstanding the above stated observations, I have decided to sign the 2018 Budget in order not to further slowdown the pace of recovery of our economy, which has doubtlessly been affected by the delay in passing the budget.

    16. However, it is my intention to seek to remedy some of the most critical of these issues through a supplementary and/or amendment budget which I hope the National Assembly will be able to expeditiously consider.

    17. I am pleased with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2017 Budget. A total sum of 1.5 trillion Naira has been released for the implementation of capital projects during the 2017 fiscal year. In response to this and other policy measures implemented, we have observed significant improvement in the performance of the Nigerian economy.

    18. To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2018 Budget, we will work very hard to generate the revenues required to finance our projects and programmes. The positive global oil market outlook, as well as continuing improvement in non-oil revenues, make us optimistic about our ability to finance the budget.

    19. However, being a deficit budget, the Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly. I crave the indulgence of the National Assembly for a speedy consideration and approval of the Plan.

    20. The 2018 Budget I have just signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of 9.12 trillion Naira, which is 22.6% higher than the 2017 Appropriation. Further details of the approved budget will be provided by the Minister of Budget and National Planning.

    21. I thank the Ministers of Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and everyone who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to bring us to this day. However, the job is only partly done.

    22. I am sure you will remain committed to advancing our Change Agenda, not only in the preparation of the national budget but also in ensuring its effective implementation.

    I thank you and may God bless Nigeria.”

  • Buhari greets Prof. Okonjo at 90

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with renowned Mathematician and Economist, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, Obi of Ogwashiukwu, who will turn 90 tomorrow.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari joined Ogwashiukwu community in Delta State, immediate and extended Okonjo family, professional colleagues and friends of His Royal Highness in celebrating the cerebral scholar whose imprint on education in Nigeria and beyond remain indelible.

    He extoled the sterling educational and leadership qualities of Prof. Okonjo who pursued knowledge with interest and vigour from his youth, obtaining a first degree in mathematics as an external student, and following up with two Masters degrees in Economics and Statistics, and a Doctorate in Mathematical Statistics.

    President Buhari believed the traditional ruler has sowed in many lives as a teacher, mentor and leader, particularly wielding a strong influence over his children and grand-children who have turned out to be national and global icons by reputably serving the nation in various capacities.

    He prayed that the Almighty God will grant the Obi of Ogwashiukwu longer life, more strength and good health to keep serving humanity.

  • Reappointment of Prof Jidere: Group commends Buhari

    The League of Civil Society Groups has commended President Buhari for reappointing Prof Eli Bala Jidere as Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). The group in a statement jointly signed by Bar. Adefila Kamal President and Amb Mukhtar Akoshile, National Secretary said “We have observed a disturbing turn of events in the Nigerian political landscape, where even issues of administration are milked for cheap popularity and dishonest political gains. This over-politicization has become the bane of the Nigerian public service space, holding back viable and promising policies and projects from implementation to better the lot of Nigerians”

    ”The attempt by a section of the staff of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), to bring the person of Prof. ELI BALA Jidere, who was duly appointed by Mr. President, into disrepute is a classic case in point of Nigerians who do not want to move on from the old way of running government. It becomes rather curious that in making these calls, the Union haven’t been able to reference any financial misconduct to his person.”

    ”It is on record that Prof. Jidere had, during his first term in office, restored sanity and probity to the management of the Commission, instilling financial discipline and openness in governance making hitherto opaque processes such as procurement open to the general public. Prof. Eli Jidere reduced the Commission’s debt on constituency projects to N6.5billion from N16billion in 2013, while ensuring that no new debt was incurred on executed projects by paying fully for all contracts entered into in the period.”

    ”On the international scene Prof. Jidere ensured that Nigeria’s contributions to international energy organization’s were fully paid up, which was a far departure from the past, facilitating the election of Nigeria as Vice President of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Promotion of renewable energy projects all over Nigeria have attracted support of partners such as JICA, UNDP and UNIDO. These international organizations that are known for demanding transparency and probity in project execution had at no time expressed any displeasure with the commission on its part.”

    ”The League of Civil Society Groups wish to place it on record and bring to the notice of the staff that the Commission belongs to all Nigerians and as a public interest organization we will resist any attempt to hold such a sensitive agency of government to ransom. The march towards energy sufficiency for Nigeria will not be scuttled by any vested interests, as these will incur the wrath of the people.”

    ”We commend the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu for putting national interest in the running of the ministry and urge him to continue on the path of promoting science for national development. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his steadfastness in reappointing Prof. Jidere to continue the good work he has done so far and consolidate on the achievements recorded so far. We urge President to keep up the trend of appointing capable hands to man key government agencies to ensure governance impacts on the lives of the people of Nigeria.”

    Government should not allow itself to be swayed by these merchants of sentiments but continue on the path of change towards ensuring the people, who are the real owners of the Government, receive the appropriate benefits that should accrue to them. The government of the day has made it abundantly clear from the days of its campaigns that the old ways of doing things have to give way for higher standards and this decision is along that track, the statement added.

  • Windstorm: Buhari sends delegation to Bauchi

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Bauchi State following the windstorm incident which destroyed 1,505 houses in the state capital.

    Eight persons have been confirmed dead while 120 others were reported injured in the incident.

    Azare, another major town was struck by a major fire disaster that destroyed a market in the town few days later.

    The delegation, according to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, also includes the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja.

    He said the delegation would assess the extent of damage caused by the disaster.

    “Already, NEMA has started mobilising relief items from its warehouses located in Damaturu and Yola for onward distribution to those displaced by the windstorm. The aid materials are expected to reach Bauchi on Tuesday evening while assessment is being conducted on the fire incident in Azare,” the statement said.

    In an earlier message on Monday, President Buhari extended his deepest sympathies to victims of the windstorm and fire incidents.