The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari group flays Atiku for lacking economic knowledge

    THE Buhari Media Organisation (BMO)  yesterday took a swipe at of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his comment on the 2019 budget proposal, saying his comments have proven that his knowledge of economic principles is questionable.

    The former vice president had given six reasons why he believed that the 2019 budget won’t work and concluded that Nigeria had not exited recession.

    BMO Chairman Niyi Akinsuju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke said in a statement that the comment personally signed by Atiku was most uncharitable and unbecoming of a man seeking to lead the country.

    “How could a man described as one with economic know-how say a country whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 1.81 % in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 1.17 % the previous year had not exited recession?

    “Even his statement that indicated that there was a 1.5% growth in the second quarter of 2018 is a clear pointer to a sure and steady growth backed by a non-oil GDP growth of 2.01% in the same quarter as a result of the current administration’s faithful implementation of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

    “In addition we have had three budget cycles since 2015 that have spurred massive infrastructural growth with 1,531 kilometres of roads constructed and 1,008 kilometres rehabilitated across the country as well as massive railway construction, yet the PDP presidential candidate wants Nigerians to believe that the 2019 budget proposal and the previous ones were bad.

    “We make bold to say that contrary to Atiku’s position, the budget will build on the sure and steady progress the country has witnessed in so many facets of life and attain the 2019 projection of 3.01% growth.

    It  urged Nigerians to disregard the PDP Presidential candidate’s stance on the 2019 budget as part of the tissue of lies the party has been dishing out in recent times to discredit President Buhari and his administration.

    The BMO also asked the PDP and its presidential campaign spokesperson, Buba Galadima, to have a clear understanding of the laws guiding campaign funding before making public statement on contribution to President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign.

    The organisation lampooned Galadima for displaying ignorance and expressing frustration over the donation of about N1.2 billion by farmers to the campaign.

    Galadima called for Buhari’s disqualification for receiving such huge donation towards his campaign, saying such donations contravenes the provision of the Electoral Act.

    But, the BMO said Galadima is uninformed about the tenets of the Electoral Act, which is why he is finding fault with N100 individual donation of members of an association to the President’s campaign.

    “The association of farmers and fertiliser producers are not corporate entities and neither are they registered corporations, and certainly not captured in the Electoral Act. So for Galadima, a supposedly educated person and politician to ask for disqualification of president Buhari on the basis of their donation, is engagement in petty talks,” the group said.

  • FG, please diversify our economy now

    SIR: Nigeria’s economy, for decades, has been monolithic, solely depending on the enormous foreign exchange tapped from crude oil sales. No prize for guessing, but the sordid narrative of a nation just relying on a single product for revenue, may perhaps, be one of the reasons why the Buhari-led administration trumpeted diversification as an economic agenda.

    The fact that Nigeria’s entertainment industry, according to recent study, will contribute to the economy at least $1 billion USD by the end of 2020, indicates that the fun-giving, stress-relieving and make-belief industry is a goldmine.

    It is gladdening to hear that the federal government has put in place in place measures and sincerely considering ways to harness the potential of non-oil sectors to diversify the nation’s hemorrhagic economy. Therefore, there is need for federal government to look into the direction of agriculture and creative industry for practicable solution to the aforementioned regards. This is due to the fact that they both possess solid capacity to create massive jobs for our teeming unemployed.

    Underscoring the importance of the entertainment sector to national cum economic growth, the information and culture minister, at the re-launch of the Dome, a first class recreational and entertainment facility in Abuja, said that the Nigerian government strongly believes that the non-oil sector is where Nigeria’s future lies.

    ‘’Investment like the Dome, is what Nigeria needs to push for similar status with Dubai, which despite being an oil-producing nation, makes only 20 percent revenue from oil. They have diversified their economy by harnessing the potential of the tourism sector’’, he said.

    We can only hope that viable programmes will be launched—regarding the above—by the federal governent to show that their much-touted diversification agenda is not a mere political or campaign rhetoric. But of course, time is of paramount significance. Thus, diversify our economy now, is and remain our clarion call to government.

     

    • Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

    Bayero University Kano.

  • Buhari calls Zamfara Emir, expresses sadness over bandit attacks

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday on telephone conversation with Emir of Maradun in Zamfara, Alhaji Garba Tambari, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction of property following the banditry attacks.

    The information is contained in a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    President Buhari said he was extremely saddened by the loss of lives and destruction of property following the attacks.

    He urged the Emir to console his people, and citizens in the entire state over “these heart-wrenching tragedies”.

    He reiterated his administration’s determination to do everything it would  take to secure the state and the nation in general, and would bring such attacks to an end.

    President Buhari had, on Monday, expressed sorrow over the loss of lives following attacks on communities in Zamfara by bandits and cattle rustlers and assured that the Federal Government would do everything in its powers to end the horrendous attacks.

    He disclosed that a major operation by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, was being considered to restore peace and stability to affected areas.

    In a related development, President Buhari has also called the leader of the Izala Muslim religious movement, Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir in Jos, to condole him following the death, in a road accident in Jigawa, of a number of his followers.

    He also commiserated with him on the kidnapping of his other followers in Zamfara.

    The President gave assurances that the law enforcement agencies would make the best efforts to free the kidnapped followers of the Sheik.(NAN)

  • 2019: I’ll soon embark on aggressive campaigns, Says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that he will soon embark on aggressive campaign for the 2019 Presidential election.
    According to him, the three areas of focus which he campaigned in 2015 are still very relevant.
    To this end, he said that he will focus on the fight against corruption, tackling insecurity and improving the economy.
    The President spoke in Abuja when he received the Federal Capital Territory community on Christmas homage at his official residence.
    The campaign, he said, will start by visits to each of the six geo-political zones of the country.
    He said “The party nominated me and I will contest. We are watching the Independent National Electoral Commission very seriously and we are going out very soon we will go from geo-political zone to geo-political zone, to remind the people of our promises in 2015; three fundamental things, security, because you have to secure the country before you can govern it and talking about what we have done regarding securing the country, the people of the North-east know better.
    “The three fundamental things we campaigned with are still very relevant. On improving the economy, which we are still going to explore, we have done well in agriculture, and those who embraced farming are not regretting it and we have also addressed unemployment and we are very lucky, through that we are now attaining food security.
    “The third thing with which we will campaign is the issue of corruption. I told you what I did when I was in uniform but now when I have to go by this system (Democracy,) where people have to be arrested and then prosecuted, taken to court and then with evidence, we will collect back what they had taken illegally and for doing that, people are calling me Baba go slow. I am going slowly but whatever the case, I will not stop pointing fingers at those who have abused trust by taking money that does not belong to them.
    “I will keep on trying to do my best for this country and get back what belongs to the country. We are doing to do the roads, revive the railway and electricity with the little resources at our disposal.
    “Fighting Corruption, yes, we are slow because the system is slow. It’s not Baba that is slow but it is the system so I am going by this system and I hope we will make it.” he said
    The President, who thanked the FCT community for the visit, urged people in leadership positions to but the confidence of the people in the present administration.
    Speaking earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, who said the FCT community, was happy with the performance of President Buhari in office and pledged to support him massively for another term of office.
    He said “We pray that God almighty to continue to grant you good health, strength, capacity, ability and patience to continue to lead us to the Promised Land. On behalf of the FCT we appreciate you for the good works you are doing for the territory, just last week you commissioned for us a new airport terminal and so many road projects that are going on in Abuja and we feel highly delighted to be hosting you here and it’s my honour on behalf of the FCT community I want to assure you that we are solidly behind you and by the grace of God we look forward to you spending another four years in the state house so that you can truly make Abuja the city of our dream because we want Abuja to be among the 20 best cities in the world in the next few years to come and I think that is possible.”
    In his own remarks, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nigeria, Reverend Nicholas Okoh congratulated the President for overcoming his health challenges and said all citizens of the country are grateful to God for that.
    The Cleric noted that the spirit of unity among followers of different religions in the Federal capital Territory is exemplary and should be replicated in all parts of the country.
    He said religious leaders will continue to work for peace and harmony in order to sustain peace in the country.
    The delegation comprised of religious leaders and traditional rulers as well as top functionaries of the Federal capital Territory administration

  • Video: Buhari, Osinbajo, Oshiomhole sing Christmas song

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday alongside his Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole joined Christians to sing the Christmas song “We Wish You”.

    The President in a message that accompanied the video posted on his verified and official twitter handle said Christmas was a message of hope and salvation that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.

    He said, “At Christmas we reflect on the humble, symbolic and divine birth of a young child thousands of years ago in Bethlehem, Judea; and the message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys. Merry Christmas to All!”.

    https://twitter.com/ShehuBello/status/1077571545055277057?s=19

    Buhari had earlier on his Christmas message wished Nigerians a prosperous new year and promised to work towards a better future for the Nigerian youths.

  • 2019: Buhari to flag off campaign in A’Ibom

    President Muhammadu Buhari, will on Friday, 28 December flag off his campaign for second term bid in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.Sen. Ita Enang, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) made the disclosure on Monday while briefing newsmen in Uyo.
    Enang said that the President would be in the state with National Chairman of the party Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and national leaders of the party.

    He said that the party would use the opportunity to formally present the party’s flag to APC gubernatorial candidates of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Delta respectively.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari and 2019 Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress candidate will be in Akwa Ibom on December 28 to flag off the 2019 campaign of the APC.

    “He will be coming with the National Chairman of the party and the National leaders of the party. The sitting governors of the party and other governorship candidate of the party

    “He will be here to formally launch his campaign and flag off the 2019 Presidential election campaign, “Enang said.

    According to him, the campaign will kick off in Akwa Ibom because the state has accepted the President fully and the state is ripe for harvest by the party.

    The Presidential Aide also revealed that the party has requested from Akwa Ibom Government permission to use the Akpabio International Stadium.

    The Akwa Ibom Government has approved the use of the stadium, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Monday Uko, has said.

    Uko told newsmen in Uyo on Monday, adding that the approval became necessary following the decision by Julius Berger Plc. to recall its staff from their scheduled holiday.

    “Following a decision by Julius Berger Plc to recall their staff from their scheduled holiday, the Akwa Ibom Government approved the use of the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo for President Muhammadu Buhari’s rally on December 28.

    Uko added that all the terms stipulated by government for the use of the facility would be enforced.

    He stated that the organisers of the rally were expected to liaise with the stadium management for further details.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had on December 23 issued a statement that it would not approve the use of the stadium for the presidential rally due to the Nigeria Premier League matches billed to be played at the stadium, when the competition begins next year.

    Said Enang: “It is public facility, a collective heritage of the Akwa Ibom people, Buhari is the President of Nigeria and nobody can restraint him from the use of certain facility anywhere in the country.

    “The president has been fair and kind to Akwa Ibom people, ” he said

  • Buhari, Tinubu, dons mourn Oluwole

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended condolences to the Oluwole family on the death of Prof. Sophie Oluwole, renowned philosopher and Nigeria’s first female doctorate degree holder in philosophy.

    Prof Oluwole died on Sunday in her home at Ibafo, Ogun State. She was 83.

    In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President joined members of the family, the academia and other close associates in mourning the cerebral philosopher, who through her teachings and works celebrated the Yoruba culture, history and worldview.

    She reminded the world that within pristine traditions are values that promote the ideals of democracy, fairness, equity and justice, the President said of the deceased.

    Buhari said he has the belief that the deceased would be honoured and remembered for her commitment and skill in spreading the word about the good in promoting African tradition, culture, knowledge and languages.

    The President urged all who mourn Prof Oluwole to honour her memory by carrying on from where she left off in her zeal to promote indigenous knowledge, skills and discipline that could help us redefine ourselves as a people and a nation.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu described the late Prof. Oluwole as a distinguished academic and Yoruba nationalist.

    He said the late philosopher; popularly called Mamalawo (female native doctor) would be deeply missed because of her commitment to the development of the Yoruba culture, tradition and philosophy.

    The former Lagos State governor said: “Prof. Sophie Oluwole was a distinguished academic, pan-African philosopher and Yoruba nationalist. As Nigeria’s first female doctorate degree holder in philosophy, she truly earned her stripes. She believed in and practised what she taught and preached.

    “She loved and celebrated Yoruba tradition and philosophy so much she was nicknamed Mamalawo.

    “Nigeria, the Yoruba race and all those who admire pristine traditions will sorely miss Prof Sophie.  Her teachings and works derived from the Yoruba school of philosophical thought. To her, the ancient African philosopher Orunmila was second to none.

    “I commiserate with the Oluwole family, the academic community, students who passed through her. I pray they have the strength and resilience to continue where she stopped. To the soul of the late Prof, I pray for eternal rest.”

    In the academic, the late professor’s community, her demise was described as a significant loss to Africa.

    The Dean of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Muyiwa Falaiye, who was late Mrs. Oluwole’s student and later colleague, described her as a brilliant thinker whose work on African philosophy rivalled world-recognised philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates.

    The professor of African Philosophy said: “She was my teacher and PhD supervisor. She was a mentor; we worked together for a long period first as a student, then as co-lecturers.

    “She was a role model, a good woman, an Africanist.  She is a big loss to the academia, not only in Nigeria but internationally.   She is well-known for her noble work on Orunmila.

    “It is significant work.  Many people had thought that no African had the capacity to think but Oluwole showed a lot of wisdom can be got from African philosophers that can rival what European Philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle did.”

    UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor Prof Toyin Ogundipe said the deceased added value in the university where she retired 18 years ago.

    The vice chancellor said: “It is sad that we had to lose her now; but we thank God for her life. She contributed effectively. She was former dean of students’ affairs. In the academic space she contributed very well.  She is a well-respected woman in her department and faculty.”

    Prof Ogundipe said the university’s programme to honour her would be dependent on her family’s plans.

    The Igbara-Oke, Ondo State Prof Sophie Oluwole, was the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in Philosophy in Nigeria.

    She studied History, Geography and Philosophy at UNILAG after which she was employed as an Assistant Lecturer in 1972.  She earned her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan.

    She taught African Philosophy at UNILAG between 2002 and 2008 and focused on the Yoruba school of philosophical thought that discussed the cultural and religious beliefs of Yoruba land.

    She was recognised for her activism for women in philosophy and education.

  • Buhari and 76th birthday celebration

    Last week Monday was a special day at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The day was not special because President Muhammadu Buhari was receiving any visiting world leader at the State House.

    Neither was it a day for conferring awards on the President or any high ranking member of the society.

    It was a special day at the seat of power because President Buhari in marking his 76th birthday that Monday raised the bar above what was experienced during his birthday anniversaries since 2015.

    His December 17th birthday anniversaries in 2015, 2016 and 2017 almost went unnoticed.

    For those three anniversaries, the highest point of cerebration was presentations of birthday cards and cutting of cake in the present of some top government officials inside his official residence.

    At those three occasions, no drum was rolled out for the celebration.

    Many Nigerians, during those three anniversaries, mostly knew of the President’s birthday from pictures posted on the social media posing with the cake or with state governors, who visited him.

    But last week Monday celebration was completely different from the past three anniversaries.

    It was taken away from the inside four walls of the President’s official residence.

    In marking the day, a special military parade was conducted by 203 members of the guards brigade at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.

    The parade involved various military display after the President inspected quarter guard at the ceremonial gate of the State House.

    The inspection was immediately followed by a special rendition which ushered the President into the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.

    At the forecourt, there was special performance by the silent drill squad of the Guards Brigade, which included the formation of words like PMB @ 76

    There was also a special display by the Guards Brigade Band and some of the songs played included “I remember when I was a soldier… “

    That was followed by the presentation of birthday cards to the President.

    The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali presented card on behalf of the country’s Armed Force, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha presented card on behalf of members of the cabinet.

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari presented on behalf of Presidential aides while the Guards Brigade also made a special presentation.

    The high point of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by the President, who was flanked by Ministers, aides and other top government officials.

    Just as the President came to the forecourt to start the birthday celebration from the old Banquet Hall of the State House, where he declared the 2018 National Migration Dialogue open, Buhari immediately returned to his official engagements after the brief birthday ceremony.

    Also unlike the birthday celebrations by some past Nigerian Presidents, no dinner party was organised to celebrate the birthday.

    Surprisingly too, Buhari’s birthday celebration did not engage the attention of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  during its opening session last Wednesday.

    Reasons why Buhari’s 76th birthday celebration was marked in special way above the three previous anniversaries should not be lost on Nigerians.

    The President, during his visit to Poland early this month had promised to celebrate his birthday as proof of his genuineness to those who felt he was cloned.

    ‘‘It’s real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong,’’ the President had declared in Poland.

    Before leaving the forecourt venue of the special parade lady Monday, Buhari did not fail to thank Nigerians.

    He said: “Well, I am impressed with it, they have put a lot of time behind it, I thank and appreciate them very much.”

    In a message he later issued, the President said “It’s been my joy and honour to serve our country, Nigeria, for most of my life.

    “As I turned 76 today, I am deeply grateful for all the prayers, goodwill messages and encouragement from Nigerians and friends, at home and abroad.

    “Life is better lived together in peace, unity and prosperity.

    “In all, I give glory to almighty Allah for mercies, and thanks to Nigerians for counting me worthy to serve them. It is something I have rededicated myself to, and will do to the very best of my ability.

    “Nigeria has all the potentials for greatness. Our greatness as individuals will only derive from Nigeria’s greatness. So, on this special day, I commit myself again to the task of taking our country to greater heights, and invite you to partner with me in that worthy cause,” he stated.

    Giving glory to God for the day, Boss Mustapha said “It is such an exciting time for us to share in this very glorious ceremony of the celebration of the 76th birthday of our dear president and our dear leader.

    “In a typical simplistic manner, just a simple military parade and the cutting of the cake because he has got work to do.

    “He has just returned to the office to continue with the day’s proceedings, he came out of an event 2018 National Migration Dialogue and then straight into this.

    “But it is such a joyous and beautiful day to see him strong, healthy, hearty considering the health challenges he went through in the last two years.

    “We cannot wish him any other thing but bountiful health and wisdom to take this country out of the present situation which we find ourselves, a trajectory of prosperity and progress.

    “The president is renewed in his spirit, strength and in his resolved and determination to put this country back on the part of greatness, that is his ultimate desire, that every Nigerian young, old, upcoming should be able to press whatever desire they want to achieve in the nation that is so endowed with a lot of wealth, a lot of goodness.

    “There will be a lot that will be released in the next couple of days and Mr. President is so strong and determined to hit the road and I can tell you by the time he starts, Nigerians will be able to have a lot to be thankful for.” he added

  • How Buhari conceived Tradernoni scheme, by Osinbajo 

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has given account of how President Muhammadu Buhari conceived the TraderMoni scheme.
    According to him, President Buhari conceived the TraderMoni scheme way back during the years when he was Chairman of the Katsina State Development Foundation, which gave soft loans and micro-credits to people to assist them in their respective businesses.
    Osinbajo also said the Buhari administration will continue to maximize the country’s huge resources for the benefit of the common man.
    The Vice President, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, stated this during the Family Chats on Sunday and Monday, in Lagos and Abuja respectively.
    At the Family Chats, the Vice President met with Nigerians in their homes and neighborhoods, engaging them on issues & the Next Level plan of the Buhari administration, while noting that the Federal Government would continue to work towards improving the welfare of all Nigerians.
    Following his visit on Sunday to the Palace of the Seriki of the Hausa community in Agege, Lagos, Alhaji Musa Muhammed Dogonkadai; the Vice President continued the Family Chats on Monday in Wuse and Garki, Abuja, where he visited the families of Rtd. Col. Ahmed Zubair and Mr. Abdulwaheed Yusuf, and addressed an excited crowd.
    At the Palace of the Seriki, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that President Buhari’s concern for the welfare of the common man.
    He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari said, ‘I will fight corruption, I’m for the common man.  I’m for the man in the street.’ I don’t know if you have heard about TraderMoni, the loans we are giving to petty traders.
    “He (President) was chairman of Katsina (State Development) Foundation, where they were doing the same thing – giving poor people loans, credits, so that they will be able to do their businesses.
    “He then told me, when we came into office, that we must do the same thing for all Nigerian traders.” he added
    The Vice President also noted that Nigeria is undergoing a rebuilding process under the Buhari administration.
    He said, “The message from President Muhammadu Buhari is that our country is going to the next level. We are going to do better and better.
    “We are going to use the money of Nigeria to help Nigerians. So that traders would have more money for their businesses, so that every Nigerian can prosper.
    “Mr. President has said that he will not allow a situation where people steal our money.  That’s why we are not going back to the past, our money must be used for Nigerians. That’s why we have schemes like TraderMoni, MarketMoni, and our Social Investment Programmes.”
    He said that Nigeria would be great as President Buhari is ensuring the right foundations are built for the country’s long-term prosperity.
    He said, “When you are building a foundation, things will be hard.  When you are not importing everything, things will be hard.  We all know.
    “But things will be better because it is an honest man who is there and the building process is still ongoing. Our country will be great. God has provided for this country a lot of resources, but it must go round. Everybody must be able to take so that there would be education, health, houses for people.
    Prof. Osinbajo highlighted the significant gains achieved under the administration’s Anchors Borrowers Programme as a pointer to improvement in agriculture, and other sectors.
    He said, “Look at what is happening in the North now because of the Anchor Borrowers Programme.  We gave many of the farmers, over 760,000 farmers, soft loans.  So, now they are producing rice, producing millet, producing sorghum.
    “We are not importing rice now.  We are bringing rice from Kebbi, from Sokoto, from all over the country.  By next year, we will not import rice. All our rice will be produced here. When you do that farmers will be rich.
    “Farmers in other countries they are rich people. They are not poor. I’ve been to a country where farmers own airplanes. Why?  Because their leaders are not thieves. Their leaders help them so that they can farm; they can expand their farms and they can earn money.
    “I went to speak to them in Kebbi.  Two of the farmers came to me and said, since this our government (came into power), they have been doing very well.  One of them said, ‘now I have my money, I can pay for my hajj.’ Another one even told me that he has married a second wife and I said no, no.  I said don’t do that because one wife is enough.  He said since he is getting some money be can marry a second wife
    “But the truth of the matter is that there is enough money for us in this country.  I believe that we must give President Muhammadu Buhari enough votes to lead this country for four more years.  If he leads this country for four more years, you will see the difference.” he said
    The Vice President also pointed out the administration’s anti-corruption stance, noting that the Buhari administration is focused on improving the lives of the common man on the streets, while highlighting the impact of the Social Investment Programmes.

  • 2019: Amosun, APM chairman present letter of adoption to Buhari

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the National Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, on Monday presented a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari adopting him as the presidential candidate of the party for the 2019 presidential election.

    Amosun, who is the senatorial candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been having running battles with the party’s national Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole over who succeeds him in 2019.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with Buhari, Amosun, flanked by the APM national Chairman said: “You will recall that just last week we made public that APM has adopted President Buhari as their presidential candidate.

    “I had promised to bring the letter they had given me to present to him and that is what we came to do today.

    “And you know Mr. President is a very gracious human being, he is a man with a good heart.

    “He said if a party has adopted him, it is only fair he acknowledges the party and the chairman. That is why we are here.

    “I have said that anybody that is for President Muhammadu Buhari is for me, we will embrace such party, such persons, such organization wholeheartedly and that is what I am doing and that is what we are doing in Ogun State.

    “Clearly Mr. President will have a massive vote in Ogun State in the coming election.”

    But he declined to comment on his status in the APC and threats by the national chairman of the party to expel him for anti-party activity.

    “I don’t want to comment on that. We came for this, let’s restrict ourselves to this. I want my president to win, what else do you want? We must win, that is it.”

    Dantalle said the adoption was just a formal thing.

    He said: “Personally I believe in him and reason being that I love my country and I don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria.

    “And Buhari is the only man with the sincerity of intent to take Nigeria to the next level.

    “This is not the Nigeria I was born into but I see that Nigeria coming back only though Buhari.”