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Tag: BUHARI

  • Minimum Wage: Buhari appoints Rewane to head committee

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appointed Bismarck Rewane as head of newly inaugurated Technical Advisory Committee on the implementation of a National Minimum Wage.

    Inaugurating the committee before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa Abuja, Buhari said that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law, government will go into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage.

    According to him, it was important to properly prepare the minds of those involved so that they will not be taken unawares when the time comes.

    Pointing out that the last time Nigeria’s national minimum wage was reviewed was in 2011, he said that it was evident that a review was necessary, despite the prevailing fiscal challenges.

    He said “This is why I constituted the Tripartite Committee of Government, Organized Private Sector and Labour to consider the National Minimum Wage and make recommendations to Government for its upward review.

    “That Committee has since submitted its report with some recommendations. We are currently working on the final steps that will lead to the submission of a National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill to the National Assembly.

    “I want to make it clear that there is no question about whether the National Minimum Wage will be reviewed upwards. I am committed to a review of the Minimum Wage.

    “Also, it is important to explain that even though the subject of a National Minimum Wage is in the Exclusive Legislative List, we have been meeting with the State Governors because it is imperative that the Federal Government carries the State Governments along in determining any upward review of the minimum wage for workers.

    “This is especially necessary considering the prevailing public sector revenue challenges, which have made it extremely difficult for some of the governments to pay workers as and when due.

    “As you know we, at the Federal level, have made adequate provision for the increase in the Minimum Wage in our 2019 Budget proposals which we submitted to the National Assembly. Therefore, we will be able to meet the additional costs that will be incurred in moving up all personnel who are currently earning below the new minimum wage.

    “However, we anticipate that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law we will be going into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage. It is therefore important that we are properly prepared to meet these demands.

    “We must therefore look at ways of implementing these consequential wage adjustments in a manner that does not have adverse effects on our national development plans, as laid out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The ERGP sets appropriate targets for levels of Capital Expenditure, Public Debt, Inflation, Employment, etc.

    “It is absolutely important that the implementation of a new minimum wage does not adversely affect these targets, and thereby erode the envisaged gains for the workers.

    “It is against this background that I have set up a Technical Committee to advise Government on how best to fund, in a sustained manner, the additional costs that will arise from the implementation of the consequential increases in salaries and allowances for workers currently earning above the new minimum wage.” he said

    He said that the inaugurated technical committee will be chaired by an economist and financial expert, Mr. Bismarck Rewane with other experienced economists and administrators from the private sector working together with all the relevant officials of government.

    He enumerated the terms of reference for the committee to include develop, and advise government on how to successfully bring about a smooth implementation of impending wage increases and identify new revenue sources, and areas of existing expenditure from where some savings could be made in order to fund the wage increases without adversely impacting the nation’s development goals as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    Others are to “propose a work plan and modalities for the implementation of the salary increases, any other suggestions that will assist in the implementation of this, and future wage increases.

    “Given the urgency of this exercise, the Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations within one month today.

    “It is now my pleasure to formally inaugurate the Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of an Increase in the National Minimum Wage.”

    Others in the committee are former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Babatunde Fowler, ex-FIRS boss, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, Dr Ayo Teriba, Chief Executive Officer among other and Prof. Akpan Ekpo.

    Read Also: Ekiti governorship Tribunal adjourns indefinitely

    From the public sector are: Chairman FIRS, Dr Babatunde Fowler, Director General of Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, who is the secretary of the committee, representative of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Richard Egbule, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary General Service Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Olajide Odewale, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, and Solicitor General Of the Federation and Permanent Secretary ministry of Justice Mr. Dayo Apata.

    Others are Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, office of the Vice President, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic Policy Dr. Joseph Nnanna, Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, Director General Debt Management Officer, Ms. Patience Oniaga, Director General National Institute of Social and Economic Research, Dr. Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, Statistician General, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale, Mrs. Aisha Hamad, Mamman Garba and Tunde Lawal.

    The committee has a month to complete and submit its report.

    It also came about 24 hours after the government and organised Labour – agreed to forward the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly on or before January 23.

    The organised labour, had in December 2018, rejected any attempt by the Federal Government to set up another committee on the national minimum wage, describing any such plan as diversionary and delay tactics.

    President Buhari, had during the budget proposal presentation, promised a new minimum wage which he said will help maintain jobs for the teaming unemployed.

    He had also promised to set up a special committee to look into the current fiasco concerning the minimum wage and come up with ideas of reducing debt and yet, increasing the minimum wage.

    “We have included the implementation for the National Minimum Wage. I will be sending a Bill to this National Assembly, on this.

    “To avoid a system crisis on the Federal Government and states, it is important to device ways to ensure that its implementation does not lead to an increase in the level of borrowing.

    “I am accordingly setting up a high-powered technical committee to advice on ways of funding an increase in the minimum wage and attendant wage adjustments without having to resort to additional borrowing.

    “The work of the committee will be the basis of finance bill which will be submitted to the national assembly alongside the minimum wage bill.” he had stated

    The Amal Pepple National Minimum sage Committee submitted its report in November 6 2018.

  • Strengthen political institutions for stability, Buhari tells African leaders

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday called on African leaders to support processes that will ensure stronger political institutions across the continent.

    Only strong political institutions, he said, would guarantee stability, peace and economic progress.

    He spoke while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea, Siaka Cissoko, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said political reforms in African countries could only be sustainable when they reflect the will of the people and work towards improving their lives.

    “I congratulate your President for the progress he is making politically and economically in Guinea. Nigeria will be most willing to render support for your forthcoming elections, where it is needed,” he said.

    The President urged the ambassador to work towards improving the bilateral relations between both countries, with focus on exchange of ideas and manpower for the exploration of mineral resources in Guinea.

    “I believe we are cooperating well at the sub-regional and continental level for political stability. And I hope your country plans to develop its mineral resources in partnership with its neighbours. Nigeria already has lots of experience in gas exploration and pipeline construction, and we can support your government,” he added.

    The Ambassador, in his remarks, noted that President Alfa Conde is in full solidarity with President Buhari, who had been championing reforms in ECOWAS and the African Union (AU).

    “My President, your brother, has mandated me to convey  his greetings and similarly mandated me to strengthen the bilateral relations by pooling resources together for the development of our countries,” he said.

    Also receiving Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Nigeria, Dr. Wilfred Gisuka Machage, Buhari said he was happy with the political maturity that trailed the conclusion of the elections in the country.

    “I have written him formally to congratulate him for winning the elections. I am happy he has settled down to work,” the President noted.

    Machage assured the President that he would pursue the details of discussions and agreements between both countries, especially on promotion of agriculture.

    Also yesterday, Buhari congratulated the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Joanna Magdalena Tarnawska, while receiving her Letters of Credence.

    He urged her to work towards improving the close ties between both countries.

    The President, who visited Poland in December, said he was delighted with the outcome of COP24 in Katowice and recounted his visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, in Oswiecim, Poland.

    The Ambassador of Poland noted that she would prioritise on improving relations, particularly on trade and commerce and defence and security.

    “Mr. President, I am wishing you and the entire country peaceful elections, prosperity and stability,” she added.

  • Buhari mourns Shehu Azare

    President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of a famous Kano businessman, Alhaji Shehu Azare, as a great loss not only to the state, but to the country at large.

    In a condolence message to the governments and people of Kano and Bauchi States, the President said “his footprints on trade and commerce are indelible.”

    The late Azare, he said, was one of the oldest entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria “who achieved fame and fortune through sheer hard work and determination.”

    Read Also: Buhari seeks respect for democracy in Gabon

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President also noted that “businessmen of Azare’s generation and time believed in hard work and personal resourcefulness to make it rather than seeking shortcuts to prosperity through fraudulent activities.”

    According to President Buhari, “Azare should be a source of inspiration to anyone who believes in hard work and decent business conduct,” adding that “our modern day younger businessmen should imbibe his good virtues.”

    The President prayed Allah to repose the soul of Azare.

  • Buhari seeks respect for democracy in Gabon

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called for respect for democracy in the oil-rich west-central African nation of Gabon.

    He made the call following reports of attempted military takeover in the country.

    According to him, the era of coups in Africa is over.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said “The military officers in Gabon should understand that the era of military coups and governments in Africa and indeed worldwide, is long gone.

    “Democracy is supreme and the constitutional stipulations on the peaceful change of administration must be respected.

    Read Also: Buhari: Tinubu’ll be fully in charge of my campaign

    “That is the only way we can ensure peace and stability not only within the country but also in the region.” he said

    President Buhari, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, urged military officers with political ambitions to resign or face their constitutional role.

    He also enjoined the people of Gabon to remain on the side of peace, security, stability and democracy in their country.

  • Buhari: Tinubu’ll be fully in charge of my campaign

    FORMER Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday.

    The President said the designation of the APC chieftain as leader of his re-election campaign will allow him to concentrate on governance.

    “But, I must also add that though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer,” Buhari said while inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja yesterday.

    The President, who said that the ruling party is seeking a fresh mandate to consolidate its achievements, added that a victory for the APC translates to a victory for Nigerians.

    Listing the landmarks of the APC-led administration in the various sectors of the economy, Buhari said he was running on records.

    He reminded Nigerians of the consequences of endorsing those who plundered the nation’s commonwealth for 16 unbroken years. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ruled for 16 years before it lost power in 2015.

    Buhari said: “A victory for the party is a victory for all well-meaning Nigerians, who are committed to CHANGE from an inglorious past; where those in positions of public trust wilfully took for themselves what belongs to all; where the security of the citizens was second place to their acquisition of unwholesome wealth.”

    Besides, the President explained the role of Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi as the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council.

    He said: “To my mind, the division of responsibility is clear enough. The leadership that has formulated the campaign policy will supervise its execution; the Director-General will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the campaign, including field operations, while the Secretary will be responsible for all administrative and treasury-related activities of the council.”

    The President urged the council’s leadership, including those in charge of field operations and the secretariat, to consult with Tinubu whenever guidance is needed.

    He said: “Even though we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to tax us all, because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and he is going to be on 24-hour vigil.

    “That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table, and, I therefore, urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed.”

    The President implored the Council leaders to resist being provoked, remain focused and civil in the campaigns.

    “Let us engage our citizens on issues and ask for reflection on the comparative difference between 2015 and 2019 on security, economy and corruption and abuse by those entrusted with leadership in Nigeria”, he said.

    He acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of all stakeholders who have endeavoured to keep the ruling party united, and making the APC governance successful.

    The President said: “I urge members of this formidable team to always keep their eyes on the ball, which is the success of our party at the polls.

    “I wish to appeal to all members to be guided by the enduring vision behind the formation and sustenance of our party, which is anchored on sacrifice and imperative to salvage and stabilise our great and promising nation.”

    Buhari urged all members, especially those who are in the campaign council, to cooperate and ensure a smooth operation.

    Buhari said: “Needless to add, directorates could co-opt on full or part-time basis, persons who could add value to our campaign and help us to attain success.”

    The President congratulated all APC members seeking election and those who are running on other political platforms.

    He lauded the courage of others who participated in the APC primaries but did not get all they wanted, but chose to continue to work for a healthy political process.

    Buhari said: “I urge all those with any remaining reservations to recommit themselves to the central task of our victory in the elections and to the greater goal of uplifting this nation towards its manifest destiny.

    “Having waited for all the dust raised by the nomination exercise, and the carefully worked out reconciliation processes to ensure some measure of healing, we are better placed to put together an all-inclusive campaign council, that will effectively engage the entire voting public throughout the length and breadth of our federation, and deliver a resounding victory for us at the general elections.

    “This Presidential Campaign Council was constituted with a conscious determination to ensure inclusiveness and excellence, and is expected to conduct a campaign based on our modest achievements to turn around our beleaguered nation from insecurity, stagnation and massive abuse of scarce public resources.

    “Nigerians voted us into power in 2015 because they put trust and confidence that we will make a great difference. We are now building on the experience of our successful outing in the 2015 elections.

    “It is my hope that this wonderful team put together will anchor our campaigns to lead our party and its candidates to victory in the general elections in a few weeks’ time.”

    To the President, a victory for the APC is a victory for all well-meaning Nigerians, who are committed to CHANGE from an inglorious past; where those in positions of public trust willfully took for themselves what belongs to all; where the security of the citizens was second place to their acquisition of unwholesome wealth; where the economic growth was sacrificed for the fleeting ease of import dependency.

    According to him, his administration in the last three years and six months, has reversed the downward slide that the PDP took us in its 16 years of misrule.

    “We have restored the territorial integrity of our nation, thanks to our gallant men and women of our Armed Forces. We are systematically engaged in all the remaining corridors of insurgency, kidnappings, robberies, herdsmen and farmers clashes.

    Read also: Insecurity: Shettima in tears as Buhari, Borno elders meet in Abuja

    “We have reset our national values: corruption is no longer condoned and is no longer seen as normal for public office holders. The agencies of government are no longer equivocal in dealing with anyone who flouts our laws.

    “The high and low are receiving jail terms, loot is being recovered, and Nigerians are increasingly displaying the timeless values of honesty, honour and decency. I congratulate us all for making these changes possible.

    “Our economy has become a prudently managed enterprise. Our resources are now working for us, as we ensure the delivery of key national infrastructure, which were left unattended over these past years.

    “The direct impact of our policies on improvements in roads, railways, and power supply are evident. There is greater evidence of economic diversification seen in growing local production of agricultural produce and solid minerals.

    “Our government has succeeded in the last four years in halting national drift, removing the shadow of insecurity and fear dominating our life and reviving our economy from decline to stability and growth.

    “The macroeconomic health of our economy, indicated by several measurable factors, such as a stable exchange rate, lower inflation, growing foreign reserves, has been applauded by independent local and international rating agencies.”

    Noting that the quality of elections since 2015 has continued to improve with declining levels of problems that have defined elections in the past, he insisted that free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of political stability and peace in any nation.

    Buhari said:  ”We have insisted that votes must count and have maintained a policy of non-interference in elections. INEC has so far since 2015, conducted fair and credible elections in 195 constituencies nationwide, which have been attested nationwide to be qualitatively better than previous elections.

    “Let me reiterate my commitment to free and fair elections. If there is one legacy I want to leave, it is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair.

    “That means citizens have a right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation in any form. I have warned INEC and security agencies to that effect.

    “We will keep insisting that votes must count. Our campaigns will be anchored on our performance in the last four years. There is no doubt that our party has succeeded in taking Nigeria to a new level of enduring peace, economic growth, political stability, justice and progress.

    “This is the new level we are promising Nigerians, the details of which we will take to Nigerians as we embark on our campaigns.”

  • Insecurity: Shettima in tears as Buhari, Borno elders meet in Abuja

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with Borno State Governor Ibrahim Shettima and elders from the state at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

    But, Shettima could not hold back tears while speaking during the meeting over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in his state.

    He, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the President to restore normality to the state as he called for speedy action on the delegation’s request to end the crisis.

    Shettima said: “Borno State suffered its worst times between 2013 and 2014. In that period, Boko Haram abducted our children, attacked and took firm control of 20 of the 27 local government areas of Borno.

    “In these 20 local government areas, they established caliphates and put in place, sovereign administrators, who strictly enforced tax systems and violent laws. They abused our young daughters. They forced young men to join their fighters.

    “They turned old men and women into domestic slaves and they publicly executed parents in the presence of their own children and wives, for allegedly offending laws that are even alien to the religion of Islam. While administering our 20 local government areas, Boko Haram operated from council local secretariats in headquarters of local government areas and lived in palaces of traditional rulers, military barracks and police stations.

    “On the other hand, from 2015 to 2018, the Nigerian military, with you as Commander-in-Chief, was able to liberate the 20 local government areas hitherto under the Boko Haram.

    “The military even took control of Boko Haram’s main operational base in the Sambisa forest. With these successes, the Borno State Government was able to rebuild more than 30,000 homes in various communities with all public facilities restored.

    “With Mr. President’s leadership, many of our hitherto displaced brothers and sisters, including some of our traditional rulers, voluntarily returned to rebuild communities in 14 local government areas, including Bama. “

    The governor added: “Mr. President, I recollected all these for the sole purpose of establishing the irony in our visit today. As I explained, between 2013 and 2014, we witnessed the most daring and most vicious evil of the Boko Haram, losing 20 local government areas.

    “However, we rushed here because Boko Haram threatened to retake Kukawa. And Kukawa is just one of the 20 local government areas we had lost in the past, but which the military regained under your leadership.

    “Mr. President, the truth is that in the past, we were regarded as the problems rather than the victims. Government, elders and the people of Borno State were seen as undermining the war on Boko Haram. We were treated with suspicion.

    “Mr. President, from 2013 to date, more than 20,000 youth volunteers among them young women, have offered themselves in fighting Boko Haram under the Civilian JTF.  These youths are sons and daughters of the same people of Borno State that were accused of undermining the fight against Boko Haram.

    “From 2013 to date, our administration has been solely responsible for funding hundreds of successful operations carried out by the Civilian JTF. We have been responsible for their recruitment after thorough vetting by the DSS. We fund their training, kit them, provide them operational vehicles and maintain these vehicles.

    “They have done so much with our consistent support and we seriously have supported and continue to support all security agencies, particularly the military, yet, in previous years, we were termed enemies of the state.

    “Mr. President, sir, we are here because we knew you would warmly welcome us without any suspicion or contempt. We knew you would listen to us with absolute sincerity and compassion. We are here because since 2015, Mr. President, you were able to restore our hope.”

    The governor, thereafter, handed over the delegation’s request to the President.

    The meeting, which was initially open to reporters, later went into a closed door with lawmakers representing the three senatorial areas from the state, members of the House of Representatives, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, traditional and religious leaders in attendance.

    Buhari, however, reasserted his administration’s unwavering support to equip the military to overcome the insurgency in the Northeast.

    The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also told the delegation that the collective safety and security of civilians would continue to remain paramount in the administration’s strategy to restore peace and stability in the region.

    He said: ”Having been a former Governor in the Northeast, a GOC in the region and very familiar with the terrain, I assure you that as Commander-in-Chief, I’ll raise the standard of the Nigerian Armed Forces and get the resources to encourage them to do better than what they are doing.”

    The President told the delegation that he was impressed by their leadership roles and participation in helping the government deal with the insurgency in the Northeast.

    He hailed the contributions of the stakeholders from Borno State, particularly the need for more air support for troops on the ground and coordination among different security agencies.

    ”I am getting at least a weekly situation report from the services and of course from other sources. I encourage the commanders to remain committed,” he said.

    Buhari thanked Shettima for demonstrating leadership in the state during these difficult times.

    Other stakeholders from the state, who spoke at the meeting, included Bishop Mohammed Naga, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, Secretary, Borno Elders’ Forum, Maina Ma’aji Lawal, former governor, HRH Muhammad Masta II bn Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Emir of Dikwa, representing the Shehu of Borno, Senator representing Borno North, Abubakar Kyari and Senator Ali Ndume, Leader, Borno Caucus, National Assembly.

    Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Adviser (NSA), General Babagana Monguno, Director General of the Department of State Service(DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin were also in attendance.

  • Arewa community endorses Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Arewa community in Lagos State has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as their candidates for general elections.

    They promised to work for the victory of President Buhari, Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates, who are contesting in the February 16 and March 2 elections.

    Speaking at the Arewa Festival held at Agege Stadium in Lagos, the Arewa Lagos APC chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Dandamma, said they are supporting Buhari and Sanwo-Olu because they believe in them. They urged members of Arewa Community to vote massively for APC.

    The Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Kano State governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje on Lagos Affairs,  Anthony Oneye, said the community is united and will always speak with one voice.

    His words: “For the first time beyond politics, we want to unite all the groups under Arewa together and that was why we organised the festival. The Arewa want to unite the different groups in all the councils in the state so that they can be one voice instead of doing things differently. We have now come together and henceforth, we will start doing things together.”

    The Director of Ethnics Wings of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group, Wale Ogunlana,  commended the Arewa Community for throwing their support behind Buhari and Sanwo-Olu.

    He said: “Arewa themselves are saying Buhari as far as they are concerned has perform and they will be throwing their support behind him for 2019 elections,” he said.

    A member of the group, Ibrahim Balarabe Musa, urged governors to follow the Lagos State example of tolerance and cordial relationship  various ethic groups.

    He said: “If other governors can as well use Lagos example, the crisis of herdsmen and insurgency will come to an end. Because in Lagos, Hausa man is here to make money and most of the money they make here they are repatriating it to their own community to build the community.

    “So, as far as they are concerned, they are not interested in fighting. They are just here to trade and also marry. For some of our members, Lagos has become our first home; they don’t even remember their hometown again. So, if some states can follow Lagos example, there won’t be crisis anywhere.”

  • Buhari, Shettima, Borno elders meet in Aso Rock

     

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with the leaders and stakeholders from Borno State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The delegation was led by Governor Kashim Shettima.

    While speaking during the open session of the meeting, Shettima could not hold back tears over the current setback in the fight against insurgency in his state.

    He however noted that the leaders have not lost hope in the ability of the President to win the war and restore peace to the state.

    He told the President the leaders came to present a set of observations and specific requests from an extraordinary security meeting held a week ago in Borno State, which will require urgent presidential intervention.

    Shettima said: “Between 2013 and 2014, we witnessed the most daring and most vicious evil of the Boko Haram, losing 20 Local Government Areas.

    “However, we rushed here because of the recent upsurge in the activities of the demented monster called Boko Haram especially in northern Borno senatorial district.

    “We are here because since 2015, Mr. President, you were able to restore our hope.

    “Sir, you have demonstrated empathy for Borno and the overriding commitment to ending the Boko Haram. This is why we rushed here on witnessing some setbacks.

    “We are here because we thought that Allah will use you to fully reclaim Borno traditional glory of being the home of peace. We are here as a people who worked, prayed and waited for your Presidency in the firm and under the belief that with you as the Commander- in -Chief, Boko Haram will become history in Borno.

    “Mr. President, we have not, and Insha Allah, we will not lose hope in you because we have witnessed and survived worse moments before you came. We do not feel hopeless.

    “Our hopes are very much alive and they are very high.

    “We came with some observation and 10 requests for urgent presidential intervention.

    “These observations and requests are products of discussion in the aftermath of our extra-ordinary security meeting held one week ago.

    “We didn’t rush to come after the meeting. We felt the need to travel to northern Borno, interact with displaced persons and the military so as to strengthen public confidence.”

    Among those in the Council chamber were the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; the National security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and Chief of Defense Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin.

  • 2019: Tinubu won’t disappoint Buhari, says campaign group

    The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) on Monday supported the choice of national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as co-chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

    It said the former Lagos State governor will not disappoint the party and its standard bearer, President Muhammadu Buhari, in the polls judging by his tenacity and political structure.

    The President’s support group made its position known following media report of alleged rising discontent within the APC over the composition of its presidential campaign council inaugurated by President Buhari.

    The report alleged state governors and some prominent members of the party were not happy with the composition of the council because it is populated mainly by loyalists of Tinubu.

    But in a statement by its Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the BCO allayed such concerns.

    It noted if there was anything like that within the party, it shouldn’t be a source of worry.

    The group said there couldn’t have been a better choice for a head of the APC presidential campaign council for the forthcoming elections than Tinubu at a time the party is going into the general elections within a short period after undergoing a healing process spearheaded by Tinubu himself.

    Ibrahim said: “If there is party supremacy whereby directives of party leaders are being enforced today, it was the ‘Jagaban’ who sustained it.

    “By employing both partisan and non-partisan social forces, Tinubu was able to give validity and currency to party supremacy.

    “In President Buhari’s thinking when he designated him to lead the consultation, reconciliation and confidence-building efforts in the APC last year, only a person of Tinubu’s political stand can settle all the intra-party feuds in the APC the way he provided the critical supplement for APC’s victory in 2015.

    “And in earnest, the appointment of the former Lagos State governor to lead the APC reconciliation committee paid off.

    “We believe that he will repeat this same feat of keeping the party as one and how he led the party to win the 2015 polls by leading the APC to a resounding victory in the forthcoming elections in his capacity as co-chairman of the party’s campaign train.

    “Those who seem to be worried, going by reports, should relax their mind and give Tinubu the support he needs to actualise the party’s dream of emerging victorious in the 2019 polls”.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ASUU strike: Varsity teachers beg Buhari to show mercy

    The two months old industrial action embarked upon by the  Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday took a new twist as  the university teachers came down on bended kneels, begging President Muhammadu Buhari to show mercy on students by quickly meeting the demands of the Union.

    ASUU has been on strike since November 5, 2018.

    The Union said it has no intention whatsoever to disconnect the education sector, rather  it explained that the reason why they decided to embark on the strike is  to make the ruling class responsible for the future of Nigerian children.

    ASUU in a release signed by Dr Deji Omole, University of Ibadan Chairman, described the call by the Labour Minister, Chris Ngige on the Union to have Mercy on students and call off its strike “a merciless utterance”.

    According to Omole, the statement by the Minister exposed the ruling government as insincere and callous to the wellbeing of Nigerian students.

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    ASUU said since government was a continuum it was regrettable that Chris Ngige who is being paid salaries put in place by previous governments as a Minister will say previous governments caused the problem of the strike by signing 2009 agreements.

    The ASUU boss who noted that the present government has not shown mercy to Education and Health of the nation said the Union has a genuine concern to truncate the plans of the ruling capitalist to destroy the future of Nigerian youths by not funding Education.

    Education he maintained is an instrument of liberation which will stop many youths from joining kidnapping gangs, armed robbery, militancy and terrorism.

    He said “we are patriots otherwise we would not go on strike. We would have been looking and allow everything to be destroyed. But we cannot allow our future (children) to be taught in zoo-like conditions.

    “This kind of education system cannot give us a leader who will be kind to others if we are not kind to them by giving them the best environment to learn from. Nigerians should join us to beg President Buhari to meet our demands on time “.