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Tag: BUHARI

  • ASUSS to FG: preserve Buhari’s education legacy

    ASUSS to FG: preserve Buhari’s education legacy

    The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari and called on the Federal Government to immortalise him by fully implementing the Teachers’ Retirement Age Law he signed into law.

    In a statement jointly signed by ASUSS National President Comrade Sola Adigun and Secretary General Comrade Kenneth Okoh, the union praised Buhari’s contribution to the education sector, particularly his approval of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, which extended the retirement age of teachers to 65 years or 40 years of service.

    The union, however, expressed concern that many states have yet to implement the law more than two years after it was signed, urging urgent action to honour the legacy of the late former president.

    “For more than two years the law has not been implemented, thereby shortchanging teachers and undermining the intent of the federal legislation. It is our belief that one of the ways to truly celebrate the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari is to ensure full and unconditional implementation of this law in every state of the federation.”

    Read Also: Buhari: Akpabio leads NASS delegation on condolence visit to Radda

    He noted that failure of the implementation will be disservice to both the departed leader and the teaching profession,” the statement said.

    The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate steps by engaging state governors and relevant government agencies to enforce the law across all states, in the spirit of continuity, justice.

    “President Buhari may be gone, but his legacies live on. Let us not only mourn him but also honour him by giving life to the progressive policies he championed for teachers and for Nigeria at large.”

  • Group slams Atiku, El-Rufai over ‘political opportunism’ at Buhari’s funeral

    Group slams Atiku, El-Rufai over ‘political opportunism’ at Buhari’s funeral

    A pro-democracy group, Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for what it described as blatant political opportunism during the funeral rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the group’s Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji O. Bamidele, described the actions of the two political figures at the funeral as a “shameless and unseemly spectacle,” accusing them of attempting to exploit the solemn event for personal political advantage.

    The statement reads, “Their actions, characterized by a shameless attempt to project themselves as genuine admirers and loyalists of a leader whose legacy they have historically opposed, are not only disingenuous but also an affront to the memory of President Buhari and the sentiments of the Nigerian people.

    “As we gather to pay our respects to a leader who dedicated his life to the service of our nation, it is disheartening to witness two notorious political figures, Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, attempting to capitalize on the sorrowful occasion for their own political gain. 

    “Their behavior at the funeral in Daura was nothing short of an unseemly spectacle, as they paraded around as though they owned the event, seeking to associate themselves with Buhari’s immense popularity in a desperate bid to win favor with the northern electorate.

    “Let us remind the public that Atiku Abubakar has been a major political adversary of Buhari since 2003, challenging him in several elections and consistently undermining his agenda. His political history is marked by opportunism; after splintering the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he shifted allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) only to abandon it once Buhari secured victory in the elections. 

    “Atiku’s return to the PDP was not born out of loyalty but rather a calculated move to further his own ambitions, culminating in his recent challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is widely regarded as Buhari’s preferred successor.

    “It is painfully clear that Atiku’s current display of affection for Buhari is nothing more than a façade, a mere attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the northern populace in a time of mourning.”

    Reminding the two opposition leaders that the northern voters are not as easily deceived as they might hope, the group said, “The memories of their past betrayals and political machinations remain fresh in the minds of the electorate, and they will not be swayed by hollow gestures during this time of grief.”

    Read Also: Atiku: Timeline of serial defector, wanderer

    Urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of such opportunism, as the nation honor the legacy of Buhari, Bamidele advised “let us not allow his memory to be tarnished by those who seek to exploit it for their own gain.”

    The initiative then called on political actors to engage in genuine and respectful discourse, honoring the values that President Buhari stood for, integrity, service, and commitment to the Nigerian people.

    “We reject the attempts of Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai to politicize the funeral of a beloved leader. We stand united in our belief that the politics of deception will not prevail, and we call upon the people of the North to remember the past and hold their leaders accountable. 

    “Let us honor President Buhari’s legacy by fostering a political environment rooted in sincerity and respect, free from the manipulative tactics of those who have historically sought to undermine it.” he advised.”

  • Buhari: Akpabio leads NASS delegation on condolence visit to Radda

    Buhari: Akpabio leads NASS delegation on condolence visit to Radda

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has led a National Assembly delegation to Daura, Katsina State, for a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking during the visit, Akpabio described the late president as “a patriot, a man of integrity, and a shining light who served Nigeria both as a military leader and democratically elected president.”

    The Senate President informed the delegation faced travel challenges the previous day when their flight couldn’t land due to airport closure, forcing them to circle for over two hours before diverting to Abuja. 

    He said ”We insisted we must return today to honour a man who gave everything for Nigeria,” 

    Akpabio who served as a minister under Buhari, described the late President’s legacy as one defined by discipline, humility and love for the country. He.also recalled his connection to Katsina State including the establishment of Faculty of Law at Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, which he insisted be named after Buhari rather than himself.

    Read Also: APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    Radda thanked the delegation and also shared his close relationship with the late president. 

    He sai: “Since his retirement, I visited Baba every two to three weeks. He always reminded me to fear God, lead with justice, and love this country.

    “Buhari  appears reserved from a distance but warm and inspiring in person.His passing is a great loss to Katsina, to Nigeria and to all of us who looked up to him as a father,” 

  • Chinese president condoles with Tinubu over death of Buhari

    Chinese president condoles with Tinubu over death of Buhari

    Chinese President Xi Jinping  yesterday said  the late former President Muhammadu Buhari was highly respected in the international community.

    Jinping,  in his condolence letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinunu also hailed the late president for his dedication to exploring developmental paths that suited the country’s condition.

    The Chinese president, in the letter expressed his condolences to the government and people of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Traditional institutions key to nation building, says Shettima

    On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathy to the family of Buhari, and the Nigerian government and people.

    He said that Buhari as an important leader dedicated himself to exploring a development path suited to his country’s national conditions, made outstanding contributions to national unity and progress, and was highly respected in the international community.

    ‘’Buhari steadfastly upheld friendship with China, actively promoted the Nigeria-China friendship and China-Africa cooperation, Jinping said, adding that his passing represents a tremendous loss to the Nigerian people and the loss of a dear friend to the Chinese people.”

    “China highly values the development of its relations with Nigeria and is willing to work with the Nigerian side to consistently move forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership,” Jinping said.

  • Prayers for Buhari in Daura, Abuja

    Prayers for Buhari in Daura, Abuja

    • FEC’s extra-ordinary session for Council Chambers

    Two prayer sessions will hold for the repose of the soul of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    There will be a session today in Daura and another tomorrow in Abuja National Mosque.

    Also today, an extra-ordinary meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will take place in his honour at the Council Chambers, Aso Villa.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the delegation to Daura for the Fidau.

    A prelude to today’s Fidau was held at the same venue yesterday. Shetima also led the session.

    The former President died in a London clinic on Sunday. His remains were interred on Tuesday in his Daura country home, before family members, eminent Nigerians and foreign leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi (Anambra); Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and  Aminu   Masari (Katsina), attended yesterday’s prayers.

    Ministers who accompanied Shettima were: Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning); Lateef Fagbemi (Justice); Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture and Food Security); Balarabe Abbas(Environment); Shaibu Abubakar (Mines and Steel Development); Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim (Women Affairs); Mariya Mahmoud (Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory) and Bello Goronyo (Minister of State for Works).

     Also in attendance were: Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)  Gen. Buba Marwa; Emir of Daura Faruk Umar Faruk; former   Chief of  Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Yusuf  Buratai; former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, former   Communication and Digital Economy Minister, Isah Pantami; Senator Abdul Yar’Adua; ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babagana Kingibe;   former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Rufai Ahmed; and former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris and his Labour and Employment counterpart Mohammed Dingyadi were also at the session.

    During the Fidau, Shettima asked Allah to grant the soul of the late former President eternal rest, reward him with Al-Jannah Firdaus and protect the family he left behind.

    Describing death as a debt that every mortal would pay, he said it was important for all to know that ‘’we are travellers with bags and baggage waiting for a train to arrive.’’

    He called on Nigerians to feel free to visit Daura and the state to offer their condolences to the Government and people.

    Read Also: FEC holds special tribute session for Buhari Thursday

    Shettima said that Governor Dikko  Radda would be in Kaduna and members of the Buhari family in Daura to accept condolences.

    The Vice President, however, revealed that the “formal ceremony” would likely end today.

    “The formal ceremony will come to an end tomorrow (today) based on consultation between His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the family of the late President and the governor of Katsina State,” he said in a statement by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha.

    Recalling how he visited London twice within a week at the instance of the President, Shettima said that Nigeria and indeed Africa lost an elder statesman.

    He added that President Tinubu was deeply pained by Buhari’s   death.

    The statement reads: “The President was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier on to go and visit the late President. I was there for two days, and when he answered the call of Allah, the President equally directed me and the Chief of Staff (Femi Gbajabiamila) to go and accompany the family and the body of the late President back home.

    “And in consultation with President Tinubu, the family of the late President and the Government of Katsina State, it was unanimously resolved that tomorrow (today), by God’s grace, by noon, we shall all gather here (again) to offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of the late President.”

    Governor Radda described the demise of Buhari was a great loss to the people of Katsina, the nation and Africa in general.

    He urged leaders at all levels to sustain the legacies of the late President by ensuring transparency, honesty and accountability in governance.

    The governor appealed to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of Buhari’s soul.

    Radda thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for honouring the late former President and the people of Katsina with their presence at the burial.

    Information and National Orientation Minister Idris extolled the virtues of the late former Nigerian leader.

    Idris said: “We are here to pray for the repose of the soul of our former leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. May Allah accept his soul. Yesterday (Tuesday), as we all know, the former President was buried here in his compound, and it was witnessed by people from all walks of life, including President Tinubu.

    “Today (yesterday) we have come to offer condolences and to also offer prayers for the repose of the soul of the former President.”

    Dingyadi described Buhari as a man who demonstrated a high sense of leadership and integrity. 

     He said: “’We thank Allah for providing us with a leader of that quality, and we are here today praying for the repose of his soul. We pray to Allah to grant him Aljannah.”

    Obi explains absence at  Buhari’s burial

    Obi, whose absence at the burial generated diverse comments on social media, attributed it to ‘unavailable flights and restricted air traffic. 

    He said: “It was difficult to come here (Daura) yesterday because there were no flights. “Even if you had a flight, you couldn’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because of the number of dignitaries attending the burial.

     “It is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning.”

    Obi recalled his past interactions with Buhari, particularly a meeting during his presidential campaign in which the late leader urged him to focus on the welfare of poor Nigerians.

    He said: “I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day: ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’. That’s what I always remember. 

    “I believe he did his best within his capacity. I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor.”

    Reflecting on Buhari’s passing, Obi said the former president’s death serves as a solemn reminder of the transient nature of power and life itself.

    FEC to hold expanded session for Buhari today

    An expanded Special Session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will hold today in honour of the late former President.

    The session, according to Idris, will commence at 5pm at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Idris also said in a statement by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim that the vice president would lead a delegation of the Federal Government to the third day prayer (Fiddau) for the late former President at his residence in Daura.

    A special prayer session, according to Idris, will take place in Buhari’s honour at the National Mosque in Abuja tomorrow and a church service on Sunday.

    Akpabio leads Senate delegation to Katsina

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the late   President Buhari as “a patriot and a shining light. We lost a patriot, a man of integrity, and a shining light, who served Nigeria both as a military leader and democratically elected President,” he said in Katsina, Katsina State yesterday.

    Akpabio, who led a Senate delegation on a condolence visit to a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Radda, added that Buhari’s legacy was defined by discipline, humility and love for the country.

    He revealed that the delegation faced a travel challenge on Tuesday when their flight couldn’t land after over two hours due to the closure of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina State.

    “We insisted we must return today(yesterday) to honour a man who gave everything for Nigeria,” Akpabio said, who served as Niger Delta Affairs Minister during Buhari’s tenure.

    The Senate President also highlighted his connection to Katsina State, recalling the establishment of the Faculty of Law at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, which he insisted be named after Buhari rather than himself.

    Akpabio praised Governor Radda’s leadership and noted the special bond between Akwa Ibom and Katsina states, which were created on the same day.

    “Development doesn’t come from money alone—it comes from love for the people,” he said.

    The governor thanked the delegation and shared his close relationship with the late President.

    Radda said: “Since his retirement, I visit Baba every two to three weeks. He always reminded me to fear God, lead with justice, and love this country.”

    The governor described Buhari as appearing reserved from a distance but warm and inspiring in person.

    “His passing is a great loss to Katsina, to Nigeria, and to all of us who looked up to him as a father,” he added.

  • Firm but fair leader, says former CDS

    Firm but fair leader, says former CDS

    A former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, yesterday described late President Muhammadu Buhari as a firm but fair leader.

    Irabor, in a statement, said Buhari had the humility to yield to superior arguments when convinced by reason, especially on matters of national security.

    “The news of the passing of President Buhari came to me and my family as a profound shock and source of deep sorrow.

    “I know that we are not alone in this grief, millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora feel the same sense of loss.

    “President Buhari was, in every sense, a good man. Before he appointed me as Chief of Defence Staff  in  Jan. 26, 2021, I had never met him personally.

    “Like many Nigerians, I knew him only from a distance, through the pages of history, the news, and the reverence with which he was spoken of in military circles,” he said.

    Irabor recalled that when he was a cadet officer, he admired the former President, saying he had not met a man like him before.

    “As an officer cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy during his tenure as Miitary Head of State, I admired him from afar.

    “It was when I was appointed as the CDS, that was when I got to know the man behind the public image.

    “In our very first meeting, he looked me in the eye and said, “I have never met you before, but I have heard of your performance.”

    Read Also: FEC holds special tribute session for Buhari Thursday

    Irabor added that he encountered a disciplinary leader in Buhari, saying he was a ‘soldier’s soldier’.

    “As Commander-in-Chief, he gave unwavering support to the Armed Forces under my watch, within the limits of the nation’s resources.

    “He trusted our judgment and believed in our capacity as I assured him that we would never make excuses.

    “He believed in us that failure was not an end; it was a lesson to be learned; a steppingstone to future success,” he said.

    Irabor extended his condolences to Dr Aisha Buhari alongside the entire family and friends of the former President.

    “On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the former Fist Lady, Dr Buhari, the entire family, friends, and all who mourn this national loss.

    “May you find comfort in the knowledge that your husband, father, and friend served with dignity, honour, and integrity.

    “To my Commander-in-Chief, my Principal President Muhammadu Buhari, at the sound of the Last Post, rest well.

    “You fought the good fight. May your soul find eternal peace in the bosom of the Almighty,” he prayed.

  • Working with Buhari one of my  greatest honours, says Gbajabiamila

    Working with Buhari one of my  greatest honours, says Gbajabiamila

    Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described his relationship with former President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the great honours of his life.

    In a  tribute, Gbajabiamila reflected on the death of the former President as a personal and national loss. He noted that Buhari’s passing had left him with a deep sense of bereavement.

    “It will forever be one of the great honours of my life that I got to know, work with and enjoy the friendship of Muhammadu Buhari,” he wrote.

    The Chief of Staff praised Buhari’s steadfastness during difficult moments in government, recalling how the late President provided consistent support during his time as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    According to Gbajabiamila, President Buhari remained true to his word even amidst intense political machinations aimed at undermining the legislature.

    Read Also: FEC holds special tribute session for Buhari Thursday

    “When these machinations became a distraction and I went to him, he assured me that only the national interests mattered to him and that as long as I continued to serve that interest, I would have his support. As was his nature, he remained true to his word and thoroughly resisted those attempts to sabotage the House”, Gbajabiamila stated.

    He credited the former President with enabling a period of legislative stability in the 9th National Assembly, allowing it to evolve as “a legislature of policy innovation dedicated to the service of the Nigerian people.”

    According to him, this is part of Buhari’s lasting legacy.

    Gbajabiamila described Buhari as a man of dignity, integrity, and tenacity, noting that despite the inevitability of human imperfections, the late President was always guided by a deep love for country.

  • Keyamo slams Atiku over PDP exit amid Buhari’s mourning

    Keyamo slams Atiku over PDP exit amid Buhari’s mourning

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has berated former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, for announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the nation’s mourning of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The former Vice President announced his resignation from the party with immediate effect.

    He explained that he left the party due to irreconcilable differences.

    He said: “However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

    In a post on his X handle, Keyamo described the timing of Atiku’s resignation as an attempt to divert attention from the solemn occasion to himself.

    Read Also: Court grants final forfeiture of N335m, hospital, five filling stations, others to Fed Govt

    He said that while it was within the constitutional rights of the former Vice President to change political parties at will, releasing his resignation letter during the mourning period was inappropriate.

    “It is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish. However, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” he wrote.

    The Minister alleged that Atiku prepared and signed the resignation letter the morning after the death of Buhari was announced.

    He wrote: “With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.”

    Keyamo also faulted the Atiku for using the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government on his private and political communications.

    He described the act as both morally and legally wrong.

    “Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 makes this an offence. Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority which that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation.”

    The Minister warned that if all former government functionaries continued to use the Coat of Arms in their personal, political, or private communications, it would cause confusion nationwide.

    He stressed his duty as a Cabinet member and Senior Advocate of Nigeria to uphold the laws and constitution of the country.

    “I have a bounden duty both as a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution. Please, be well guided,” he wrote.

  • State House Perm Sec pays tribute to Buhari

    State House Perm Sec pays tribute to Buhari

    …hails late president’s devotion to nation-building

    The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, has paid glowing tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of rare dedication to national service and a leader deeply committed to the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    Fashedemi poured his heart on Wednesday at the State House while signing the condolence register opened in honour of the late President, who died on Sunday in London after a protracted illness. 

    His tribute forms part of the nationwide mourning ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to a statement issued by the Director of Information Public Relations at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Fashedemi said “our dearly departed former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, you were indeed a great man with passion for duty and totally focused on nation building. 

    “You were a man of integrity and very committed to the improvement of the livelihood of the majority of our citizens, especially the poor amongst us”, the Permanent Secretary wrote in the condolence register.

    Fashedemi praised Buhari’s unwavering focus and principled leadership, noting that those who had the privilege of working with him — both in the State House and across the wider public service — could attest to his selfless commitment to the country’s progress.

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    “For those of us in the State House and the larger Public Service, we can vouch for your concern for the nation and that you gave your best to our country Nigeria. You will be forever missed”, he stated.

    The Permanent Secretary also offered prayers for the repose of the late President’s soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest and divine mercy.

    President Tinubu, in an earlier directive, ordered that condolence registers be opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as in Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad, to honour the memory of his late predecessor.

    The condolence register at the State House has continued to receive tributes from government officials of various cadres, reflecting the outpouring of respect and national mourning that has greeted the death of the former President.

  • Ex-presidential aide Imoukhuede pays tribute to Buhari

    Ex-presidential aide Imoukhuede pays tribute to Buhari

    Afolabi Imoukhuede, former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, has paid glowing tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82.

    In a heartfelt statement, Imoukhuede described Buhari as “a general, a leader, and a statesman,” noting that serving under his administration was a defining moment in his career and a turning point for youth empowerment in Nigeria.

    He recalled his role as the SSA on Job Creation and Youth Employment, particularly in delivering the N-Power programme, one of the flagship initiatives of the Buhari administration under the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP).

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    “My Principal, as his SSA-P on Job Creation and Youth Employment, delivering the N-Power Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Programme was one of the high points of his administration,” Imoukhuede said. “Thank you for your service, your leadership, and for giving me the opportunity to serve my fatherland.”

    The N-Power programme, launched in 2016, provided job placements, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support to hundreds of thousands of Nigerian youths, significantly addressing youth unemployment and poverty.

    Imoukhuede concluded his tribute by praying for comfort for Buhari’s family, the people of Daura and Katsina State, and the nation at large.