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Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari greets Falana on 60th birthday

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday saluted erudite lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, on his 60th birthday.

    President Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, joined family members, friends and professional colleagues of Falana in celebrating the milestone.

    The President noted with delight that Falana’s career as a lawyer had been marked with honours and awards for forthrightness and advocacy for the good of every Nigerian.

    He commended the lawyer’s sense of patriotism over the years and his advisory roles to leaders, institutions and governments, especially on the value of good governance.

    President Buhari believed that Falana’s antecedents had been most exemplary and commendable in advocating for better life for the poor and underprivileged.

    NAN

  • Only formidable opposition will defeat Buhari in 2019 – Adeniyi

    The former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said on Friday that only a formidable opposition would defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election.

    Adeniyi stated this at the review of his book titled: “Against the Run of Play” at the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP).

    Addressing the gathering of academics and other professionals who attended the book reading, Adeniyi identified fragmented opposition as the most important factor that makes incumbent candidates win elections all over the world.

    He recalled that ex- President Goodluck Jonathan lost in 2015 because the opposition parties came together to form a strong force against him and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Adeniyi said that kind of development is rare in other countries of the world but is required to defeat any incumbent.

    The ex-presidential spokesman said he was yet to see a formidable opposition strong enough to defeat Buhari, pointing out that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was already solidly on ground more than one year before the last election.

    He said: “I don’t expect anything different in the 2019 elections. I expect that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will perform better than it did in 2015. I also expect that whoever wants to be president, either the incumbent or challenger, should challenge the process and at the end of the day, we’ll see what happens.

    “The challenge for the opposition is that they have to get their acts together. I keep saying, by the end of 2012 for instance, we already knew who was going to challenge Jonathan in 2015. You can’t say the same thing today. And you need a cohesive opposition to defeat an incumbent. Right now, if you are asked who would be the next candidate, you can tout many names but you are not sure. And for me, there are only two political parties right now; there may be others in future, but now it’s either APC or PDP. All these Red Card, Third Force, and all those things… all that they help is the incumbent because the incumbent has the support base. It is the opposition that is being divided along all these lines.”

    On if the massive campaign for Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Card (PVC)  will help the opposition in 2019, Adeniyi added:

    “Yes, it can play a part, but what I think basically is that Buhari’s biggest challenger today, is ‘go and get your PVC.’ That is not a candidate. Yes. People will get their PVC but who are they voting for? It is also important. I like the awareness, I like the consciousness, people are really ready to go out and vote, but it also matters who they are voting for and the platform and what those people are bringing to the table. I know that in 2015, there are people who voted, not for Buhari but just against Jonathan. We may end up with the same situation.”

     

     

  • Pompeo calls Buhari, reaffirms Nigeria-U.S relations

    United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, called President Muhamadu Buhari and reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between America and Nigeria, the U.S Department of State said.

    The Spokesperson for the Department, Ms Heather Nauert, said Pompeo, during the call, also underscored Buhari’s visit to the U.S on April 30, and recognised Nigeria’s leadership in Africa.

    Nauert said: “On May 17, Secretary Pompeo called Nigerian President Buhari.

    “The Secretary noted the longstanding relationship between the Nigerian and American people and underscored the themes of the April 30 official working visit of President Buhari to the White House.

    “He recognized Nigerian leadership across the African continent on priorities we share: countering terrorism and other threats to peace and security, creating economic opportunity, fighting corruption, and advancing democracy and stability.

    “The Secretary welcomed continued cooperation in advancing our nations’ mutual prosperity.”

    NAN

     

  • We remain committed to stability of West Africa, says Buhari

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration will continue to work with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries to ensure stability in the sub-region as cross-border crimes pose more challenges to people and governments.

    “ECOWAS is doing its best, and as you know, Nigeria is fully involved in the process of restoring stability in Guinea Bissau,” Buhari told the Ambassador of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Henrique Andriano Da Silva, at the State House, Abuja yesterday after receiving his Letter of Credence.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the relationship between Nigeria and Guinea Bissau had always been healthy, noting that as the country regains its stability, there would be more room for improvement.

    Buhari, who also received the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Wattana Kunwongse, said Nigeria and Thailand had a lot to share in the ongoing effort to diversify the economy, with focus on the agricultural sector.

    “Our relationship has been very long and very commendable. We appreciate the help we get in agriculture from Thailand and we will keep working together,” he said.

    The Ambassador of Guinea Bissau said his country remains grateful for all the support it received from Nigeria during the prolonged political crisis.

    “We are very grateful for your commitment to ensure peace in Guinea Bissau and your soldiers have been in our country to ensure stability,” the ambassador said.

    The Ambassador of Thailand said Nigeria’s position as a “regional power” puts it in the spotlight for the recovery and stability of Africa.

    “Under your leadership and guidance, we believe the economy will recover and the entire country will be strengthened,’’ he said.

     

  • Senate raises 10-man panel to meet Buhari

    The Senate yesterday raised a 10-man panel to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari over the allegation that Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris is plotting to implicate Senate President Bukola Saraki.

    Saraki made the allegation during the Semate Plenary yesterday following which he stepped down for his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, to preside over the discussion on the matter.

    Ekweremadu noted that what Saraki said was some of the things wrong with the country’s democracy which should be halted.

    He insisted that the Senate must work to protect the rights of every Nigerian, no matter the situation.

    Ekweremadu said there should be a 10-man committee to engage President Muhammadu Buhari as soon as possible.

    He said the committee should report back to the Senate within one week.

    Ekweremadu named Saraki as the leader of the delagation. An objection to his leadership of the panel since he is the man at the centre of the matter was rejected.

    Other members of the committee are: Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan, Chief Whip Olusola Adeyeye, Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio, Senators Abdullahi Adamu, Sam Egwu, Aliyu Wamakko, Oluremi Tinubu and Fatima Rasaki.

    Saraki noted that another leg of the plot was to also frame up Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed.

    The lawmakers described what they were told as “a dangerous development” that must be halted in the interest of democracy.

    Before the announcement, the upper chamber held over 45 minutes closed session which Saraki said was meant to deliberate on the running of the Senate and the National Assembly in general.

    Akpabio said the Senate was still in the dark about what actually happened.

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa said Saraki is not only the Senate President but chairman of the National Assembly.

    The Lagos East lawmaker suggested that a joint committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives be constituted to look into the matter.

    Senator Philip Aduda (FCT) described the information as dangerous for the country’s democracy and also proposed an ad-hoc committee to look into the matter.

    Adeyeye suggested a committee of seven from the Senate and six from the House of Representatives to consider the information.

    Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the Senate should take steps to make Nigerians appreciate the persecution members of the National Assembly were going through.

    Anyanwu said that the matter should be taken seriously, especially as it was a calculated attempt to ridicule the National Assembly and its members.

    Senator Kabiru Marafa, who differed, suggested that a high powered committee should meet President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter.

    Marafa said if a committee was constituted to probe the matter, the IGP might not be disposed to appearing before it.

    Senator Emmanuel Bwacha described the matter as a dangerous development.

    Bwacha said that President Buhari should be told in clear terms that democracy was in danger.

    He described how his security detail was withdrawn on his way to Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    Senator Isa Misau said that he had the inclination that other security organisations were behind the onslaught against the National Assembly while the police were being used as the face.

    Misau said that what was happening was all geared towards 2019 general elections.

    He said: “It is either we have this democracy or we change it to another thing. We must know where we are. We cannot continue to work under intimidation and harassment. The whole thing is planned and it is obvious that people have been marked.”

    Senator Abdullahi Adamu described the report by Saraki as weighty.

    He noted that though senators received the information with shock, they should apply maturity by setting up an ad-hoc committee to consider the information and advise the Senate.

    Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan noted: “This is one of the sad moments of the Senate.”

    Lawan noted that senators would have just walked into the chamber to pass the 2018 budget already listed in the Order Paper.

    He said that it was pointless to continue to beat a dead horse by constituting another committee that the IGP might not honour.

    Lawan said that some people might be taking advantage of situations without the President being aware of what was going on.

    He agreed that a committee should be constituted to engage President Buhari to intimate him about the development and other issues the Senate might decide to bring to the attention of the President.

  • Buhari hosts Super Eagles May 29

    World Cup-bound Super Eagles will pay a courtesy call on President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on May 29 and are also scheduled to depart their Austrian training camp June 11 for the World Cup in Russia.

    Eagles’ spokesman Toyin Ibitoye revealed the timetable of the team leading up to Russia 2018.

    The national team will open training camp on May 22 in Uyo before a friendly against DR Congo in Port Harcourt on May 28. The match will mark the partnership between the Rivers State Government and La Liga giants Real Madrid to set up an academy in Port Harcourt.

    After their Presidential visit, they will fly out to London for a high-profile World Cup warm-up against England on June 2.

    Coach Gernot Rohr is expected to announce his final 23-man squad for the World Cup not later than June 4.

    The Eagles will then face the Czech Republic in a final test game on June 6 in Austria. They will depart for Russia on June 11, five days before their opening Group D match against Croatia.

    Eagles celebrates victory
    Eagles celebrates victory

    Super Eagles 2018 World Cup Timetable:

    May 22 – Training camp opens in Uyo

    May 28 – Friendly vs DR Congo in Port Harcourt

    May 29 – Presidential visit in Abuja

    June 2 – Friendly vs England at Wembley

    June 4 – Announcement of the final 23-man squad

    June 6 – Final friendly vs the Czech Republic

    June 11 – Departure to Russia

    June 16 – Opening Group D match vs Croatia

  • Buhari yet to get petroleum bill, says Presidency

    THE Presidency yesterday declared that the harmonised Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) passed by the National Assembly on March 28, is yet to get to the desk of President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang said this in a two paragraph statement dated May 16 and made available to State House correspondents.

    He said that his findings revealed that the Bill is still undergoing standard operating legislative processes of the National Assembly preparatory to transmission.

    He said: “Further to several enquiries by the media, interest groups, and the public in respect of within named Bill, may I please state that the said Bill has not yet been transmitted by the National Assembly to President.

    “From my enquiries, the Bill is still undergoing standard operating legislative processes of the National Assembly preparatory to transmission, please.”

  • Buhari greets Muslims as Ramadan begins today

    President Muhammadu Buhari last night sent his greetings to Muslims as the 30-day Ramadan fast begins today.

    Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III last night declared today as the first day of Ramadan, 1439 AH.

    Making the announcement in his palace in Sokoto, the Sultan said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon across various states of the federation which marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1439 AH.

    The Ramadan moon, according to the religious leader was sighted in Gombe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Minna and Dutse.

    “In accordance with the Islamic injunctions, we announce today Wednesday 1439A.H which is equivalent to May 16, 2018 has marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1439A.H. which followed reliable reports duly verified and certified by states and national moon sighting committees. Consequent upon which tomorrow Thursday May 17, 2018 is first of Ramadan’.’’

    In his message to the nation on the beginning of the Ramadan, the President said fasting is not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.

    The President, in a statement by his spokesman Garba Shehu, said “It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,”

    He enjoined fasting Muslims to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude.

    He called on Muslims and all Nigerians to always remember men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.

  • Ramadan: Buhari greets Muslims, urges them to show more love for humanity

    President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged Muslim ummah to use the opportunity offered  by Ramadan to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude.

    The President gave the challenge in his Ramadan message to Muslims issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    President Buhari, who greeted the Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they commenced the 30-day Ramadan fast, noted that Ramadan was a period to inculcate righteousness and discipline.

    According to him, fasting is not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.

     “It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,’’ he said.

    He stated that the Holy Prophet Muhammad used to spend very generously on the poor and the needy during this period.

    The President, therefore, urged Muslims in the country and all over the world to copy the good example.

    He called on all Nigerians to always remember “men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.’’

    The President prayed Allah to grant all Muslims the strength to successfully complete the fasting period.(NAN)

  • Buhari yet to get petroleum bill – Presidency

    The Presidency said on Wednesday the harmonised Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) passed by the National Assembly on March 28, is yet to get to the desk of President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, stated this in a two- paragraph statement dated May 16 and made available to State House correspondents in Abuja.

    Enang said his findings revealed that the bill is still undergoing standard operating legislative processes of the National Assembly preparatory to transmission.

    He said: “Further to several enquiries by the media, interest groups and the public in respect of the Bill, may I please state that the said Bill has not yet been transmitted by the National Assembly to President.

    “From my enquiries, the Bill is still undergoing standard operating legislative processes of the National Assembly preparatory to transmission, please.”

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (upstream), Omotayo Alasoadura, has promised that the harmonised bill would be presented to Buhari on March 30.