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Tag: BUHARI

  • I am not corrupt, Buhari tells Nigerians at Ebonyi rally

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday stated that he was never convicted of corruption in all the positions he held in the country.

    He promised Nigerians that he will continue to uphold the trust they repose in him if re-elected for a second term in office.

    The President made the declaration at the Park Oruta Ngele Township Stadium in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, during the All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential campaign.

    Buhari was former Head of State (1983-85), governor of the defunct Northeastern State (1975–1976) and chairman Petroleum Trust Fund (1994-95).

    He said: “I can assure you that I, as the President, today have never been in a position of abusing trust. As a governor of the whole six northeastern states, as minister of petroleum for over three years and as a former head of state. I was arrested, detained and investigated but they never found anything against me.”

    The President thanked Ebonyi people for turning out in their large numbers for the rally, saying that they demonstrated that they cannot be bought; he urged them to hold him by his words.

    Buhari recalled that when he came for campaign in 2015, he promised three things: to tackle the security situation in the country that time in 17 local governments in the Northeast were under Boko Haram control but as at today, there is no local government under the control of the terrorists.

    The President congratulated the military and other law- enforcement agencies dislodging the insurgents in the Northeast.

    Recalling the menace of terrorists, he said: “They have resulted in indoctrinating young men and abducting young girls below the ages of 15, wrap them with explosives and send them to soft targets – churches, mosques, market places and motor parks. Even that is becoming rear now.”

    Buhari also said that with a favourable weather, Nigeria had achieved food security and no longer imports rice, adding that the money saved from importation was now being used for infrastructural development.

    He said: “We thank God that Nigeria prayed very hard and the three previous rainy seasons were good. The government realised it and asked the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Agriculture to give soft loans and make fertiliser available to farmers at half the price it used to be.

    “And every able-bodied person who does not feel too big to earn a living went back to the farm and nobody regretted it. We have now virtually achieved food security; we no longer import rice as we used to and the money we have saved are for infrastructure. We are doing the roads, the rails and we are doing the new standard gauge and we are improving on power.

    “The last thing is about fighting corruption and bribery. Fighting corruption is a very difficult process, but we are doing our best by trying to reorganise the Nigeria police and the judiciary itself. Because, we appointed people that went into public office without their own houses, without even maybe good cars, but within three years they build houses in Abuja, opened accounts in Europe or America and we cannot touch them. But when we discover what they have, we take them to court and when we take them to the court, we hope they will be prosecuted and then we will punish them.”

    Urging the people to vote for him to continue with the good work his administration had started, he said: “What this administration is doing and what it will continue to do, if you vote me is to make sure we realise the potential of our people and the resources God has given us to make life better for this country, for our future generations.”

    Also speaking, the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, who received 25 leaders from other parties, who have resolved to work for the APC, accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of working for foreign interest.

    According to him, Atiku who wrote letters to United Kingdom (UK), Unites States (U.S.) and European Union (EU), was appealing to western sentiments angling to take over Nigeria’s economy.

    “The right to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty is not negotiable,” the APC party chairman said.

    Oshiomhole maintained that Atiku, referring to western interest, would only injure the local economy and pauperised the people, calling on the voters never to vote for him.

    He described the forthcoming election as a class war between the elite and the poor, just as he insisted that Buhari’s policies including  TraderMoni  were pro-poor despite the complains of the likes of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

    He asserted that no external force can impose leaders on Nigeria.

    The Ebonyi Council of Traditional Rulers had earlier endorsed the reelection of President Buhari and Governor Dave Umahi

    Members of the council assured that Buhari will get the support of many voters in state during the February 16 presidential elections because the President has demonstrated that he is a father to all, irrespective of political affiliation.

    The President also expressed satisfaction that the impact of federal projects was being felt in the state.

    Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, who spoke for the 140-member council, said: “Buhari is loved by the people of the because of the robust relationship he has with governor Umahi despite the fact that they belong to different parties.”

    It was at a meeting with the President at the Ebonyi State Government House in Abakaliki.

    Mkpuma, who commended Buhari’s determination to tackle the security situation of the country especially in in his efforts in tackling terrorism and fight against corruption, said Buhari deserves their votes irrespective of political differences.

    The monarch said the President has done well in the fight against Boko Haram and corruption.

    He said: “We appreciate your dogged determination to maintain utmost security of the country especially your effort in eliminating Boko Haram and fight against corruption which has brought respect and integrity to the country among committee of nations.

    “We believe that your robust relationship with our son the governor and your loved for him and the state will surely earn you votes in Ebonyi state irrespective of party differences.”

    The monarchs later present 1000 tubers of yam and 1,000 bags of rice to the President.

    Umahi had told the President during their short drive to the Government House that his administration was yet to get to 40 per cent of the funds it spent on federal projects in the state.

    The President assured that the state will be reimbursed once the audit committee, headed by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, conclude its work.

    He also told the monarchs that his administration’s decision to invest in agriculture was deliberate.

    “But subsequently, we got drunk with oil money and abandoned what kept us intact. But we are going back to that (agriculture).”

    Umahi said that irrespective of some perceptions, the Southeast have benefited from Federal Povernment projects.

    According to him, the federal government’s agricultural programme have benefited the state immensely which has resulted in increase in rice production.

    He said: “Southeast have fared very well in terms of distribution of projects. We have abundance of salt and we have found solution on how to develop our salt and we needed your help to do that and you gave your approval. The solid mineral development fund is also assisting us to develop our solid minerals.”

  • Buhari solidly behind APC candidates, says spokesman

    MEMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) got a reassurance yesterday from President Muhammadu Buhari that he is fully behind the party and its candidates across the country.

    The President, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he has demonstrated his support everywhere he had gone to campaign.

    He was making a clarification in the wake of insinuations that President Buhari sat on the fence when he took his campaign to Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    The President was reported to have told party members in the state that they were free to cast their ballot for any candidate of their choice in the forthcoming governorship election.

    But Shehu dismissed the report, saying it was untrue that President Buhari did not show full support for the APC while campaigning in Imo State on Tuesday.

    The presidential spokesman described as unfortunate that the report has unsettled the party in the state, pitting some members against Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    He told reporters: “The massive crowd that gathered to welcome President Buhari in Imo State was made up of not only supporters of the APC in the state, but also supporters of other parties who are united by their love for the President and their desire to see him re-elected, despite the local candidates they support.”

    Shehu explained that President Buhari’s consciousness of the obviously-mixed crowd was the reason why he did not speak only about support for the APC during the campaign, but also encouraged the people to vote according to their consciences.

    A statement by the Deputy Director of Information, State House, Attah Esa, quoted the presidential spokesman, saying: “While President Buhari is fully behind APC, he welcomes endorsements from those who do not belong to the ruling party but is also sensitive to their support for non-APC candidates at the local level. It would have been insensitive of him to offend his non-APC supporters by ignoring their local affiliations.”

    Shehu noted that President Buhari’s open endorsement of Imo APC governorship candidate Hope Uzodinma, whose hand the President raised high before the crowd at the campaign rally, said it all.

    “President Buhari is for the APC in every state and there is no doubt about that, despite his immense cross-party support,” he said.

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will sweep Cross River State in the upcoming elections.

    Buhari, who spoke at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the state capital as part of his Presidential campaign, said he would be consistent with the promise he made in 2015 of improving the economy, fighting insecurity and tackling corruption.

    Buhari, who arrived at the venue around 5pm, also assured that all APC governors are under the control of the party.

    He said: “We are very confident that we would win all the elections in Cross River State. I assure you that the promise we made in 2015, we have made substantial progress in security, economy and the fight against corruption.

    “We are working hard and the results are visible for those who want to be honest to themselves in Nigeria and Africa. I don’t have must to say than to thank you very much.”

    He also expressed gratitude to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, for acknowledging the efforts of his administration when he paid him a visit in his Palace earlier.

  • Lagos RTEAN holds rally for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State chapter of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and the state’s governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    At a rally yesterday on Iyana Iba-Igando road, RTEAN State Chairman Mohammed Musa said the association sided with the ruling party because of its giant strides in transportation and provision of massive road infrastructure.

    Read also: Bank loans at 15% for mini-grid operators

    Musa said RTEAN had been carrying out periodic political enlightenment of its members since last year and had been at the vanguard of the collection of Personal Voter’s Cards (PVCs) by its members through a regular programme, tagged: “Operation Show Your Voter Cards (PVCs)”.

    According to him, the union’s executive and members unanimously agreed to support President Buhari and Sanwo-Olu as well as all other APC candidates in the state.

  • Ebonyi traditional rulers endorse Buhari, Umahi

    The Ebonyi Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday said that President Muhammadu Buhari will get the support of many voters in Ebonyi state during the February 16th Presidential elections.

    The traditional rulers also endorsed the state Governor, David Umahi for a second term.

    This is even as President Buhari expresses satisfaction that the impact of federal government projects were being felt in Ebonyi State.

    Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, said Buhari is loved by the people because of the robust relationship he has with governor Umahi despite the fact that they belong to different parties.

    They said that this will translate to more votes for the president on election day.

    They gave the assurance during an audience with the President at the Ebonyi State Government House In Abakaliki.

    Mkpuma who commended Buhari’s determination to tackle the security situation of the country especially in his efforts in tackling terrorism and fight against corruption said Buhari was deserving of their votes irrespective of party differences.

    The monarch who spoke on behalf of 140 traditional rulers in the state said the President has done well in the fight against Boko Haram and second corruption.

    “We appreciate your dogged determination to maintain utmost security of the country especially your effort in eliminating Boko Haram and fight against corruption which has brought respect and integrity to the country among committee of nations.

    “We believe that your robust relationship with our son the governor and your loved for him and the state will surely earn you votes in Ebonyi state irrespective of party differences.”, the monarch said.

    Mkpuma, said the traditional rulers are happy with the leadership of the governor, David Umahi, who has virtually touched every facet of human and infrastructural development of the state, adding “we the traditional rulers like other residents of the state have been rejuvenated and revived by the governor.

    They told the President that Umahi deserves a second term for the sake of equity as the two former governors before him from other zones also had two tenures.

    “Since the inception of the present democratic dispensation, Ebonyi state has operated rotation of the governorship seat among the three senatorial zones. Thus North had eight years with the same man, central had two terms with same man and south is entitled to eight years with the same man.

    “It is right and proper that tradition should continue. This is why we have endorsed incumbent governor David Umahi whose performance has been historic and superlative as the sole candidate for 2019 gubernatorial election in Ebonyi state. We are happy with the governor. He has touched every facet of human and infrastructural development of the state”, Mpkuma said.
    The monarchs later presented 1,000 yams and 1,000 bags to Buhari.

    President Buhari, on his part, commended the governor for infrastructural development in the state.

    He promised that monies spent on the completion of the federal projects will be refunded after the review committee would have audited the projects.

    According to him, Umahi told him during their short drive to the government house, that he had not received up to 40 percent of the funds spent on federal projects in the state, but assured him the monies will be refunded once the audit committee headed by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, conclude its work.

    He also told the traditional rulers that his administration’s plans to invest in agriculture was deliberate, recalling that the First Republic was good in agriculture, because the land was abundant and grazing routes developed.

    According to him, “But subsequently we got drunk with oil money and abandoned what kept us intact. But we are going back to that (agriculture).”

    He assured the monarchs that the south-east will benefit from second Niger Bridge when completed and it will affect you positively in moving goods and services.

    He urged them that his second return will be of benefit to them as he will not be seeking a third return.

    The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi in his remarks said irrespective of some perceptions, the south-east have benefited from federal government projects.

    He added that the federal government’s agricultural programme has benefited the state immensely which has resulted in increase in rice production.

  • Presidential rally: Buhari arrives Abakaliki

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday arrived Abakaliki in continuation of his presidential campaign tour of the 36 states of the federation.

    Buhari arrived Abakaliki around 9.30 am amidst tumultuous welcome at the Nkwegu Military Cantonment where he was received by the Cantonment Commander, other security chiefs in Ebonyi and major chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Buhari, presidential candidate of the APC shortly on arrival paid a courtesy call on Chief Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi at the Government House in Abakaliki.

    Mr Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the APC, Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment and Chief Rotimi Amaechi, Deputy Director of Buhari Campaign Organisation were among dignitaries that accompanied the President.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there was tight security in and around the Pa Oruta Ngele Township stadium, Abakaliki, venue of the presidential mega rally.

    Read Also: Ohaneze youths back Buhari over suspension of CJN

    The president is expected to inaugurate a number of projects built by Sen Sonni Ogbuoji, APC governorship candidate in Ebonyi at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki before kicking off the rally at the stadium.

    NAN also reports that a mammoth crowd of APC and Buhari supporters thronged the 8000-capacity Ngele stadium to welcome the president.

    Chief Austine Edeeze, Chairman of the planning committee of Ebonyi presidential campaign in an interview with NAN expressed joy on the overwhelming crowd of APC supporters that turned out to receive the president.

    “The unprecedented crowd that turned out to receive the president is an indication of his wide acceptance by the people of Ebonyi.

    “I am confident that the rally will be a huge success and I am calling on Ebonyi people and South-East to vote en-masse for the re-election of Buhari in the February 16 presidential election.

  • Breaking: Protesters besiege Lagos Assembly over alleged Ambode’s impeachment plot

    A group of protesters on Wednesday stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest against the planned impeachment of  Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The protesters are seen carrying banners with inscriptions of their agitations, saying ‘No to impeachment’.

    The assembly had accused Ambode of gross misconduct, not signing into law the 2019 budget among other infractions.

    Details shortly…

     

  • ‘Obasanjo lacks morality to accuse Buhari of rigging plot’

    Emmanuel Umohinyang is the Convener, Re – elect Buhari Movement (RBM). He spoke with reporters in Lagos on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation of plot to rig polls against President Muhammadu Buhari and preparations of the group for next month’s elections. Excerpts:

    What is your reaction to former President Obasanjo’s allegation that President Buhari is planning to rig next month’s elections and that his administration is like that of Abacha?

    As you know, when it comes to the issue of credible election, Obasanjo does not have a say. He does not have the morality to talk about credible election in Nigeria because he is the grand master of election rigging. Under his watch, we had the Maurice Iwu of this world. During his time, election was not won at the ballot, results were written from the comfort of people’s homes. It was during his era that we had the famous “Mr. fix it”. Election was fixed. It is only an exhibition of fear, thinking that we are back to the era we are coming from. I want to assure our former President that the new Sheriff in town is different from what we had during his era. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, elections will not only be free and credible, it will be seen by even the worst critics of his administration. Let us not becloud ourselves with the issue, coming from Otta, asserting that this administration is being run like the Abacha era. I think it is the most unfortunate statement I have had from a former President. By the way, Obasanjo is not the only former President we have had in this country and one expects that as an elder statesman, if he sees anything that the administration  has done that he feel strongly about, he could approach the President and share his views. The late former President Shehu Shagari, and Gen. Yakubu Gowon are examples. We have the Council of State of which he is a member, so trying to portray himself as saint when we have his records is like a slap on our face. It’s quite unfortunate. I think we should give it to this administration that it has saved us the pain and agony of the past, talking about the Obasanjo/Atiku era, when political detainees was the order of the day, politically motivated assassination was the order of the day. I think Ex –President Obasanjo may have run out of ideas and is just trying to seek attention from Nigerians. Unfortunately, he cannot get it. President Buhari is a General of the people’s army. Nigerians love him and appreciate what he is doing. That is basically the reason we are pushing his re – election come February 16, 2019.

    Don’t you think the former President has a point with Gen. T.Y Danjuma toeing the same line?

    I am surprised that you mentioned Gen. Danjuma, so we can say it is a communion of the Generals. Their views does not represent Nigerians view and I think at the last Council of State meeting, the INEC chairman was there to explain the level of preparation. From what we heard, the Council of State endorsed INEC’s preparation. INEC has equally said they have worked independently. There has not been pressure from any quarter. I want to assure you that under President Muhammadu Buhari, election will not be rigged; rather we will have something better than what we had in 2015. I think the President has endeared himself to Nigerians. It is not easy for a man to maintain the position of “Mr. Integrity” for decades. Who among these people can you call ‘Mr. Integrity’ without hearing a boomerang from Nigerians? President Buhari has held on to ‘Mr. Integrity for years. Nobody, not even his worst critics have ever queried that posture. He didn’t earn that over the shelf. It is due to hard work that he has put into the system. He has held several public offices. You can go and check his records. Go and check what he has, and you will realize that we have moved from that era where a sitting President will gather contractors and gather 7 Billion Naira in the name of a Presidential library. What we are saying is that we should have more faith in President Muhammadu Buhari. The integrity of some people is tied to their stomach, not President Buhari. He will never allow the coming election to be rigged in his favour or that of any other candidate.

    How do you react to the removal of CJN by President Buhari?

    I think I need to correct this impression, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen remains the CJN. We must enlighten our people that he has not been removed in the literal word of it. He was only suspended. The provision for the removal of the CJN is provided for in section 291 and 292 of our constitution as amended. Under those provisions, I don’t think the President can unilaterally remove the CJN. No. what the  President has merely done is to carry out an order of the CCT, directing that the President should suspend the CJN, pending the conclusion of  his trial, and that the most senior Justice in the hierarchy of the Supreme Court be appointed  in acting capacity. The suspension simply means if the person is found not guilty after the conclusion of trial, he will be reinstated. People made some funny and ridiculous  comments, prior to his suspension. We had some governors  assemble in Abuja and declared that the CJN ignore the summon of the CCT. If at all, those governors made those statements, I think it is the most ridiculous statement I ever heard because when you tell an ordinary Nigerian on the street who caught stealing yam, that the full weight of the law would be brought on him and you try to turn a blind eye on somebody just because he is from your zone, such is really unfortunate. We cannot make progress as a country. My position  is that irrespective of the who is involved, even if it is my father, the very minute you go against the laws of the land, you must face the consequences, pure and simple. What becomes of our country when people begin to disobey the order of the courts? If we go tribal, it means the Northern governors could also say El Zaky Zaky and Dasuki are from our zone. The next thing will be anarchy. We should all rise against sectional interests and begin to deal with issues on its merits.

    What is your reaction to the backlash that followed the suspension?

    Look, we are in a political era. The Presidential election is a few meters away. It is expected. We are in era where the politicians, lawyers, Doctors etc all have interest to protect, but I think we should look at the larger picture regarding whose interest the President should protect. That of his political party? The answer s no. His personal interest? The answer is no. That of the constitution? I think the answer is yes. The President is acting based on the powers given to him by our constitution, to obey orders that comes from courts. You must also understand that it is a simple principle of law that orders of courts must be obeyed, no matter how bad. It was Lord Denning who said in his famous quote that no matter how tall a man is, the law is taller than him. That is why I subscribe to the removal of immunity against criminal prosecution for all categories of office holders, so that any occupier of  even the office of President can be tried for criminal infractions. It will be an aberration to smuggle immunity that was not conferred on the CJN. I think Nigerians, should rise up and be counted if we want to move Nigeria from where we met it to where we want it to be. Don’t forget fighting corruption is one of the cardinal programmes of this administration. The present happenings in our country today reminds me of the famous poem by Prof. Niyi Osundare titled “My Lord, where do I keep your bribe?” As members in the temple of justice, we must ensure that corruption is eradicated from our Judiciary.

     

  • Drama as Buhari counters Oshiomhole on Imo guber

    THERE was a mild drama yesterday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, the Imo State capital President Muhammadu Buhari asked party members to vote for a candidate of their choice in the governorship poll.

    The counsel ran contrary to that of the party’s National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, who had earlier told the crowd that the party was not in alliance with any political platform.

    He told the party supporters in clear language that they should vote for the party’s standard bearer in the governorship race, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

    The Action Alliance (AA) candidate, Uche Nwosu, enjoys the backing of Governor Rochas Okorocha, who is contesting the Imo West senatorial seat on the APC ticket.

    Nwosu, who was at the APC rally, had adopted Buhari as his presidential candidate.

    President Buhari, who broke his silence on the crisis rocking the party since the party’s governorship primaries, urged APC members to vote for any candidate of their choice across party lines irrespective of inter or intraparty squabbles.

    Before coming to the Dan Anyiam Stadium, the governor had hosted the President at the Government House. Nwosu was present; Uzodinma was not. He was at the stadium, waiting for the President.

    The emergence of Uzodinma “in controversial circumstances” at the governorship primary pitted the governor against the APC national chair.

    Nwosu, who jostled for the APC ticket, defected the AA, a decision that polarised the local chapter of the APC in Imo State.

    The state chapter of AA has not only endorsed Buhari, it promised to secure one million votes for him.

    At the stadium shortly before Buhari’s address,  Oshiomhole, while presenting the APC governorship candidate, had thrown jibes at the governor, who was seen keeping himself under check.

    The party chair said: “The APC is not in alliance with any party; we are capable of delivering the President. We have come to present a new hope to Imo people; Senator Hope Uzodinma will win and restore good governance in Imo. APC will win in Imo State.”

    The mug look on the governor’s face when Oshiomhole presented the party flag to Uzodinma, betrayed his disapproval of the senator’s candidature.

    Okorocha said that the President had always demonstrated his love for the Igbo and would continue to show his love for the Igbos.

    He said: “My President, you are a man of destiny. Your victory, come 2019, has been signed and sealed. You love the Igbo. And you have always demonstrated that. You took Chuba Okadigbo and Edwin Ume Ezeoke at different times to be your running mates. It will be wrong for anybody to say that you don’t love Ndi-Igbo. Whoever says that is lying from the pit of hell.

    “Mr. President, you were forced to look elsewhere. So, it is not right that Buhari does not love Ndigbo. He shall continue to show us love. You have shown your capacity and capability in fighting corruption. There is nothing you can do to please the elite of Nigeria. Continue to work for the ordinary Nigerians while protecting the interest of the few elites.

    “Let me remind you sir, I am Owelle Rochas Okorocha, I am the founder of APC in Imo State and I am the only governor in the whole of Southeast from APC. As it stands today, those that challenged us, those that came with the Army and Police and DSS are now sitting boldly as the owners of the party. Let me say to you that, it is Iberiberism Chapter I vs I.”

    In Abia State, the Enyimba International Football Stadium, Aba, the state’s commercial hub, stood still as residents and APC supporters from the 17 local government areas, trooped out to be part of the President’s campaign.

    They defied the sit-at-home order issued yesterday by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which asked them observe a mini sit-at-home from 6am to 4pm.

    President Buhari who came in the company of former of Abia governors Orji Uzor Kalu and Ogbonnaya Onu (Minister of Science & Technology), Senator Ken Nnamani, former Ekiti governor and APC Deputy Chairman (South), Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator Chris Ngige, Oshiomhole, House of Representatives member (Isiukwuato/Umunneochi), Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, former Labour & Productivity minister Emeka Wogu and Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, among others.

    President Buhari vowed to continue to tackle infrastructural problems and ensure that Nigerians do their businesses without stress.

    He urged the people of Abia State to ensure victory for the APC in the forthcoming elections.

    Buhari said: “I’m impressed with all the speakers because they’ve articulated what this administration is able to do. When we came in, we approached governance with three point agenda of security, economy and fight against corruption.

    “We tried to justify these by trying our best within the time available to us from 2015 to now with the resources available to us. You can all recall that the production of 2.4 million barrel per day was cut short to half a million barrel per day. In the world market which is outside our control, the cost of petroleum per barrel went down from $40, $38, $28 per barrel.

    “It is in this context that I want you to see how this administration has been committed to development of this country. Upon all these, we are doing the roads now, we are doing the railways which was neglected and virtually killed and we are doing power which is one of the projects I’ve came here to commission today.

    “I assure you that if we get infrastructure correct; the roads, the railways and power… it all depends on who is in the government.

    “We have identified this and we are committing available resources to make sure we get the infrastructure right and we are doing as much as possible to secure the country so that we can properly manage it. I thank you for your commitment and I expect you to this time around, vote APC.”

    Oshiomhole, who could not hide his joy over the reception given to the campaign train, said that it was an indication that Abians have embraced the APC’s Change Mantra.

    He stressed that the Buhari government has done well in the southeast geo-political zone through some of the completed and ongoing developmental projects the APC government is doing in the zone.

    “I’m very happy at the testimonies I’ve heard today about what this administration has done in Igboland and Abia State in particular. You can bury the truth ten meters deep, but you cannot kill the truth”, Oshiomhole said.

    He went on: “The truth is that in this state, PDP has governed for 19 years just as they controlled the country for 16 years. In those 16 years, this part of the country that was most loyal and committed to voting PDP was abandoned and Federal dual carriage road in the zone was turned to a cassava farm.

    “No one could commute from Aba to Port Harcourt. Everything was destroyed under PDP. My message is simple, the beauty of Nigerian democracy is that if you elect by mistake, it cannot last for more than four years. The last mistake of 2015 must now be corrected in 2019.

    “What we need in leadership are men and women who can serve Nigeria as their constituency. The development literature of the Federal Government in South East is very clear. It’s not rocket science. The Ariaria International Market Power Plant is there for all to see. The basis for sustainable economy is to build durable infrastructure and President Buhari is ensuring that.”

    Uzor-Kalu lambasted the PDP-led administration in the state for what he described as total neglect of infrastructure in the state and none payment  salaries and  pensions which he said has left many people who served the state with all their hearts in perpetual poverty.

    Kalu who is the Senatorial candidate of APC for Abia North District also blasted former president Olusegun Obasanjo for his constant criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “I always call the PDP administration in Abia State liars because in this state, they rumoured that I was dead and gone and I’m alive today to the glory of God. Again I call them liars because they always pay Abia civil servants on radio.

    “When I was governor, there was free education, our darling team Enyimba which was why I built this stadium became champions of Africa twice. In my days, workers and pensioners never begged for their monies.”

     

     

    “I heard a man called Olusegun Obasanjo attacking Mr. President and this man Obasanjo forgot that it was him that brought corruption to Nigeria as a president.

    “He was the first President who started thwarting democratic processes in Nigeria. My Problem with him was when he called me and some other persons to support his third tenure bid and I refused and urged others never to accept it. He turned himself into a dictator. How can someone compare Obasanjo and Buhari? Buhari wants the Judiciary to be perfectly independent.”

    The party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Uche Ogah, urged the President to disregard any information that there is another party in Abia capable of winning elections outside the APC. He declared Abia as an APC state.

    Ogah said: “Abia people have resolved to unanimously move to APC and there is no other party that can stop it. You’ll get our votes in Abia and the mistake of 2015 will never repeat. We shall be first in giving you votes. We’ve felt your love through numerous Federal Government projects here.

    “We’ve told our people that the mistakes of PDP will be corrected in Abia as we move into Government. Thank you for remembering our infrastructure in the South East. Our roads are now better and what else can we say that to appreciate and show you real love during the elections. Our people are tired of PDP.”

     

  • Buhari to Imo voters on guber contest: vote your choice

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday spoke on the lingering crisis rocking the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the emergence of its governorship candidate.

    The President urged members of the APC to vote for any candidate of their choice irrespective of intra or inter party affairs.

    It will be recalled Governor Rochas Okorocha is supporting his former Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu while the National Chairman of the party Adams Oshiomhole backs Senator Hope Uzodinma, who emerged the APC candidate under controversial circumstances.

    Nwosu, however, picked the governorship ticket of the Action Alliance (AA) with the state chapter of the APC has been polarised on who to vote.

    The Imo state chapter of AA endorsed Buhari after the emergence of Nwosu and promised to secure one million votes for him.

    But President, in his speech at the Dan Anyiam Stadium during his campaign rally, countered the APC National Chairman who has mandated APC members to vote for Uzodinma.

    He said: “You can vote for whosoever you want, do not allow intra or inter party affairs stop you from voting for the candidate of your choice”.

    But Oshiomhole had boasted that the APC does not need the support of the AA to deliver President Buhari in the state.

    He said: “Let me make it clear that the APC is not in alliance with any party, we have the power to deliver the President.

    “You should vote for Uzodinma as our governorship candidate, don’t be deceived by anybody”.

  • Videos: Buhari in Abia, Imo

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday departed Abuja for Abia and Imo states

    Abia agog with shouts and excitement as crowd welcomes President Muhammadu Buhari to Aba.