The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Polls: Buhari reassures foreigners, Nigerians of safety

    ….Says elections will be free, fair and credible

     

    With less than 48 hours to the Presidential elections, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday assured Nigerians and foreigners in the country of their safety.

    The President also insisted that the elections will be free, fair and credible.

    In spoke in about 20 minutes nationwide broadcast to the nation.

    He said “On Saturday, February 16, 2019, you will, once again, be called upon to choose the leaders who will pilot the affairs of our great nation for the next four years. This is a constitutional right which should be freely exercised by all eligible voters.

    “I wish therefore to start by assuring all Nigerians that this Government will do its very best to ensure that the 2019 elections take place in a secure and peaceful atmosphere.

    “It was indeed such free, fair and peaceful elections that made it possible for our Government to emerge, despite the fact that we were contesting against a long-standing incumbent party.

    “And as your president and a fellow Nigerian, I ask that you come out and queue to fulfill this important obligation you have to yourselves and your fellow citizens – and to our common future.

    “Let me at this point; reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Government to the conduct of free and fair elections in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. Just yesterday, I signed the Peace Accord alongside 72 other presidential candidates.

    “I want to assure all Nigerians, the diplomatic community and all foreign election observers of their safety and full protection.”

    He said that any comments or threats of intimidation from any source do not represent the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    The President also pointed out that citizens just like the Government has a critical role in maintaining the democratic traditions.

    He added “I therefore urge you all, as good Nigerians, to take a personal interest in promoting and maintaining peace in your respective neighbourhoods during the elections. This is certainly not a time to allow personal, religious, sectional or party interests to drive us to desperation.”

    The President made a special appeal to the youth to avoid violence.

    He said “Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence and destruction. The people who want to incite you are those preparing the ground for discrediting the elections. Having lost the argument, they fear losing the elections.

    “When you elected me in 2015, it was essentially in consequence of my promise of CHANGE. We committed ourselves to improving security across the country, putting the economy on a sound footing and tackling rampant corruption, which had in many ways become a serious drawback to national development.

    “Our Government spent the last 3 years and 9 months striving faithfully to keep this promise, in spite of very serious revenue shortages caused mainly by a sharp drop in international oil prices and an unexpected rise in the vandalisation of oil installations, which, mercifully have now been curtailed.

    “We nevertheless pressed on in our quest to diversify the economy, create jobs, reduce commodity prices and generally improve the standard of living among our people.”

    The President said that the damage that insecurity and corruption have done to the collective livelihood of Nigerians is incalculable.

    He added “However, it is pleasing to note that our frontal attack on these twin evils is gaining momentum and bringing about visible progress.

    “The recovery of the economy from recession is complete and Nigeria is back on the path of steady growth.

    “The key to creating more jobs lies in accelerating this momentum of economic growth. Happily, we have succeeded in making the fundamental changes necessary for this acceleration, and we are now beginning to see the efforts bearing fruit.

    “Our ease of doing business policies and programmes are already impacting medium, small and micro industries, as well as Manufacturing, Mining and Agriculture, among other key sectors.

    “Our commitment to critical infrastructure – that is Roads, Rails, Bridges, Airports and Seaports – will create more jobs, improving the efficiency and competitiveness of our industries.

    “Many of these projects are at different stages of completion, and those who use them regularly will attest to the fact that even while construction is ongoing, they are beginning to see reduced travel times. This will ultimately translate to reduced costs and greater convenience, making transportation, and business in particular, much easier.”

    He said that the economic recovery that his administration promised is well underway, as demonstrated by the recently released statistics.

    Buhari said “In 2018, the economy grew by 1.93%, with the Fourth Quarter growth being 2.38%, up from 1.81% in the Third Quarter.

    “Remarkably, the strong economic performance was driven by the Non-Oil sector, which grew at 2% as at full year. Indeed, Non-Oil growth rose to 2.7% in the Fourth Quarter of 2018, up from 2.32% in the Third Quarter. These results further underscore our commitment to diversifying the economy away from the past dependence on Oil.

    “Other indicators confirm the economy’s steady recovery. Our monthly food import bill has declined from $664 million in January 2015 to $160 million as at October 2018. Inflation fell from 18.72% in January 2017 to 11.44% in December 2018. Our External Reserves have risen from $23 billion in October 2016 to $43.12 billion as at 7th February 2019.

    “Now that the recession is well behind us, our next task is to redouble our efforts, accelerate the growth and use it to create even more jobs for our people.

    “The Executive Orders, No. 5, and No. 7 issued by me, and the recently approved National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy demonstrate our commitment to accelerated job creation and infrastructure development.

    “We believe that Governments cannot simply proclaim jobs into existence. Job creation will only expand as a result of economic policies that enable the private sector to flourish, and this is the approach our Administration has taken.

    “Executive Order No 5, which Promotes Nigerian Content in Contracts, as well as Science, Engineering and Technology, will preserve and prioritize job creation for our citizens.

    “Executive Order 7, on the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, seeks to mobilize private capital and capacity for infrastructure development.

    “It responds to the demands of manufacturing and industrial complexes which wish to construct access roads without waiting for government, so long as they are allowed to recover the cost from taxes they would have paid to government.

    “We expect that this approach will boost industrial expansion and rural development, consequently creating more jobs for our people.”

    He went on “Similarly, our recently issued Maintenance Policy targets artisans, carpenters, welders, tailors, painters, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, landscapers and many more Ordinary Nigerians at the base of our economic pyramid who will get regular and large-scale opportunities to improve themselves.

    “It is an economic solution that also brings the relevant artisans and professionals into long term sustainable employment to maintain our Schools, Court Rooms, Hospitals, Police Stations, Federal Secretariats and other Public Buildings.”

    According to him, human capital development has also been a key priority for his Administration, which has increased investments in health and education.

    He said that innovative measures have been introduced to complement the traditional budgetary allocations to the relevant Ministries.

    “For instance, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has invested US$21 million in three healthcare projects as a Public Private Partnership with three Federal medical institutions. These include two modern Medical Diagnostic Centres located at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia; as well as one outpatient Cancer Treatment Centre in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos – which I commissioned on 9th February 2019.

    “Of course, our radical commitment to developing Critical Infrastructure is the foundation upon which we will deliver an all embracing national prosperity and a shared commonwealth.”

    The President pointed out that there is no country that aspires to greatness without spending massively on its Critical Infrastructure.

    He said “Rather than the discredited policy of ‘stomach infrastructure’, which could only benefit a few for a little while, we are focused on real infrastructural development for the growth of our economy and the long-term benefit of all Nigerians.

    “When you voted for our message of CHANGE, you invited us to assume office and depart from that bad and most regrettable choice. We have responded by making a choice for real infrastructure of Roads in every State, Housing in 34 States, Power Stations across Nigeria, Rail from Lagos to Kano.

    “The choice that now confronts us is whether we want to continue with real infrastructure development, which is the road to prosperity and jobs or return to the era of ‘stomach infrastructure’.

    “Agricultural Self-Reliance and Food Security is also a choice we made in fulfilment of your mandate for change.

    “Our Presidential Fertiliser Initiative has resulted in savings of US$150 million in foreign exchange due to local sourcing of inputs at 16 Blending Plants. It has also conserved N60 billion in Subsidies as well as supported tens of thousands of farmers and agro-dealers nationwide.

    “Our Anchor Borrowers’ Programme has substantially raised local rice yields from as low as two Metric Tonnes per hectare, to as high as eight Metric Tonnes per hectare.

    Through this programme, he said that the Central Bank of Nigeria has cumulatively lent over N120 billion to over 720,000 smallholder farmers cultivating 12 commodities across the 36 States and Abuja.

    Read Also: Buhari greets Lamido of Adamawa at 75

    The targeted crops and livestock, he said, have included cattle, poultry, fish, cassava, soybeans, ground nut, ginger, sorghum, rice, wheat, cotton and maize.

    “As a result, we have seen a remarkable rise in the production of key agricultural commodities. I am pleased to note that in major departmental stores and local markets, there has been a surge in the supply of high quality Nigerian agricultural produce.

    “Behind each of these products, are thousands of industrious Nigerians working in factories and farms across the nation. Our interventions have led to improved wealth and job creation for these Nigerians, particularly in our rural communities.

    “Again, these outcomes have been a major departure from the previous focus on consuming imported food items, which literally exported our children’s jobs to food-exporting nations, whilst depleting our precious foreign exchange reserves. This, of course, caused a closure of our factories while keeping open other peoples’ factories.”

    The choice made by his Administration to assist farmers directly and promote agriculture in every way possible, he said, has gone a long way to enhance food security and to tackle poverty by feeding over nine million children daily under the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

    “It also puts us clearly on the road to becoming a food secure and agriculture exporting nation.” he added

    After agriculture, he said that his administration is focusing on the Manufacturing Sector.

    He said “The Purchasing Managers Index, which is the measure of manufacturing activities in an economy has risen for 22 consecutive months as at January this year, indicating continuous growth and expansion in our manufacturing sector.”

    He said “I will conclude by going back to where I started: that our choices have had consequences about employment and cost of living.

    “In making your choice this time, please ask yourself whether, and in what ways, others will do anything different to address the issues of Agriculture, Infrastructure, Security, Good Governance and Fighting Corruption.

    “If they are only hoping to do what we are already doing successfully, we are clearly your preferred choice.

    “Think carefully and choose wisely. This time, it is a choice about consolidating on growth for Jobs and Prosperity.

    “February 16th is all about a choice. But it is more than a choice between APC and the opposition. It is a choice about you, it is a choice between going back or keeping the momentum of CHANGE.

    “The road to greater prosperity for Nigeria may be long, but what you can be assured of is a Leadership that is not prepared to sacrifice the future well-being of Nigerians for our own personal or material needs. You can be assured of my commitment to remain focused on working to improve the lives of all Nigerians.“

  • Full Text: President Buhari’s address to the nation

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening addressed Nigerians.

    Here is the full address

    Fellow Citizens,

    On Saturday, February 16, 2019, you will, once again, be called upon to choose the leaders who will pilot the affairs of our great nation for the next four years. This is a constitutional right which should be freely exercised by all eligible voters.

    2. I wish therefore to start by assuring all Nigerians that this Government will do its very best to ensure that the 2019 elections take place in a secure and peaceful atmosphere.

    3. It was indeed such free, fair and peaceful elections that made it possible for our Government to emerge, despite the fact that we were contesting against a long-standing incumbent party.

    4. And as your president and a fellow Nigerian, I ask that you come out and queue to fulfill this important obligation you have to yourselves and your fellow citizens – and to our common future.

    5. Let me at this point, reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Government to the conduct of free and fair elections in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. Just yesterday, I signed the Peace Accord alongside 72 other presidential candidates.

    6. I want to assure all Nigerians, the diplomatic community and all foreign election observers of their safety and full protection. Any comments or threats of intimidation from any source do not represent the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    7. As Government has a critical role in maintaining the democratic traditions, so do citizens. I therefore urge you all, as good Nigerians, to take a personal interest in promoting and maintaining peace in your respective neighbourhoods during the elections. This is certainly not a time to allow personal, religious, sectional or party interests to drive us to desperation.

    8. At this point, I want to make a special appeal to our youth: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence and destruction. The people who want to incite you are those preparing the ground for discrediting the elections. Having lost the argument, they fear losing the elections.

    9. When you elected me in 2015, it was essentially in consequence of my promise of CHANGE. We committed ourselves to improving security across the country, putting the economy on a sound footing and tackling rampant corruption, which had in many ways become a serious drawback to national development.

    10. Our Government spent the last 3 years and 9 months striving faithfully to keep this promise, in spite of very serious revenue shortages caused mainly by a sharp drop in international oil prices and an unexpected rise in the vandalisation of oil installations, which, mercifully have now been curtailed.

    11. We nevertheless pressed on in our quest to diversify the economy, create jobs, reduce commodity prices and generally improve the standard of living among our people.

    12. The damage that insecurity and corruption have done, over time, to our collective livelihood is incalculable. However, it is pleasing to note that our frontal attack on these twin evils is gaining momentum and bringing about visible progress.

    13. The recovery of the economy from recession is complete and Nigeria is back on the path of steady growth.

    14. The key to creating more jobs lies in accelerating this momentum of economic growth. Happily, we have succeeded in making the fundamental changes necessary for this acceleration, and we are now beginning to see the efforts bearing fruit.

    15. Our ease of doing business policies and programmes are already impacting medium, small and micro industries, as well as Manufacturing, Mining and Agriculture, among other key sectors.

    16. Our commitment to critical infrastructure – that is Roads, Rails, Bridges, Airports and Seaports – will create more jobs, improving the efficiency and competitiveness of our industries.

    17. Many of these projects are at different stages of completion, and those who use them regularly will attest to the fact that even while construction is ongoing, they are beginning to see reduced travel times. This will ultimately translate to reduced costs and greater convenience, making transportation, and business in particular, much easier.

    19. The economic recovery that we promised is well underway, as demonstrated by the recently released statistics. In 2018, the economy grew by 1.93%, with the Fourth Quarter growth being 2.38%, up from 1.81% in the Third Quarter.

    20. Remarkably, the strong economic performance was driven by the Non-Oil sector, which grew at 2% as at full year. Indeed, Non-Oil growth rose to 2.7% in the Fourth Quarter of 2018, up from 2.32% in the Third Quarter. These results further underscore our commitment to diversifying the economy away from the past dependence on Oil.

    21. Other indicators confirm the economy’s steady recovery. Our monthly food import bill has declined from $664 million in January 2015 to $160 million as at October 2018. Inflation fell from 18.72% in January 2017 to 11.44% in December 2018. Our External Reserves have risen from $23 billion in October 2016 to $43.12 billion as at 7th February 2019.

    22. Now that the recession is well behind us, our next task is to redouble our efforts, accelerate the growth and use it to create even more jobs for our people.

    23. The Executive Orders, No. 5, and No. 7 issued by me, and the recently approved National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy demonstrate our commitment to accelerated job creation and infrastructure development.

    24. We believe that Governments cannot simply proclaim jobs into existence. Job creation will only expand as a result of economic policies that enable the private sector to flourish, and this is the approach our Administration has taken.

    25. Executive Order No 5, which Promotes Nigerian Content in Contracts, as well as Science, Engineering and Technology, will preserve and prioritize job creation for our citizens.

    26. Executive Order 7, on the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, seeks to mobilize private capital and capacity for infrastructure development.

    27. It responds to the demands of manufacturing and industrial complexes which wish to construct access roads without waiting for government, so long as they are allowed to recover the cost from taxes they would have paid to government.

    28. We expect that this approach will boost industrial expansion and rural development, consequently creating more jobs for our people.

    29. Similarly, our recently issued Maintenance Policy targets artisans, carpenters, welders, tailors, painters, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, landscapers and many more Ordinary Nigerians at the base of our economic pyramid who will get regular and large-scale opportunities to improve themselves.

    30. It is an economic solution that also brings the relevant artisans and professionals into long term sustainable employment to maintain our Schools, Court Rooms, Hospitals, Police Stations, Federal Secretariats and other Public Buildings.

    31. Human Capital Development has also been a key priority for this Administration, which has increased investments in health and education. Innovative measures have been introduced to complement the traditional budgetary allocations to the relevant Ministries.

    32. For instance, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has invested US$21 million in three healthcare projects as a Public Private Partnership with three Federal medical institutions. These include two modern Medical Diagnostic Centres located at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia; as well as one outpatient Cancer Treatment Centre in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos – which I commissioned on 9th February 2019.

    33. Of course, our radical commitment to developing Critical Infrastructure is the foundation upon which we will deliver an all embracing national prosperity and a shared commonwealth.

    34. There is no country that aspires to greatness without spending massively on its Critical Infrastructure. Rather than the discredited policy of ‘stomach infrastructure’, which could only benefit a few for a little while, we are focused on real infrastructural development for the growth of our economy and the long-term benefit of all Nigerians.

    35. When you voted for our message of CHANGE, you invited us to assume office and depart from that bad and most regrettable choice. We have responded by making a choice for real infrastructure of Roads in every State, Housing in 34 States, Power Stations across Nigeria, Rail from Lagos to Kano.

    36. The choice that now confronts us is whether we want to continue with real infrastructure development, which is the road to prosperity and jobs or return to the era of ‘stomach infrastructure’.

    37. Agricultural Self-Reliance and Food Security is also a choice we made in fulfilment of your mandate for change.

    38. Our Presidential Fertiliser Initiative has resulted in savings of US$150 million in foreign exchange due to local sourcing of inputs at 16 Blending Plants. It has also conserved N60 billion in Subsidies as well as supported tens of thousands of farmers and agro-dealers nationwide.

    39. Our Anchor Borrowers’ Programme has substantially raised local rice yields from as low as two Metric Tonnes per hectare, to as high as eight Metric Tonnes per hectare.

    40. Through this programme, the Central Bank of Nigeria has cumulatively lent over N120 billion to over 720,000 smallholder farmers cultivating 12 commodities across the 36 States and Abuja. Targeted crops and livestock have included cattle, poultry, fish, cassava, soybeans, ground nut, ginger, sorghum, rice, wheat, cotton and maize.

    41. As a result, we have seen a remarkable rise in the production of key agricultural commodities. I am pleased to note that in major departmental stores and local markets, there has been a surge in the supply of high quality Nigerian agricultural produce.

    42. Behind each of these products, are thousands of industrious Nigerians working in factories and farms across the nation. Our interventions have led to improved wealth and job creation for these Nigerians, particularly in our rural communities.

    43. Again, these outcomes have been a major departure from the previous focus on consuming imported food items, which literally exported our children’s jobs to food-exporting nations, whilst depleting our precious foreign exchange reserves. This, of course, caused a closure of our factories while keeping open other peoples’ factories.

    44. The choice made by this Administration to assist farmers directly and promote agriculture in every way possible has gone a long way to enhance our food security while enabling us to tackle poverty by feeding over nine million children daily under our Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. It also puts us clearly on the road to becoming a food secure and agriculture exporting nation.

    45. Next to Agriculture, we are focusing on Manufacturing Sector. The Purchasing Managers Index, which is the measure of manufacturing activities in an economy has risen for 22 consecutive months as at January this year, indicating continuous growth and expansion in our manufacturing sector.

    46. I will conclude by going back to where I started: that our choices have had consequences about employment and cost of living.

    47. In making your choice this time, please ask yourself whether, and in what ways, others will do anything different to address the issues of Agriculture, Infrastructure, Security, Good Governance and Fighting Corruption.

    48. If they are only hoping to do what we are already doing successfully, we are clearly your preferred choice.

    49. Think carefully and choose wisely. This time, it is a choice about consolidating on growth for Jobs and Prosperity.

    50. February 16th is all about a choice. But it is more than a choice between APC and the opposition. It is a choice about you, it is a choice between going back or keeping the momentum of CHANGE.

    51. The road to greater prosperity for Nigeria may be long, but what you can be assured of is a Leadership that is not prepared to sacrifice the future well-being of Nigerians for our own personal or material needs. You can be assured of my commitment to remain focused on working to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

    52. Thank you very much for listening. God bless you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Buhari shuts down Katsina for APC rally

    Activities in Katsina state were completely brought to a halt Thursday, thanks to the Grand Finale of the APC Presidential Campaign Rally, as traders and several other activities voluntarily closed shops in other to receive President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium

    The attendance in Thursday’s Rally at the 30,000 Seater capacity Stadium perhaps surpassed most rallies held in other parts of the Country, including the PDP Presidential campaign Rally held at the same Stadium last week.

    Both inside and outside the stadium, including the lawns and the Car parks were filled to the brim with supporters of the All Progressives Congress

    The National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole described the massive turn out as clear manifestation of the strong confidence Nigerians reposed on Buhari’s Administration.

    He said‘’ Mr. President I am sure and I have every reason to believe that you will feel proud of your people, as this will dismiss the old notion that a Prophet is not honored in his hometown

    ‘’This is indeed the grand finale of the APC Nationwide campaign rallies when PDP started their campaign in Sokoto they thought they had the monopoly of attendance but this have disproved them’’

    Read Also: Thousands troop out in Katsina for Buhari’s campaign

    ‘’Both the Bible and the Quran are unanimous in affirming that by next tomorrow you will be re-elected, Nigerians who have come to appreciate your integrity will troop out in their numbers to re-elect you by Saturday. By Fighting Corruption you are making more friends while the opposition is getting lesser people on their side’’

    Oshiomhole further criticized the PDP for Promising to re-introduced the discredited Structural Adjustment Program SAP, devalue the Naira and other Policies that will draw the Country backwards saying Nigerians will reject them at the Polls

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State in his address at the occasion described President Buhari as a man of impeccable Character, who meant well for the common man, he urged the People to vote for the President and candidates for the National Assembly

    In a brief message at the occasion President Buhari said he was overwhelmed by the turnout of supporters and promised to do more to promote the welfare of the common man, improve infrastructural development and Agriculture.

    He said ’’we will not betray your trust and neither shall we let those who betray your trust to go scot-free’’

  • Buhari greets Lamido of Adamawa at 75

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa on the joyous occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary.

    The President rejoices with the family of the foremost traditional ruler, the Adamawa Emirate and the government and people of Adamawa State as the Lamido celebrates a life of service to his community.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, recalled Alhaji Musdafa’s remarkable career in the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the civil service of the old Gongola State, during which he displayed uncommon commitment to integrity and honesty.

    Read Also: Buhari to address Nigerians at 7pm Thursday

    The President said “I commend the Lamido’s dedication to the improvement of the lives of the common man in his domain, as well as his steadfast insistence on the peace, security, stability, progress and unity of his fatherland. Our royal fathers should emulate the Lamido in this regard.”

    He thanked the Lamido for the grand reception accorded him and his entourage during the courtesy visit to his palace on his recent campaign stop in Yola, and for the courage to publicly declare support for his re-election bid.

    He prayed Almighty God to continue to grant the septuagenarian monarch good health and more years of service to his people and humanity.

  • Buhari to address Nigerians at 7pm Thursday

    President Muhammadu Buhari will Thursday broadcast to the nation at 7pm with a repeat at 9pm, a by statement the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina has said.

    According to the statement; “All television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.”

  • Southwest youth scores Buhari high

    The South West Youth Forum (SWYF) has passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari to continue with the reform of the country.

    Coordinator of SWYF Biola Ottun-Coker, who addressed reporters after its meeting in Lagos, said the President surpassed expectations.

    According to him, SWYF members in Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos states reviewed the state of the nation and found Buhari to be the most competent hand among the Presidential candidates.

    He said: “The forum took a critical look at the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari -led administration in the country on issues confronting our democracy and then resolved to support him.

    “The problem of Nigeria political system is not the political parties but of individual players who are found of changing parties because of their primordial, selfish interest.

    “Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation that if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill the nation. As we can see, corruption is fighting back whilst the present government is tackling the menace headlong.

    Read Also; 2019 Polls: Buhari, Atiku peace accord ‘very strong message’—EU

    Ottun-Coker added that Buhari’s three points programmes on security, economy and fighting corruption are making great impact in an unprecedented way.

    “He just completed Ibadan-Lagos –Abeokuta rail-line which past administration failed to accomplish for years is emphatic demonstration of the Federal government’s commitment to building a better Nigeria.

    “Mr. President is leading the corruption fight by example which is the height of leadership. The administration might have little shortcomings but interestingly such problems are being addressed with vigor and commitment.

    “We therefore condemned in its totality the purported endorsement of Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the PDP by the Afenifere group but applauded the endorsement of Buhari by the Afenifere being anchored by Pa Ayo Fasanmi.

    “We acknowledged that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu remained a leading voice of Yoruba, his patriotism and forthright leadership remains unparalleled in our present political history,” he said.

  • 2019 Polls: Buhari, Atiku peace accord ‘very strong message’—EU

    The European Union Election Observation Mission(EU EOM) says the final peace accord signed by the presidential candidates ahead of the 2019 presidential election is a very strong message to Nigerians.

    Maria Arena, Chief Observer, EU EOM, spoke with State House Correspondents, on Thursday in Abuja, after she led the mission to a private meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinabjo.

    She said that the participation of the two front runners at the peace accord was significant.

    The duo of President Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) alongside 70 other candidates signed the final peace accord on Wednesday.

    According to Arena, EU EOM is in Nigeria to monitor the process before, during and after the Election Day, Feb. 16.

    “The different contact we had with public organisations here in Nigeria and also with the authority gave us information on the election process.

    “We have a discussion today; first we say we have to congratulate Nigeria for signing the peace accord yesterday because it is a very strong message to the population. that all the political parties especially the two biggest presidential candidates took the commitment to have a peaceful process.

    “ We are here for this election and for Nigerians. It is important to have this strong message.

    “We have also discussed different issues on our observations, because Nigerians need to have a transparency process.

    “They need to trust the process; they need to be free to cast their votes during the election and this is just what we are going to observe as EU Observation Mission,’’ she said.

    Buhari, had, during the signing of the peace accord, appealed to his fellow presidential candidates to commit to the ideals of peace so as to keep Nigerians safe.

    He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already assured that it had done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

  • Buhari, Atiku, others sign Peace Accord

    President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties’ standard bearers yesterday signed a National Peace Accord in Abuja

    This is the second time they have signed to ensure peace before, during and after Saturday’s presidential poll.

    The deal was brokered by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC).

    Buhari, who is seeking re-election on the ticket of the APC and the former vice president, eyeing the seat on the PDP platform, urged for free, fair and non-violent election.

    Stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies have given their words in readiness to conduct free and fair elections, Buhari urged youths not to allow themselves to be used by self-serving politicians.

    The President, who acknowledged palpable fear being expressed towards the election just like any other elections, urged Nigerians to pray as they go into the elections beginning from Saturday.

    Identifying Nigeria as the “only real party”, the President noted that elections are only important to the extent to which they make the country peaceful to guarantee development.

    He said: “Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our democracy.

    “First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner.

    “I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country.  We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

    “Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition.

    “It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of women as candidates across the political space.

    “Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of political parties. As of now, we have 91 political parties, out of which over 70 fielded presidential candidates.

    “Although some candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.”

    “I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilises the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

    “We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns, and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

    “We, the presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe.”

    On the preparedness for the elections, he said: “The INEC, our electoral umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

    “It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.”

    Urging Nigerians to pray, he said: “As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country.

    “Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.”

    To the youths, the President said: “I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections.

    “We will vote according to parties, but in the end, the only real party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.”

    The President thanked the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Patricia Scotland, members of the diplomatic corps, the international team of observers, for standing with Nigeria and showing commitment to the growth of democracy.

    He also thanked Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and other NPC members for the hard work they have put to ensure peaceful elections.

    Atiku appealed to INEC and the security agencies to ensure free and fair elections.

    He recalled the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    The former vice president said the Nigerian democracy should emerge stronger than the 2015 general elections that were adjudged the freest and fairest in the country.

    He said: “May I use this opportunity to renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my party, the PDP, and then to Gen. Abubakar and members of the NPC for their tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and passion towards ensuring the success of this peace accord process!

    “Our gathering here today clearly demonstrates the importance of the upcoming elections as well as how our democracy has matured, not only to our people, but also to the international community whose solidarity, Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.

    “As we prepare to sign off on this Peace Accord, as representatives of our party and people, may I freely quote the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which remains a benchmark, for me, taking into account the deep feelings that prevail as February 16th, 2019, approaches.

    “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of the INEC and the Police, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting neutrality prevail.

    “For emphasis and in the spirit of fair play, I also urge our security agencies, not to embark on indiscriminate arrests of members of the opposition, 24 to 48 hours before elections, as has been the case in previous elections.

    “Hopefully, our democracy should emerge stronger from this process with the 2019 elections proving better managed than the 2015 process, which was adjudged free and fair with the then opposition’s victory unobstructed.

    “Consequently, I also appeal to the President, Gen. Buhari, to use his good office to ensure that every eligible person who casts his vote is confident in the process and in the belief that the vote will count.

    “Additionally, every candidate must remember that this election is about the future of Nigeria, therefore, we must abide by the will of the people as freely expressed through elections, under the terms of our constitution.

    “Once again, despite concerns expressed by my party leaders concerning likely electoral malpractices and the intimidation of voters and observers, I trust that our election officials and security services will do their duty in accordance with their oath and obligations.

    “In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions and processes.

    “So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of our great nation,” he said.

    Gen. Abubakar explained why his committee decided to organise the peace accord signing in order to ensure a peaceful conduct for all elections in the country.

    According to him, elections will not hold in the absence of peaceful atmosphere, noting that even governance after election will not be peaceful without a peaceful environment.

    “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse,” he said.

    He said disharmony among political parties retards Nigeria’s development, adding: “Without cooperation among political parties, we are going nowhere.”

    He reminded the presidential candidates that by signing the peace accord, they had committed themselves to ensuring a peaceful election in Nigeria and that mere signing of the peace accord would not achieve the required objective “unless all other actors are forced to work with the same rules”.

    Gen. Yakubu Gowon, urged the candidate to tell their supporters to ensure peaceful conduct during the elections so that in the future, there may be no need for foreign observers because the right conduct would have been assured.

    “May the winner be as dictated from above,” the former Head of State said.

    The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland said that millions of people across the world were praying for Nigeria and its people hoping that the election will hold peacefully.

    She noted that Saturday’s election will be the sixth since 1999 when the country returned to democracy after military rule and expressed optimism that the election will entrench and build on the gains achieved since 1999.

    She said the world was holding their breath because Nigeria was the largest economy with the largest population and that what happens in Nigeria affects all.

    “It is a burden that Nigerian leaders gathered here today carry. We call on their party, supporters and public to follow their lead. Elections will come and go, but this great Nigeria will remain,” Scotland said.

    Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, Diete Spiff, urged the politicians to place the interest of the nation above their personal ambitions.

    “We appeal to the people to keep the peace.” he stated.

    Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo noted that Nigeria at this time has a great need for peace.

    He said: “It is an opportunity for us to advertise ourselves to the world and tell them we can do it and get it right. We will report whatever we see. We urge you to respect the will of the Nigerian people. We will work with INEC towards conducting free and fair elections.”

    The document signed by the candidates reads:

    • Reaffirming our commitment to taking proactive measures towards a conducive environment for the conduct of a credible electoral process.
    • Anxious about the maintenance of a peaceful environment before, during, and after the 2019 general elections.
    • Reaffirming our commitment to fully abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respect the rules and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria, and to adhere to best international standards.
    • Desirous of sustaining and promoting the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
    • Determined to avoid any conduct or behavior that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria.
    • Mindful of our responsibility towards the Nigerian citizens and their democratic rights, we are determined to place national interest above personal and partisan concerns.

    At the signing were INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah and Ebitu Ukiwe.

  • Buhari to Commonwealth Sec-Gen: we’ll conduct credible polls

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that no effort will be spared to ensure that the general elections starting from Saturday are credible.

    According to him, people have more confidence in a government they have elected in free and fair polls, than the one that gets into office through deception.

    Buhari spoke when the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after attending the signing of the Peace Accord at the International Conference Centre.

    He said: “One Nigeria is non-negotiable. Over two million people died in the civil war we fought, and when people elect their own government through a free and fair process, they have more confidence in such government. We will not spare any effort to organise credible polls and people should come out and vote for their choices.”

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, expressed pleasure that the Commonwealth was showing keen interest in the Nigerian election, appreciating Rt. Hon. Scotland for coming all the way to be a part of what would engender free and fair polls.

    The Secretary-General described Nigeria as “a treasured member of the Commonwealth family,” adding that the signing of the Peace Accord would lead to better voter turnout, “as they would have seen the commitment to peace by all the main actors”.

    She praised what she described as President Buhari’s “calmness and good humour,” even as the polls approach, stressing: “When Nigeria is healthy, vibrant and strong, the whole of Africa is strengthened.”

    Rt. Hon. Scotland also lauded “the energetic way” the President has pursued issues of security and anti-corruption, pledging that the Commonwealth stands ready to assist Nigeria at all times.

  • Physically-challenged rally for Buhari, Tinubu, others

    The Amalgamation of Physically-Challenged People in Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State yesterday staged a walk across major roads in the area.

    It was to sensitise residents to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential elections.

    The group comprising the hearing-impaired, visually-impaired, cripple, dumb, down syndrome and others with various deformities, well-wishers, party faithful and supporters trooped out to participate in the walk.

    They gathered at the APC secretariat on Borno Way, by Coates junction in Ebute-Meta, from where they moved with drum sets, singing and dancing through Herbert Macaulay Way, Adekunle, Alagomeji en route to Sabo.

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    The Chairman, Elders’ Forum of the People Living with Disabilities, Mr. Adisa Adeniyi, said it was important for people living with disabilities to appreciate members of APC, especially Senator Oluremi Tinubu and others for assisting them, adding: “This is payback time for us to express our gratitude to them.”

    The Coordinator, Movement for Disable Right Forum, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, hailed his members for trooping out for the rally.

    He said: “We are doing the walkthrough rally to express our support and solidarity to those contesting on the platform of APC in Lagos State, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari. We implore Lagosians to vote for our candidates, including the governorship candidate, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday and March 2.”