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Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari, Jonathan, others pay tribute to Shagari in Sokoto

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor Dr. Goodluck Jonathan were among the army of dignitaries who were in Sokoto yesterday to commiserate with the family of former Second Republic President Shehu Shagari.

    Alhaji Shagari, who passed away on Friday at the National Hospital in Abuja, will be immortalised in due course, President Buhari said.

    Dr. Jonathan was accompanied by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the presidential running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi and other PDP chieftains.

    The planned immortalisation of the late president was conveyed in a letter routed through Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the family.

    The letter, read by the governor during the visit, stated: “I received the very sad news of the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “This, indeed, is a grievous loss, which will be felt throughout Nigeria, irrespective of any difference. The late Alhaji Shagari was a landmark figure being virtually our last link to the post-independence government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the first elected Executive President of Nigeria.

    “Please convey to his immediate family, the government and the people of Sokoto State my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of this great statesman.

    “The Federal Government will in due course institute a suitable memorial to the late former President.

    “May his soul rest in peace.”

    President Buhari was received in Sokoto at the airport by Tambuwal and his Kebbi State counterpart Abubakar Bagudu as well as Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and other APC leaders in the state.

    He was at the Sama Road Sokoto residence of the deceased to commiserate with family members, led by the late Shagari’s eldest and district head of Shagari, Alhaji Bala Shagari, former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, former Transport Minister Yusuf Sulaiman and traditional rulers among others.

    However, the President was ushered into the sitting room of the late President where he condoled with the family members, including the deceased widows.

    Buhari described the late President as a “Landmark figure”, being virtually our last link with the first independent government and the first executive elected President of Nigeria.

    “Please convey to his immediate family, the people and the government of Sokoto State our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of this great nationalist.

    “The Federal Government will in due course institute a suitable memorial to the late former President. Please accept our conferences.”

    Responding, eldest son of the late former President, Bala Shagari, thanked President Buhari for the visit despite his tight schedule.

    Tambuwal commended the President for the condolence visit. In the same vein, special prayer was offered for the repose of the soul of the late President by Prof Shehu Galadanci.

    Galadanci also prayed Allah to grant President Buhari more wisdom and strength in order to continue with the good work he has started.

    Jonathan said the late Alhaji Shagari played a key role in the development of Nigeria and the democratic system.

    He said: “A unique habit of the late former President, which only those who interacted with him will tell is, he was a very simple and humble man in spite of the various positions he held.

    “He possessed a very clean and good heart which he showed clearly in his life time thorough various engagements and activities.

    “We are mourning today however, we are still happy because it is not easy to reach the age of 93.

    “I believe he has done all the works Allah has asked him to do on earth.”

    The former president urged family members of the deceased to be happy because their father impacted on all Nigerians.

    Obi, who represented the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians to emulate the lifestyle of the late former president for the betterment of the country.

    The late Shagari’s eldest son thanked Dr. Jonathan for the visit, recalling the concern and solidarity shown by the former president when their father was ill.

    The governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Zamfara State, Sen. Sa’idu Dansadau, also described Shagari’s death as a great loss to the country, Africa and the whole world at large.

    Visitors who thronged the residence of the former President included a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, among others.

  • Buhari to troops in Northeast: remain resolute

    President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the Nigerian Armed Forces for not letting the country down in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.

    The President, who also lauded the roles of the police in Operation Lafiya Dole in the region, urged the Armed Forces to remain resolute and sustain the gains so far recorded in degrading the insurgents.

    The President’s message was carried to the troops at the war front by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, when he visited them at the weekend.

    A statement by the spokesman of the Army, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, also quoted the CDS as promising a special token of allowance to the frontline troops.

    Usman said the CDS “visited Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where he praised the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for holding on to our territory and maintaining its integrity.”

    The Army spokesman said the DCS expressed satisfaction with the conduct of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He added: “He equally conveyed Mr President’s, the Commander-in-Chief’s special appreciation to the troops comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the police components of Operation Lafiya Dole and urged them to remain and sustain the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

    “He further promised special token to all the troops. He also wished them a prosperous New Year in 2019.”

    Also, the spokesman of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, alleged that some people were trying to create unnecessary panic in Borno State by instigating residents of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to abandon their communities and go to Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camps.

    He said their motive was to create a sense of fear, panic and insecurity.

    Nwachukwu urged the people to ignore such calls and remain calm.

    In a statement he said: “It has been observed that some unscrupulous individuals with likely sinister motives within and outside Borno State are trying to create panic and unnecessary humanitarian problems for undisclosed reasons. It has come to our attention that these people are plotting to instigate residents of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno communities to abandon their communities and relocate to Internally Displaced Persons’# (IDPs’) camps for undisclosed reasons.

    “The residents of these towns and the public are urged to discountenance such calls and remain calm. The theatre command of Operation Lafiya Dole and other security agencies will shed more light on the issue in a security council meeting with the Borno State government, scheduled to hold on December 31 (today).

    “We would like to further state that there is no basis for the people of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to vacate their communities. However, Operation Lafiya Dole troops, in conjunction with the Borno State government, are working towards relocating the residents of Baga to safer locations in view of the ongoing military operations in the area.

    “Members of the public are advised to remain calm as the military is in firm control to guarantee their safety and security. We would like to warn that any attempt to cause further panic through this false alarm would be viewed very seriously.”

  • Buhari directs flags to fly at half-mast for Shagari

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari last night directed that the national flag and other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military formations as well as public buildings in the country for three days from today in honour of the Second Republic late President Shehu Shagari.

    Shagari died on Friday aged 93.

    He was buried yesterday in his home town of Shagari in Sokoto State.

    Buhari, in a statement he personally signed said: “The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.

    “The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.

    “Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has declared tomorrow, Monday, a public holiday to enable residents offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of Shagari.

  • Buhari, Fashola, Ngige storm Anambra as Obiano hosts festival

    All is set for the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari in Achina, Anambra State tomorrow for the triennial Idegwu festival. To accompany him are the Ministers of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and that of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige.  The host  is Governor Willie Obiano, while former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Ebitu Ukiwe is the special guest of honour.

    In preparation, Igwe Godwin Nnaemeka Obiora of Achina held the community’s ofala festival on Saturday. Speaking with reporters yesterday at the Achina Idegwu Day celebration, the Chairman of the organising committee, Nze Modestus Umenzekwe, said it was all about celebrating the community’s heritage and history. He said there is no fetish act attached to the festival, aside celebrating the birth of Achina, which was bequeathed to them by their fore fathers.

    Special Assistant to Obiano on Political Matters, Anayo Okpalaeke, told reporters  the’ iti omu’ and ofala before the event on Friday and Saturday respectively,  were to herald the Achina Idegwu festival.

  • Shagari: Buhari directs flags to fly at half-mast for 3 days

    President Muhammadu Buhari has once paid tribute to the late President Shehu Shagari and directed that the national flag and other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military formations as well as public buildings for three days, starting from Dec. 30.

    In a statement personally signed by him, Buhari declared: “The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.

    “The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.

    “Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State had declared Monday, Dec. 31 a public holiday to enable residents offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of Shagari, who died at the age of 93 and has since been buried in his home town according to Islamic rites. (NAN)

  • BUHARI: We’ll go tougher on corruption from 2019

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari vowed yesterday to go tougher on corruption if he is re-elected in the February 16,2019 election.

    uhari ,speaking at the flag off of his presidential campaign in Uyo,Akwa Ibom State, said that with him remaining in power ,the era of handouts for people who are not ready to work,is over.

    National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said Buhari’s integrity has earned him global respect across the world leaders others who can’t enter the United States of America,in an apparent broadside at the pres idential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Also speaking at the rally,National leader of the APC,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said Nigerians should not make the mistake of  allowing PDP back into power. “Vote for your future and not that of corruption.They took 16 years and gave 16 years of darkness, if only they concentrated on one item like power, Nigeria would have not been in this mess. We are not bringing you (PDP) back,” he said. Buhari told the mammoth crowd at the Uyo Stadium that Nigerians would not regret voting for him if he wins the coming election He said that  not only would he secure Nigeria,he would also “ stop corruption.” He added:” So, you better stay and work for a living because there is no more handouts.”

    He said his focus would continue to be on  security, economy and the fight against  corruption. His words: “I like those who are challenging us at any level, and at any constituency to doubt our contributions towards our undertaking. “Firstly, the civil war in the North East has been really won in the sense that when we came, they were holding, I mean Boko Haram, about 17 local government areas in Borno and Yobe states. They are not holding physically any local government areas now. “They have resorted to  indoctrinating young men and women, especially girls, dress them up in explosives and explode themselves in churches, mosques, market places and motor parks. I assure you that eventually, we are going to clear them off from our country. “The second thing is about economy.

    Our population is over 60 per cent of young men that is 30 years and below. Our main problem is employment. We are very lucky, the two previous rainy seasons were good, and we’ve virtually achieved food security. We don’t import  rice now. We are encouraging our farmers and we’ve regained food security.

    “When I was around in uniform and much younger, I arrested former  president, vice president, the governors, the ministers and told them that you are guilty until they can prove themselves innocent.

    “I myself was arrested and detained. So, when I came in  agbada, I decided to follow what this system accepts and that those who are corrupt, should be investigated and prosecuted.

    “We are doing that and we will not stop. I assure you, we have collected properties , we’ve collected cash.  We have established a single treasury account to put money that are accruing to the government into one account which can be traced and accounted for.

    “Nigerians will be informed from time to time on the money we’ve recovered, and from who and how we are going to use to develop this country.

    “ I assure you, in 2019, trust in us, we are going to secure this country. We are going to stop corruption. So, you better stay and work for a living because there is no more handouts. I thank you very much for organizing this.

    “I assure you no Nigerian will regret voting us into office and we will continue to improve the situation-security, economy and fighting corruption.”

    Candidates’ character, a strong  factor in 2019 elections, says  Oshiomole

    Comrade Oshiomhole said at the rally that Buhari stands head and shoulder above on the strength of his  impeccable integrity.

    He called the President  “the one that is celebrated by fellow world leaders, the president who can go to America, and can stand with ex-President Obama and President Trump; not those who can’t get visa outside Nigeria. The one and only President Mohammadu Buhari.”

    The taunt  was perceived as a  veiled reference  to the protracted issue of a US visa for Atiku.

    He said: “The only thing to speak on today before I perform my simple task is to say that this coming election, one of the issues that would form the basis of our campaign is the issue of character.

    “And I noticed over the past 48 hours the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, they’ve decided to look for mud, wherever they could find, to throw at your person.

    “The more they do it, the more the people laugh at them.

    “Mr. President Nigerians know who you are, the world knows who you are; but Nigeria also knows who you  are.

    “I am happy that the PDP candidate cannot speak in certain parts of the world and there is nowhere you will go where you cannot speak.”

    He also spoke on the statement by Atiku that he would sell some stakes in the NNPC with a view to getting money to fund Nigeria’s development projects.

    He said: “the PDP candidate has already put Nigeria on notice that he is going to sell NNPC. Are we ready to sell NNPC?  I believe the people of the South South where most of the oil is produced will not support  a government whose policy is to privatise and take over our oil resources as the PDP candidate has promised. “

    Why Buhari deserves to be re-elected -Tinubu

    In his remarks, APC’ National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is also the co-Chairman of APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections emphasized that the struggle of the party’s leaders is solely for the future of the nation.

    “We came in 2015, we assured the nation and Nigeria was yearning for change – change from ineptitude, change from corruption, change from laziness, change from importation, change with a great meaning for development and diversification of the economy.

    “I read their response to the last budget presented by this government and I could see several missteps; it was shallow, full of contradictions and is nothing that Nigeria should hope for.

    “For the sake of this country, we will re-elect Muhammadu Buhari;, we will re-elect an APC government that will give you hope, give you a diversified economy.

    “Akwa Ibom, you are one of the largest producers of petroleum but we can support you on the renaissance and renewal of your infrastructural development.

    “Sixteen years of miserable economy, corruptive economy, corrosive economy of PDP will never come back to this country.

    “We are strongly determined to positively change the goals of governance and that is what Muhammadu Buhari is all about and that is what APC is determined to do.

    “To bring that hope, strong determination, we are building on a new foundation and that foundation is for you – the youth, the elderly and small children; focus on a future and not on corruption.

    “They gave 16 years and gave you 16 years of darkness; if only they had concentrated on one item only – electricity – without which there can be no industrialization, without which there can be no development, we would have been better.

    “And yet because we started and began cleaning the stables, they say they want to come back.

    “No! We are not bringing you back; no backward move in our gear, no backward move for Akwa Ibom, no backward movement for Nigeria; forward-marching is progress, it is development , it is diversity in economic prosperity.

    “We will work with you to build a Nigeria that you can rely upon and not corrupt; as you heard from President Buhari, corruption is the greatest enemy of development in this country.

    “We will continue to fight it together, we will continue to renew the hope of Nigerians and build a greater nation.”

    Amaechi:PDP can’t be trusted with power again

    Earlier, the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee,Mr. Chibuike Amaechi said the Buhari administration would not deviate from its focus on rebuilding the economy,providing security and fighting corruption.

    He said: “We promised just three things – we promised to rescue the economy, we promised to enhance security and we promised to fight corruption, those were just the three things that we promised; anybody who says that we promised that one Naira will be one dollar is a magician, anybody who said we promised that fuel prices will fall must also be a magician.

    “We are not voodoo economists, we were very clear about what was to be done; we got in and saw the challenges, we never knew they had stolen all the money.

    “The World Bank said we would not come out of the recession in three years but we came out of the recession in ten months,” he said adding that the government is also fighting corruption.

    “If you vote for the other party, let me tell you, they will be too busy stealing money that by the time Nigerians realize it, we would be back to a recession,” Amaechi stated while urging Nigerians to join hands with APC in ensuring that PDP does not return to power again.

    In his own speech, former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Obong Godswill Akpabio who was described as “an uncommon defector” noted that the 2019 election would present a great contrast between President Buhari’s integrity and what others are offering the nation.

    Oshiomhole later presented the APC flag to the party’s governorship candidates in the South South.

    They are  Mr Nsima Ekere, Akwa Ibom; Sen. John Enoh (Cross River); Chief  Great Ogboru (Delta);and Mr Tonye Cole ( Rivers State).

  • Buhari won’t abandon Nigerians, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Buhari administration is for all Nigerians, despite social class and status, and remains committed to improving their welfare so they can lead better lives.

    Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday during the Family Chats where he visited the Sanwo Olatunji-David family at  Games Village and interacted with Nigerians in New Kuchingoro Village and the Wuse II Neighbourhood Centre, all in the FCT, Abuja.

    The Olatunji-David family runs a foundation called Life Builders Initiative for Education and Societal Integration, which runs a free education project called school without walls.

    During the visit, the Vice President, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said that the Buhari administration remains focused on improving the lives of Nigerians.

    He highlighted the administration’s social investment schemes, including the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme which currently provides a free, nutritious meal daily to over 9 million pupils in 26 states.

    Shortly after interacting with the Olatunji-David family at Games Village, Prof. Osinbajo proceeded to the neighborhood park where he bought some local meat delicacy popularly known as Suya and interacted with some residents of the area.

    “You’re the best Vice President,” excited Nigerians in the neighbourhood park said delightedly as he interacted with them.

    At New Kuchingoro Village, near Games Village, the Vice President was also welcomed amidst singing and dancing by the residents.

    Through an interpreter, Prof. Osinbajo assured the people there of the Federal Government’s commitment to address the challenges confronting them, adding that the Buhari administration remains committed to their welfare and that of all Nigerians.

    “I want you to understand that this government is for you and will not abandon you. We will support you so you can live better lives by doing something for yourselves. That is what I can assure that we will do,” the Vice President said.

    The VP added: “I have been informed of your challenges and I can assure you that the government of President Buhari has programmes that will address some of your immediate needs.

    “Those of you who are into farming, we are going to support you with the necessary things that will make you less dependent – to feed yourselves, cloth yourselves and send your children to school. Those who want to trade, we are going to assist you through the TraderMoni scheme.”

    Citing the introduction of the N-power programme and the tech hubs initiatives, Prof. Osinbajo said Nigeria’s youths would be better placed if they leveraged on opportunities provided through the administration’s technology initiatives and the economic empowerment schemes.

    Read also: Much ado about Osinbajo’s pitch

    While interacting with Nigerians at different points in the neighbourhoods he visited, and engaging them on issues, Prof. Osinbajo assured them of the Buhari government’s commitment to address the needs of all Nigerians, especially the poor.

    During the visits, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that the Buhari government was committed to ensuring that young people were empowered through the various initiatives introduced by the government since 2015.

    At Wuse II Neighbourhood Centre, the Vice President visited Luxor Barber’s shop and interacted with customers and staff. Excited Nigerians in the neighbourhood also thronged the vicinity to take photographs with the Vice President, amidst cheers from the crowd.

    It would be recalled that last week Sunday, the Vice President had visited the leader of the Hausa community in Agege, Lagos, Alhaji Musa Muhammed Dogonkadai.

    Similarly, on the Christmas Eve, the Vice President continued the Family Chats in Wuse and Garki, Abuja, where he visited the families of Col. Ahmed Zubair (rtd) and Mr. Abdulwaheed Yusuf.

    At the Family Chats, the Vice President meets with Nigerians in their homes and neighbourhoods, engaging them on issues and the Next Level plan of the Buhari administration.

  • 2019: Buhari, Tinubu chair APC Presidential Campaign Council

    President Muhammadu Buhari is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for next year’s elections, according to the membership list released yesterday.

    APC chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is the Co-Chairman of the campaign team while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, are deputy chairmen.

    Others on the list signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, are: Senator George Akume, Vice Chairman North; Senator Ken Nnamani, Vice Chairman South; Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Director General of the Council; Dr. Adeleke Mamora, Deputy Director General (Operations); Arch. Waziri Bulama, Deputy Director General (Coordination).

    The Secretaries of the Council are Adamu Adamu and Dele Alake.

    The Zonal Directors are Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko (North West); Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume (North East); Senator Abdullahi Adamu (North Central); Sola Oke (South West); Sharon Ikeazor (South East) and Senator Godswill Akpabio (South South).

    Other members are Dr. Mahmoud Mohammed, Director, Buhari Support Groups; Festus Keyamo, Director, Strategic Communications; Abike Dabiri- Erewa, Deputy Director; Hadiza Bala Usman, Director, Contact & Mobilization; Victor Eboigre, Deputy Director South; Bashir Nalado, Deputy Director North; Babatunde Raji Fashola, Director Election Planning & Monitoring; Baba Kura Abba Jato, Deputy Director I; Chief Emani Ayiri, Deputy Director II; Dr. Pius Odubu, Director, Logistics; Senator Umanah Umanah, Deputy Director; Nasiru Danu, Deputy Director II; Prof Abdulrahman Oba, Director, Policy Research & Strategy; Prof. A.K. Usman, Deputy Director; Tony Nwoye, Director, Youth Mobilization, to be assisted by the APC Youth Leader, Sadiq; Barrister Ismael Ahmed, Deputy Director North; Jasper Azuatalam, Deputy Director South; Onari Brown, Director, Admin; Chris Hassan, Deputy Director I and Abubakar Magaji Gasau, Deputy Director II.

    Also on the list are Salamatu Baiwa, Director, Women Mobilization-Woman Leader; Binta Mu’azu, Deputy Director, North; Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Director South; Gen. Abdurahman Dambazzau, Director Security; Brig-Gen Gambo, Deputy Director; Mr. U. Ukoma, Deputy Director; Emeka Ngige, Director Legal; Prof Maman Lawan Yusufari, Deputy Director; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Director Field Operations; Mr. Wale Edun, Director Finance and Alhaji Adamu Fadan, Deputy Director.

    Adesina also announced the constitution of a Special Advisory Committee (SAC) to the President.

    The members of SAC include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan; House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila; APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Femi Otedola.

    Others are Chief Bisi Akande, Chief John Oyegun, Senator Ita Enang, all APC serving senators, all APC serving and former governors, all APC members of the House of Representatives, all members of the National Working Committee of the APC and all Zonal Women Leaders

    The State Coordinators include governors, who are to serve as State Coordinators in their respective states, while governorship candidates in non-APC states will serve as State Coordinators in their respective states.

  • Buhari, Osoba, Dapo Abiodun meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed doors with former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Also at the meeting was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mr. Dapo Abiodun.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Osoba said that one of the reasons for his visit to the Villa was to present the APC candidate to the President.

    He said: “First of all, I want to wish the President a successful election. 2019 will by the grace of God be a defining year for the President.

    “Secondly, we have come to present our candidate in Ogun state; the candidate of the president; the candidate of APC.

    “And the President has raised his hand and told the world that his candidate in Ogun State is Prince Dapo Abiodun and that he has no other candidate. His party in Ogun State is APC. He has no other party in Nigeria other than APC.

    “He has assured us that he will personally come to Ogun State to formally present Prince Dapo Abiodun as his candidate, and he assured us that he is clearing the air of any ambiguity whatsoever, of any name dropping, any blackmail, any misinformation that anybody may be peddling; that in all elections throughout Nigeria, not just in Ogun State, people must vote for APC and no other party.

    “That is the message that the President gave to us this morning, and I also seized the opportunity to present my autobiography, which I am going to launch when the President gives me a date.

    “Because in this book, I reminded him of the letter he wrote to me on June 12, 1984 when he appointed me as the Managing Director of the Daily Times. He laughed and he was happy to see the memory and that he has always known me to be a man with an elephantine brain.

    “So I presented the book to him, and in the book, I showed the judgment in 2003 when he won the election in Ogun State even when he was not the president.

    “So we assured him that if he could defeat an incumbent president in 2003 in Ogun State… a judgment was given where they said the election in Ogun State was fraudulent and was nullified by the tribunal.

    “So I said if he could win in 2003 and defeated an incumbent president, he will win in 2019 by the grace of God.”

    On his part, Dapo Abiodun thanked President Buhari for clearing the air and re-affirming that he (Buhari) is the APC candidate for President and he (Abiodun) is the APC governorship candidate in Ogun State.

    He said: “Naturally, APC is his party and there is no other candidate in Ogun State except me.

    “I think that affirmation could not have come at a better time when there is a lot of ambiguity, when people have attempted falsehood and other kinds of misinformation.

    “So I am very elated, very reassured that the President has stood by the party and stood by me, and I believe that this matter will finally be put to rest and all those that are trying to gain by using the President’s picture on their posters, on their vehicles will finally begin to remove it, because it is actually illegal for you to be putting the presidential candidate of one party on the face of the poster of another party.

    “It is an attempt to confuse and misinform the public. I believe that after today, that will be put to rest and everybody will know that in Ogun State, the only party to vote for is APC from the presidential election, to gubernatorial, to senatorial to House of Reps and the House of Assembly.”

  • 2018: The year of the tribalism, Buhari and Trump

    Xenophobia  is the fear of   strangers  and ethnocentricism is the belief  that one’s culture  is the best.  2018,  outgoing as it is,  was   the year that  these two  concepts were  stretched  to their limit amongst  nations of the world, on the  issues  of  security  and migration. The  influx  of migrants especially  from the Middle East into Europe  tested greatly  the  concepts   of  charity and love for  your neighbor,  which  is the guiding principle  of  Europe  which  boasts  of being Christian and  historically   merciful  to those fleeing war.  Italy, the   host   of the Vatican and Roman  Catholicism, literally  closed its borders   to migrants   and elected a government that campaigned   and won  on refusing  to  allow  access to migrants facing death on the Mediterranean   while   entering Europe. Italy  suddenly   realized that  Italy  is  for  Italians.  So  did Hungary, Poland, Czech  Republic and Slovakia. In  the EU   nations ,  the fear and hatred  of  migrants and strangers  reached its zenith in 2018.

    In  Nigeria, a presidential  candidate  picked an  Igbo  man to be his running mate and the entire Igbo nation in 2018  pledged  their  total  support  for the PDP  in the 2019  elections. In  similar  fashion a governor of the ruling party in Nigeria called  on  the Yoruba race to reward the  Buhari   government  with reelection  because it has given  choice positions to the Yorubas in his government that came to power in 2015. The  Vice  President backed   this up   by  asking the Yorubas  to vote  for Buhari in 2019  so as to brighten their  chances  of claiming or clinching the presidency  in 2023.

    Even  in Britain , Nigeria’s  former colonial  overseer,   the Queen , Elizabeth 11, in her Xmas  message   while extolling the benefit  of wisdom, noted that the bane of  our time,   taxing  the wise  principles of  faith, family, and friendship in a paradoxical  world of good and evil, is the emergence  of  the tribe. It  is the use of the word tribe on an issue  that Europeans  normally call Nationalism, or  Populism,  by  the   Queen  that caught  my attention in that royal speech. The  word  tribe is normally  used by the colonialists  to characterize the  different  and various  ethnic   groups  they  bandied together to  form  nation  states   in  a tension soaked existence   that  lacked trust  and  mutual  understanding  and  has led  to the political   instability  that was  the flagship  of post  independent developing nations  that  emerged from the colonial  era globally.  That  was why  the Great   Awo  was  able to  point  out that the word  Nigeria  was   ‘a mere  geographical   expression’ .  So  what  prompted  the normally benignly  quiet  British  monarch   to use  the word tribe in   a manner   deploring Nationalism  which  has reached its  peak  in   Europe   in  2018?

    It  is my view  that the confusion of Brexit,  itself  a product  of  Xenophobia,  and   doubt on how to implement it might  be a factor. But  I  think  the use of tribe to deplore resentment of strangers  inherent  in Brexit  as well  as the suffocating effect  of  US  President Donald  Trump’s  America First policy   on Europe, and reflected in the  Brexit vote,  could  have made the Queen  to  use  the  word tribe. And  that  usage,   because  of  Trump  makes  the word  tribe  perjorative   as used   by  the Queen  but  all  the same with  that same   hostile   meaning of nationalism  and fear  of strangers  in  2018, especially migrants, in the EU  and Britain.

    What  I  am  getting at  today is to  make  the choice  of   a Man  of the Year 2018   and from  my  musings  so  far   I think  it is clear  where  I am  heading.  Since  the Man  of the Year  according to Time Magazine’s   globally   accepted   benchmark   is someone who  has dominated  world events for  good  or bad,   I will  pick a global   one   and  a Nigerian  Man  of the Year and top this up with  an  Idea  that  has affected the world most, also  for good  or bad.  Consequently  my   Nigerian Man  of the year   is the Nigerian President Muhammadu  Buhari. My global  Man of the Year  is US President  Donald Trump and my  Idea of the Year  is Tribe, or  Tribalism  in Nigeria or  Nationalism in Europe as discussed  before,    as they are  both   different   sides   of the same  coin, in my  view.

    President  Muhammadu Buhari has influenced Nigeria, for good or bad  more than any living Nigerian in 2018. This  is inspite of his illness  from which he has obviously  recuperated and despite  the fake news that he  has been cloned.  As President  I hold him responsible  for the insecurity nationwide especially  in the North East  where Boko  Haram  still  holds  sway  even  though he said some time that they  have been reduced to guerrilla  tactics. Yet  Boko  Haram  still  attacks barracks with impunity  according to news  reports and the  Shehu  of Borno  corroborated this by telling the President on a visit that  the  terrorists   are still  active  and  murderous  and kidnap  citizens  in his domain at will.  The  president  must  account  for why perennial  power  supply  still  persists  inspite of the best effort  of his Minister  who  is fighting tooth and nail to redress the issue.  Also  the issue  of the clashes between  the farmers  and the herdsmen remain largely  unresolved   with  the herdsmen  and their spokesmen behaving and talking  as if they  are above the law.

    On  the good side I commend  the President  for  his equanimity in the face of provocation by  his detractors on his  mortality  and the insult  of the National Assembly when  he went to present his budget.   I  note  very  warmly his persistence  on the war  against  corruption and his unwavering        support for  his two  ant corruption czars  in the EFCC    and  the Nigerian  Police especially on the refusal  of the  Senate  to have these  two  gentlemen confirmed in their   positions.  I commend his  tolerance  and unusual  understanding  on  the criticism of his wife on his appointees  and the hijack of his government by alleged two or three members of a cabal and urge him  to act on his wife’s  observations as charity begins  at home.  He  has certainly  kept  Nigeria at  optimal  capacity  in terms of  political   stability and  food  security   and  on that note alone he deserves reelection for his accommodation  and understanding  of the  diversity  and complexity  of the Nigerian nation, which  he  should  reflect  in his choice  of Service  Chiefs if not now but certainly  in his next  dispensation after  reelection.

    The  choice  of  President  Donald  Trump  as global  Man of the  Year   was an easy  one for  me perhaps  because  I am  not an American or an American  educated Nigerian, most of who don’t  want to hear anything good  about Trump. As a student of global  politics I hold  him   in  constant focus  for many reasons. In  2018 he  changed world  politics, diplomacy in a U turn  manner  that is unbelievable. He  launched  a trade  war that single  handedly brought  globalization to  a stop as without the US there is no  free  trade or such  agreements as  the established ones in Asia  or North America.  He  had  a meeting with the N Korean  leader  and made the unification of the Koreas  a possibility. He  ordered his troops out of Syria  from where  the influx of migrants is threatening the stability  of the EU and went  to visit his troops   with  his wife at  Xmas  to boost  morale in Iraq  with  his wife. He  has boldly said  he is ready  for the Democrats  who  have more seats  in the House  of  Representatives  from the November 2016 Mid  Term  elections. He  has used twitter to fight  both opponents and allies  alike  and has made Isolationism US foreign  policy in 2018. Definitely  in 2018 American President  Donald  Trump  has done more  than  any leader to influence world events for good or bad in 2018. Once again  long live the Federal  Republic  of  Nigeria.