The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari wants Senate’s nod for FIRS, AMCON, NCC Chiefs

    Buhari wants Senate’s nod for FIRS, AMCON, NCC Chiefs

    The Senate on Tuesday received communications from President Muhammadu Buhari requesting confirmation of the appointments of Mr. Babatunde Fowler as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    Also received was a request for approval of Alhaji Umaru Danbata as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

    Similarly, the name of Alhaji Ahmed Kuru was also forwarded to the upper legislative body for confirmation as the Managing Director of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

    The names of Kola Ayeye, Eberechukwu Uneze and Aminu Ismail were also forwarded for approval as Executive Directors of AMCON.

  • Lagos: Buhari seeks Senate approval for World Bank loan

    Lagos: Buhari seeks Senate approval for World Bank loan

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday asked the Senate to approve a $200 million World Bank loan for Lagos State.

    Buhari in a letter entitled: “Request for special approval of Lagos State DPO 11 under the Federal Government external borrowing rolling plan 2015 to 2017,” requested the Senate to endorse the loan expeditiously.

    The letter reads in part, “I refer to the above subject and request approval for Development Policy Operation (DPO) loan (Budget Support) of US$200 million to Lagos State from the World Bank.

    “You may wish to know that the World Bank approved a DPO loan for a total sum of US$600 million to Lagos State Government in 2010 to be implemented in three tranches of US$200 million per annum.

    “The first tranche was approved by the National Assembly in the 2010-2012 Federal Government External (Rolling) Borrowing Plan and the second tranche was in the 2012-2014 plan.

    “The DPO 1has been successfully implemented as adjudged by the World Bank, the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the second tranche of the DPO on April 29, 2015.

    “The DPO 111 was captured in the Federal Government External (Rolling) Borrowing Plan of 2014-2016 which was discussed with the National Assembly, but was not concluded.

    “Pursuant to the above, therefore I seek for your support to facilitate the consideration and approval of the DPO 111 loan of US$200million to enable the state to consolidate on the gains of the second tranche of the DPO 11.

    ‘It is instructive to note that key programme objectives of the DPO are already beginning to show in terms of increased inflow of private investment to the state, increased private sector employment opportunities and increased internally generated revenues.”

  • Buhari to leaders: expose looters

    Buhari to leaders: expose looters

    •President reaffirms anti-graft war

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the international community to join his anti-corruption battle by ensuring no havens for proceeds of the crime.

    Buhari spoke last night at the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York.

    The President urged world leaders to do more to return stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin.

    The late General Sani Abacha is believed to have stolen billions of dollars, stashed away in foreign accounts. Some of the loot have been recovered.

    Besides, so much is believed to have been lost in the oil industry, the cash stashed away in foreign accounts.

    Buhari noted that corruption, cross-border financial crimes, cyber crimes and human trafficking are major challenges of the 21st century, which the international community must work collectively to overcome.

    Buhari reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront the twin evils of corruption and illicit financial outflows.

    He said: “Let me reaffirm the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to fight corruption and illicit financial flows. By any consideration, corruption and cross border financial crimes are impediments to development, economic growth, and the realisation of the well-being of citizens across the globe.

    “Nigeria is ready and willing to partner with international agencies and individual countries on a bilateral basis to confront crimes and corruption.

    “In particular, I call upon the global community to urgently redouble efforts towards strengthening the mechanisms for dismantling safe havens for proceeds of corruption and ensuring the return of stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin.”

    The President also proposed the adoption of peace as a seventh essential element of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted last Friday by world leaders in New York.

    He said: “The Secretary General has grouped the SDGs into what he calls six ‘essential elements’, namely: Dignity, Prosperity, Justice, Partnership, Planet and People.

    “As a prerequisite to these and as we look at history and remember the terrible events that gave rise to the birth of the United Nations in 1945, I would like to propose a seventh: PEACE.

    “Peace  is close to the hearts of Nigerians, as we are in the front line in the war on terror. Boko Haram’s war against the people of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon may not attract as much worldwide attention as the wars in the Middle East but the suffering is just as great and the human cost is equally high.

    “This is a war between progress and chaos; between democracy and the rule of law. Boko Haram celebrates violence against the weak and the innocent and, deplorably, they hide behind their perverted interpretation of Islam. Boko Haram is as far away from Islam as anyone can think of,” Buhari stated.

    He also assured the international community that his administration was doing all within its powers to quickly overcome the challenge of terrorism and insecurity.

    He said: “The new Nigerian Government which I have the honour to head, moved with dispatch to put in a bold and robust strategy to defeat Boko Haram. Nigeria and her neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Niger plus Benin are working together to face this common threat within the regional framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

    “We have established a multinational joint task force to confront, degrade and defeat Boko Haram. We have driven them away from many of their strongholds, killed or captured many of their operatives or commanders and freed several hundreds of hostages,” he told the General Assembly.

    The President reassured the global community that rescuing the Chibok girls remained one of the major objectives of his administration.

    “We are working round the clock to ensure their safety and eventual reunion with their families. The girls are constantly on our minds and in our plans,” he said.

    President Buhari condemned the new and dangerous dimension which human trafficking has assumed.

    He said: “We in Africa are grieved to see hundreds of our able bodied men and women dying in the desert or drowning in the Mediterranean.

    “We condemn in the strongest terms these people traffickers and will support any measures to apprehend and bring them to justice.”

    Stressing that the world was witnessing a dreadful increase in conflicts fuelled by availability of small arms and light weapons, President Buhari called on the international community to work towards the effective  implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty to ensure that small arms and light weapons can only be legally transferred.

    Pointing out that peaceful co-existence and self-determination  are among the key principles that led to the establishment of the United Nations, President Buhari called for the urgent resolution of the question of self-determination for the people of Palestine and Western Sahara.

    “The international community has come to pin its hopes on resolving the Palestinian issue through the two – states solution which recognises the legitimate right of each state to exist in peace and security.

    “The world has no more excuses or reasons to delay the implementation of the long list of Security Council resolutions on this question. Neither do we have the moral right to deny any people their freedom or condemn them indefinitely to occupation and blockade,” Buhari said.

  • Buhari: we’ll resist corrupt elements

    Buhari: we’ll resist corrupt elements

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said his administration will resist the corrupt elements who are trying to fight back and halt the war against corruption.

    He said the government will not wait until when all resources are available before waging a war against graft.

    He said his administration would strengthen various anti-graft agencies in the country.

    Buhari’s position was contained in an address at the opening ceremony of the maiden training programme of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, NACIWA, at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, the President said the war against corruption will be fought to a conclusive end.

    He said although corruption will always fight back, his administration cannot be deterred.

    Buhari said:  “The time to act against corruption is now, and we do not have to wait till when all the resources are in place. It is now.”

    “They’ll fight back, indeed, they are already fighting back, but what they don’t know is that there is the will to ensure victory is achieved, because we have to reclaim our stolen wealth.

    “We shall strengthen agencies in the country involved in the corruption war. The EFCC and other anti-graft agencies in the country have been charged to ramp up the corruption war, and save us from the scourge of corruption”.

    In his paper titled: “West African Law Enforcement Agencies Must Cooperate to Win War on Corruption”, Lamorde said corrupt individuals have now taken their crimes beyond border.

     

  • Buhari urged to evolve world-class transportation

    Buhari urged to evolve world-class transportation

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to evolve a world-class transport system to position Nigeria as a hub in West and Central Africa.

    Speaking with The Nation at the weekend, the Chairman, Haulage and Logistics, Mr Adebola Adeyemo, said the Federal Government should establish a safe, efficient, affordable and seamless intermodal transport system in line with global best practices.

    He canvassed an enabling environment for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to thrive.

    The system, he said, should connect all state capitals, seaports, airports and river ports with railway lines to complement the road infrastructure across the country.

    The sector, he said, remains a key sector of the economy, adding that its enormous potential deserves continuous harnessing to meet the expectations of the government and the people.

    “In the next few months, the Federal Government needs to carry out a number of reform measures that will enhance more operational efficiency at the various ports. For instance, the 48-hour cargo clearance must be achieved in the Lagos Ports where more than 60 per cent of our port activities take place.

    “The government also needs to make efforts towards ensuring the development of deep seaports in the country. This is the ultimate solution to the port congestion in Lagos, as the cargo handling capacity is beyond their designed capacity.

    “Although the Federal Government has approved the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, expected to handle bigger vessels, and create employment. But the promoters of the port must be supported to bring the project to fruition,’’ he said.

    He urged local and foreign investors to key into the government’s programmes by investing in the sector.

    The potential of the sector, Adeyemo said, is enormous, calling for a synergy between the government and private investors to promote the sector and boost the economy.

     

  • Buhari and the burden of democracy (2)

    Penultimate Tuesday, this columnunder the above title, explored the constitutional imperative for a federal executive council, despite President MuhammaduBuhari’s reluctance, as expressed during a media interview, in France, recently. Last week, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele,warned that Nigeria was headed into a recession, by 2016, unless urgent measures are taken to remedy the national economic crisis, made more challenging, by the implementation of the TreasurySingle Account (TSA), as directed by PMB.Because the unviable directive by Mr President,apparently arose from his fidelity to the provisions of the 1999 constitution, I decided to do a part two, under the same title.

    Section 80(1) of the 1999 constitution, provides, “All revenues or other moneys raised or received by the federation (not being revenues or other moneys payable under this constitution or any act of the national assembly into any other public fund of the federation established for a specific purpose) shall be paid into and form one consolidated revenue fund of the federation”. Again, section 162(1)of the constitution, provides: “The federation shall maintain a special account to be called “the federation account” into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the government of the federation, except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnelof the armed forces of the federation ….”

    In ordering the TSA, which has obviously backfired, the President, was giving effect to the provisions of the 1999constitution, mentioned above. As this column has severally argued in the past, the makers of the 1999 constitution, in their desperation to create a united Nigeria, over centralized the socio-economic and political powerof the country, in the hands of a central government. The result is the incongruity of creating a federal republic of Nigeria, with a substantially unitary constitution. This anomaly also accounts for the wretchedness of the federating units, and the resultant economic quagmire of our country.

    Part of the challenge facing the government of PMB is to untangle the country, from all the unnecessary and over centralized laws, institutions, practises and beliefs, which impede our federal system, in other to release the social, economic, and political potentials of the federating units.To show that the makers of the constitution may not have fully comprehended the import of asking that all accruals, be paid into a single account, without allowing for the deduction of costs and incidentals, at source, by any of the federal agencies, which had collected the income, theywent ahead to compound the absurdity, when the constitution also charged in 162(3) that, “Any amount standing to the credit of the federation account shall be distributed among the federal and state governments and the local government council in each state on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the national assembly”.

    As I have also previously argued on this page, only a spendthrift, would insist that all his income must be shared, without any savings. Yet, because the constitution has so provided, in section 162(3); the state governors have been in court to force the federal government to share the sovereign wealth fund, and the excess crude account, of course on the mantra that those savings are unconstitutional. While the state governments have a point, they however do not search the constitution for answers, as to why they operate as near never-do-wells, and as to why most of them with bowels in their hand, need to prostrate before the federal government, for so called bailouts, each time they face financial crises.

    But the permanent solution also lies in the constitution.This would involve the expansion of the economic activities of the states, while reducing the redundant economic prerogatives of the federal government. On this, many commentators, including this writer, have argued in favour of the reduction of the items in the exclusive legislative list, to the benefit of the concurrent and residual legislative list; so that state governors would engage in economic activities, instead of seeking the friendship of the President and the national assembly, to allow them borrow more money, without worrying as to how the money would be paid for, by the future generation;more sonow with recessionstarring the country in the face.

    Perhaps, it is now a matter of urgent national importance, for the President to raise his economic team, to meet thechallenges ahead. In making his choices, it is hoped that the President would seek out an economist, instead of an accountant, to lead the charge. For even though one is not an expert in this area, one can correctly guess, that what our nation needs is economic expansion, and the reflation of the economy strictly for productive purposes, even as the President pursues accountability in government.So, PMB must find a way to reflatethe economy, starve excessive liquidity squeeze, and deal with the constricting impact of the TSA,by raising a strong economic team.

    In steering the nation away from this potential economic recession, the federal, state and local governments must be wake-up to the scary level of unemployment, which is partly responsibility for the increase in violent crimes across the country. One way out would be to resort to the use of direct labour, in the execution of public works. PMB would hopefully realise that his fight against corruption is disempowering a lot of economic vandals, and there is the need to create alternative economic opportunities,to absorb those willing to work.While some of the provisions of the constitution may act as impediments to the immediate inauguration of virile economic activities, the President must seek ingenious ways, to stimulate and spread economic activities across the country

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari to NAHCON: Account for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

    Buhari to NAHCON: Account for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to urgently account for all Nigerian pilgrims in the aftermath of last Thursday’s disaster at Mina.

    The Presidential directive followed conflicting reports on the number of Nigerians who died or suffered injuries in the catastrophe that claimed over 700 lives.

    President Buhari, according to a statement issued by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, is very concerned that days after the unfortunate incident, some Nigerian families are still grappling with painful uncertainty over the fate of their relatives who traveled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

    He expected NAHCON to work with the various state pilgrim boards, Islamic organisations and private travel agencies involved in Hajj operations to speedily provide a confirmed and verifiable report on the status of every Nigerian pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.

    President Buhari has also directed NAHCON, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to give all necessary assistance to Nigerians who are still receiving treatment for injuries suffered in Mina.

    He prayed that Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the dead, comfort bereaved families, heal the injured and bring all surviving Nigerian pilgrims safely home.

     

  • Buhari: NNPC looters to face trial soon

    Buhari: NNPC looters to face trial soon

    Kachikwu: more heads to roll in oil giant

    Chinese to increase investment

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent a notice to corrupt Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) officials  – get set for trial.

    Buhari, who spoke in the United States; stressed the need to sanitise the oil industry and free it from shady deals.

    He said those responsible for the corruption in the oil giant firm will soon be prosecuted.

    The President spoke in New York during a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).

    He said the first step in this direction had already been taken, with the appointment of a new management for the NNPC and its subsequent reorganisation.

    The President did not indicate how soon the prosecution would start but many contracts entered into by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration have been cancelled for being shady.

    Buhari praised President Xi for China’s assistance to Nigeria to curb the theft of crude oil.

    [ad id=”403656″]He applauded China’s interception of a shipload of crude oil stolen from Nigeria, which was to be sold and the proceeds paid into private accounts.

    “We know your stand on corruption and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated, ” he said.

    Buhari told his Chinese counterpart that under his leadership, the military had been re-trained and re-equipped and was making steady gains in the fight against Boko Haram.

    President Xi said China was involved in the development of Nigeria in diverse areas, such as construction of railways, airports, agriculture, and the Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others.

    He promised that China will increase its investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to boost food security.

    Xi also promised that his country will invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and assist in the development of human resources.

    More heads will roll in the NNPC as part of the ongoing transformation, Group Managing Director Dr Ibe Kachikwu said at the weekend.

    Kachikwu said: “I have introduced the three elements I call the three Ps – people, process and performance. The people aspect is very key. Individuals who are aged or affected in a wrong that impacted the corporation will obviously be let out. There is no business in the world for you to keep doing wrong things and keep progressing. The only way you can do that obviously is that your performance modelling and evaluation must be very strong.

    “Right now in the system, I will like to see our human resources department doing a better job of evaluating people’s performance every year. Salary increase will be done for those who scale the hurdle. One of the things I have started doing is that we will be doing a weekly report card. The report card takes an issue every week and basically televised out to every staff and it runs on their television, which will be the first thing to turn on to see every Monday.  It will happen every week from now till December and we are dealing with all manner of issues-  from performance to behavioural norms, to where we are headed.”

    The NNPC chief said the idea was to carry everybody along because “in doing such a restructuring, you ensure everyone is able to determine one’s performance, and in doing so, people will know when they lost their tab”.

    Kachikwu also stated that as part of the transparency efforts, he would bring back the auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCooper, that just partially audited the NNPC to conduct a full audit. He said: “The other aspect of transparency is how we deal with the accounting issues. We are doing a couple of things in this direction. First we are bringing back the auditors who gave the partial audit to come and do a full audit.

    “The issue is that they didn’t get all the data, and we will give them all the data this time. I need to know the true state of all the finances of the corporation and statement of funds up to this day. Our accounts and finances were last audited in 2010. They would be audited and drawn currently to 2015, that is something I hope I will achieve before December.

    “What we know is that whether the account or performance is good or bad is secondary. But at least we know what the state gets and know what it is you want to work on. We are doing that and the President is very supportive of that.”

    Kachikwu noted that through the contracts that he cancelled and replaced with new models, including the delivery of crude oil to the refineries, the Offshore Processing Agreements (OPA) and the crude, for – product exchange agreement (SWAP), he has been able to save an average of over $150 million a month for the nation.

  • Military can meet Buhari’s deadline in crushing Boko Haram, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the military for its string of successes in the battle against Boko Haram, saying the impressive performance has shown that the terror group can indeed be defeated within the time stipulated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the continued push to dislodge the terrorists from their fortress in Sambisa Forest and elsewhere, the dismantling of their major fuel depot and other logistics and the rescue of many innocent people from the clutches of the terrorists are clear indications that the military has gained the upper hand against Boko Haram.

    It said the mere fact that the terrorists are now surrendering in droves to the gallant troops is the clearest indication yet that the bandits are feeling the tremendous heat which has been turned on them.

    APC urged the troops to continue with their gallantry and patriotism until they have finally silenced the terror group that has caused the nation so much pain, stressing the need to step up intelligence gathering to stop the lone wolf suicide bombers.

    The party also hailed the Service chiefs for their leadership, saying their personal examples – which have seen them on the battle front many times – have made all the difference in motivating their troops.

    ‘’The bigger picture of the impending Boko Haram defeat is the restoration of the much-vaunted capability of the Nigerian military and its globally-acclaimed professionalism that have vaulted Nigeria to the elite group of top global peace-keeping nations.

    ‘’The sharp turnaround in the war against Boko Haram, which had hitherto seen the terrorists gaining territories and striking at times and places of their own choosing, is also an indication of what a nation can achieve under a purposeful, committed, disciplined and sincere leadership,’’ it said.

    APC urged Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the troops.

  • Wammako: Buhari has no hand in Saraki’s ordeal

    Wammako: Buhari has no hand in Saraki’s ordeal

    President Muhammadu Buhari has nothing to do with Senate President Bukola Saraki’s ordeal, especially his case before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Senator Aliyu Wamako (APC, Sokoto), said at the weekend.

    Wamako, a former Sokoto State governor, was among the group of senators, who accompanied Saraki when he appeared before the CCT last Tuesday.

    He said: “I see Mr. President, Saraki and senators holding a meeting very soon on how to salvage democracy, which certain elements have been trying to subvert. They will find time to meet to stop our opponents from progressing with acts to sabotage our democracy.

    “Once the President and the Senate leadership sit on a round-table with a resolve to re-oil the wheels of democracy for national progress, the cynics, the political rabble-rousers and those who never mean well for the APC government will go to sleep.”

    He noted that Saraki, having submitted himself to the law by appearing before the CCT, has helped the case preferred against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    He urged Nigerians to stop pre-empting the course of justice.

    He noted that those hoping to promote discord between Buhari and the Senate President, banking on excuses, would soon realise that democracy has advanced with more senators anxious to make it work.

    Wammako said Saraki’s removal as being canvassed by those he described as “faceless groups outside the National Assembly” would end up as “an ill-wind that will blow no good for the Senate, democracy and Nigeria”.

    He said: “Majority of senators weeks ago passed a vote of confidence in Saraki because they were convinced that his style of leadership has been broad and progress-inclined. Nothing has changed. Majority of our colleagues still believe that Saraki remains a stabilising factor in the Senate for now.

    “A change of leadership, at this point in time and as being canvassed, will certainly spark some endless sessions of rancour, suspicion, crises and uncertainty among members. When such begin to happen, no one will be able to predict the end.”

    According to the former governor, Saraki shares the same ideology of “change” with President Buhari.

    He added that every step so far taken by the Senate had been inclined towards promoting the change mantra, with national progress at the core of all considerations by senators.

    Wamakko noted that contrary to reports, there was no plot to replace Saraki on the strength of his case before the CCT.

    He noted that the reality on the Senate issues never tallied with the reports of a search for   Saraki’s replacement.

    He insisted that senators were rather meeting to strengthen the Senate under Saraki with a view to recovering the lost grounds on the legislative business under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.