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Tag: Femi Adesina

  • Why I declared early for 2019 elections – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja said he made his intention to contest the 2019 Presidential Elections known early in order to douse rising speculations and give the party, All

    Buhari, who received members of the Buhari Support Group Centre (BSGC) at the State House, said he noticed that speculations were already constituting distraction to governance and stirring tensions, so he had to declare during the National Executive Committee meeting of the party.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said “I had to announce before the National Executive Committee of our party about my intention to ask for the party’s nomination for next year’s election so that we can save a lot of time and cool tempers.

    “A lot people were trying to make it a habit of being a nuisance to themselves and many Nigerians, so when I came out I said those who are serious let them come out.

    “And I tried to make sure that the party is organized and consolidated so that we start from the bottom to the top, and that Nigerians will be involved in a way that each constituency will pick those that are going to represent them at various levels, whether as Local Government chairmen, in the State Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and finally the president,’’ he said.

    The President said early declaration guaranteed more participation and inclusivity within the party, and further strengthened the bond with supporters and Nigerians.

    “Some of the people thought to be uneducated and unsophisticated are very educated and sophisticated during elections; for those who have money to give they say bring the money we will still do what we want to do,’’ he added.

    Read Also: Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki, APC governors meet in Aso Villa

    President Buhari noted that God’s divine intervention and the use of technology during the 2015 elections exposed the weakness of previous processes where a privileged few sat and allocated figures to constituencies during elections.

    “They just sit and look at a constituency and they award the numbers, then they say anybody who disagrees should go to court; now for somebody who is looking for the next meal where does he get money to pay Senior Advocates of Nigeria?

    “Thank God for technology, with the PVC you know where you registered and it can be shown whether you voted or not,’’ the President said.

    He advised Nigerians to get their voters card for the 2019 elections, and ensure that they vote to please their conscience with pride as citizens.

    The President commended the BSGC for all the sacrifice and steadfastness in championing his candidacy.

    “I thank you very much for the sacrifice you have been making. I am happy to use this opportunity to meet you and thank you for the sacrifices and steadfastness. I don’t think I can thank you enough because by identifying yourself as a group for all these years and getting nothing for it visibly I think its worthy of commendation,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, the Coordinator of the BSGC, Umaru Dembo, said “through thick and thin, rain or sun shine, hot or cold we are here to assure Mr President that since 2014 we have been working, expanding and helping to explain the new life that your government has ushered in for the good people of Nigeria.’’

    He said the BSGC had initiated the documentation of the President’s achievements in a book authored by Dr Sani Muktar Bichi and himself.

    Dembo assured the President of a bottom-up process of mobilising more supporters for the administration, while appreciating him for reversing the trend of impunity, corruption and lawlessness that reigned before 2015.

    Dembo said the BSGC was an umbrella organisation encompassing “Women for Buhari and Osinbajo’’, “A Kasaa Tsare’’, “Northern Youth Assembly,” “Buhari Renewal mandate’’ and others in support of good governance in Nigeria.

  • Nigeria glad to give assistance to African countries – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja said that it is a thing of joy for Nigeria to lend a helping hand to any African country in distress.

    He made the remark while receiving the outgoing High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Mrs Haja Afsatu Kabba, at the State House, Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said brotherly assistance extended to the West African country during the Ebola epidemic and the recent mudslide natural disaster, was the least Nigeria could do.

    Read Also: There is too much bloodshed in Nigeria – Sultan

    “I congratulate your new President on his election, and believe that our long-standing relationship, which dates back to almost 60 years, will continue to flourish,” President Buhari said.

    He wished Mrs Kabba, who had spent two years in Nigeria, the best of luck in her next assignment.

    The outgoing High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the government and people of Nigeria for the support granted her and her country, pledging that the good bilateral relations would continue.

  • Presidency to Nigerians: Ignore crocodile tears of selfish leaders

    The Presidency on Friday urged Nigerians to ignore tears being shed by some selfish leaders in the country.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency considered a communiqué issued by some ethnic and sectional groups assembled in Abuja recently as the shedding of crocodile tears by selfish leaders, who felt alienated after a transparent and accountable system halted their disproportionate survival on resources of the state.

    He said “The communiqué issued by the leaders of some socio-cultural organizations led by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and some ethnic and sectional groups had accused the Muhammadu Buhari administration of incompetence in handling the security situation in the country.

    “The Presidency urges Nigerians to ignore the unholy alliance by these groups who are stepping up their assault on the All Progressives Congress administration as it expands its national dominance and moves closer to securing an outright victory in the elections next year.

    “The Presidency notes with dismay that the refrain about President Buhari not doing anything about security in the country had turned into the number one fake news item being peddled in the media.

    Read Also: Presidency releases timeline steps against insecurity

    “The Presidency refers all the purveyors of falsehood to a State House press release published a few days ago and signed by Special Adviser the President, Femi Adesina, which clearly outlined the government’s major achievements and initiatives in tackling security challenges from January to July, 2018.

    “The press release which was titled: “Combating Insecurity in the Country: Lest We Forget – Presidency’’ listed out on going security operations: (1) Nigerian Army’s Exercise Ayem Akpatuma covering Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger States launched in February to tackle cases of kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, among others; (2) Nigerian Air Force establishment of three new Quick Response Wings (QRW) in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue States respectively, and deployment of Special Forces personnel.”

    He said that the press release also noted President Buhari’s approval for the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command, in Birnin Gwari Local Council in Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up security in response to the banditry affecting the area.

    “We advise Nigerians to read Adesina’s statement if they haven’t yet, or re-read it for better understanding of the efforts to ensure peace in the country.

    “It is sad and misleading for anyone to say that President Buhari had not responded to the security challenges in the country

    “No one can honestly say that President Buhari is doing nothing about security. It’s just a fake news item being peddled by selfish politicians with vested interests in keeping Nigerians incensed, and it risks being entrenched as reality if we don’t educate ourselves with the truth.” he stated

  • Buhari meets Nigerian Embassy staff, concludes visit to Netherlands

     President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday concluded his official visit to the Netherlands with a meeting with Nigerian Embassy staff before departing for home.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in a statement in Abuja, said the president met with the embassy staff, their families and thanked them for being worthy ambassadors.

    The presidential aide said while in the Netherlands, President Buhari on Tuesday delivered the keynote address at the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

    The president, at the event, canvassed support for ICC with jurisdiction over serious cases of corruption and illicit financial flows by state actors.

    He also used the occasion to assure the international community of a free, fair and peaceful 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

    Buhari assured that under his watch, the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections, necessitating preliminary investigations by the ICC would not happen again in Nigeria.

    He also met with Shell CEO and discussions focused on investments in deep water and gas projects in Nigeria, toured the Port of Rotterdam and the Shell Refinery Pernis, Hoogvliet, a borough of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

    At the Binnenhof on July 17, the President met with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and the two leaders restated their commitment to growing trade partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

    During the talks, Rutte described Nigeria as the Netherlands’ most important trading partner, noting that in the field of modern agriculture, there were opportunities for Dutch companies and knowledge institutes.

    The two leaders also discussed issues relating to the fight against insurgency in the North-East, climate change, particularly the shrinkage of Lake Chad.

    Read Also: Buhari lauds quality of Nigerian professionals in Netherlands

    Adesina said the discussion also include economic cooperation, the fight against corruption and a range of other issues of mutual interest.

    Buhari welcomed the interest of the Dutch Prime Minister on Lake Chad and commitment to establish a technical committee to work with the Nigerian side on the best approach to address the issue of the receding Lake.

    In pursuit of one of the cardinal themes of his administration, the President also met with over 20 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Dutch-owned companies.

    Buhari assured them of a secured Nigeria where their investments would be safe and yield handsome returns.

    The president said: “Stability was the first thing in our campaigns. You have to secure a country first, before you can efficiently manage it.

    “Before businesses can thrive, security is paramount. That is why we lay so much emphasis on securing the country.

    “After security, our next emphasis is reviving the economy and then, fighting corruption.’’

    He commended the many Dutch-owned companies operating in Nigeria for dealing fairly.

    The President noted that with many of them, “the relationship dates back more than two generations, and it is now almost a blood relationship rather than commercial.”

    In the course of the three-day official visit, the President also met with members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), the Netherlands Chapter.

    He lauded them for their professional and intellectual achievements and contributions to the development of their motherland.

    “I am pleased with the quality of people I am seeing. You are high quality people. Congratulations on your personal achievements.”

    Among those that met the President was Julius Nnamdi Nwankpa, Chairman NIDO and Dr Mustapha Gidado, a specialist in tuberculosis.

    Gidado has oversight over management of the disease in 22 countries and Lola Visser Mabogunje, a performance monitoring expert.

    Dr Peter Ngene, a research scientist and Assistant Professor at Utrecht University and Cornelius Obot, a software expert.

    Toyin Loyo, an artist and culture enthusiast of international repute also attended the meeting with the president.

    On the sidelines of the President’s visit, the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama and his Dutch Counterpart, Stef Blok, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations at Schedeldoekshaven, The Hague.

    The MOU aims to promote and facilitate relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands in the key thematic areas of security, trade, investment, agriculture, political dialogue and education.

    “With the signing of the MOU, Nigeria and Netherlands have agreed to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in these areas.

    Senior officials from both countries will meet at least once every year to assess the progress on mutual benefits,’’ Adesina said.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh led a presidential delegation on a visit to Greenhouse Horticulture in Bleiswijk, one of the experimental greenhouses of Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the Netherlands.

    Some of the Dutch most advanced greenhouses are in Bleiswijk and operated by WUR, widely regarded as the world top agricultural research institution.

    The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of food, second only to the United States.

    Other members of the Presidential delegation that visited the Research centre are: Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.

    The others are the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar and the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno.

    According to Adesina, in the course of the visit, the Nigerian delegation interacted with Nigerian postgraduate students studying in WUR.

    “Out of 5,900 Msc students studying at Wageningen University, 106 are from Africa of which nine are from Nigeria.

    “Wageningen University has 13 Nigerian Ph.D candidates, out of 2,200 candidates, 300 of them are from Africa,’’ Adesina said

    NAN

  • Buhari seeks ICCs action on corruption cases, illicit financial flows

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday at The Hague called on the States Parties to support an International Criminal Court (ICC) with jurisdiction over serious cases of corruption and illicit financial flows by state actors.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, also assured the international community of a free, fair and peaceful 2019 general elections in Nigeria, contrary to the tragic incidents that characterized the 2011 general elections, necessitating preliminary investigations by the ICC.

    Read Also:What Buhari has done on killings, by Presidency

    The Nigerian leader delivered the keynote address at the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the ICC.

    His words: ‘‘A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful message about the international community’s commitment to accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators. Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community’s commitment to the rule of law.

    ‘‘A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability. These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.

    ‘‘These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart.’’

    Referring to the tragic events in Nigeria in the aftermath of the 2011 general elections, which necessitated preliminary investigation by the Court, the President said: ‘‘Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019…I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents. We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.’’

    The President had commenced his address by thanking the judges of the Court for electing ‘‘a cherished son of Nigeria’’ as President.

    ‘‘Let me start by congratulating you, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, on your election as President of the International Criminal Court, and also thank the judges of the Court for electing you, a cherished son of Nigeria. Nigeria is very proud of you, Mr. President,’’ he said.

    The Nigerian leader is the only President invited to grace the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the ICC Rome Statute.

    Over 25 high-level state officials, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, O-Gon Kwon, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, ICC Registrar Peter Lewis, UN Legal Counsel Miguel de Serpa Soares, and other special guests, attended the event.

  • Buhari lauds quality of Nigerian professionals in Netherlands

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday hailed the quality of Nigerian professionals residing in the Netherlands.

    He made the remark when he met with members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), the Netherlands Chapter, on the sidelines of his official visit to The Hague, Netherlands.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

    He said “I am pleased with the quality of people I am seeing. You are high quality people. Congratulations on your personal achievements.”

    Stressing that he was quite pleased with their intellectual and professional achievements, the President lauded them for representing Nigeria well, and for always being in touch with their motherland.

    Among those who met President Buhari were Julius Nnamdi Nwankpa, Chairman NIDO, Dr Mustapha Gidado, a specialist in tuberculosis, having oversight over management of the disease in 22 countries, Lola Visser Mabogunje, a performance monitoring expert, Dr Peter Ngene, a research scientist and Assistant Professor at Utrecht University, Engineer Cornelius Obot, a software expert, and Toyin Loyo, an artist and culture enthusiast of international repute.

    Read Also: Stop blaming Buhari for Killings, MURIC tells Nigerians

    Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Nwankpa, the NIDO Chairman, commended President Buhari for the war against corruption, “for which you have earned respect around the world,” high improvement in infrastructural development, and for signing into law the Diaspora Commission Bill, which he hoped would “become effective as soon as possible.”

    On the security situation in Nigeria, the NIDO Chairman urged the government and security team to accelerate stoppage of unfortunate killings, while also calling on Nigerians “to play their roles in breaking the cycle of violence, which usually has no winner.”

    The delegation presented the gift of an artwork called Light to President Buhari, with Toyin Loyo, the creator of the work saying: “The work is illuminating. You bring light, which will never go out, and which will shine round the clock.”

  • Presidency releases timeline steps against insecurity

    The Presidency on Monday released timeline on measures taken by the current administration to tackle insecurity in the country.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

    He denied the allegations that the government was not doing enough against insecurity.

    He said “A popular refrain from some quarters is that the President is not doing enough to combat the insecurity that has beleaguered the country in recent times.

    “Lest that untruth begins to wear a garb of reality, let us consider some initiatives taken under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in the security situation, particularly since January, 2018.

    For January 2018, he listed “Leadership of the police deployed to Benue State, after mass killings reportedly committed by herdsmen. This was followed by a fact-finding team led by the Minister of Interior, and deployment of Special Forces of the military, to restore law and order.

    “National Economic Council sets up 10-man committee on farmers/herdsmen clashes, headed by the Vice President.

    “The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, launched a special operation, Karamin Goro (Small Kolanut), in collaboration with the Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC; to tackle kidnapping, robbery and cattle rustling in parts of Kaduna and Niger States (Minna-Birnin Gwari-Pandogari and Minna-Sarkin Pawa general areas).”

    Measures taken by the government in February 2018, he included “The Nigerian Army commenced Exercise Ayem Akpatumacovering Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger States, in order to tackle the cases of kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, among others.

    “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inducted its first indigenous operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Tsaigumi. The newly-inducted UAV has day and night capability, an operational endurance in excess of 10 hours, a service ceiling of 15,000 feet and a mission radius of 100km, and is capable of being used for policing operations, disaster management, convoy protection, maritime patrol, pipeline, power line monitoring as well as mapping and border patrol duties.

    “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) established a total of 10 new Units as NAF had concluded plans to set up Quick Response Wings (QRWs) across Nasarawa State, in a bid to tackle the herders/farmers clashes plaguing some states within the axis.

    In March 2018, he said the government took steps including “President Buhari began sympathy visits to states that had experienced wanton killings in the country.

    “The Nigerian Army extended Exercise Ayem Akpatuma in Taraba State by two months.

    “The committee set up by the National Economic Council on farmers/herdsmen clashes submits report, making far reaching recommendations for peace, including ranching in five states.

    For April 2018, he said that the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of a second batch of 2 brand new Mi-35N helicopter gunships to boost internal security and also deployed Special Force to Zamfara State to combat criminality.

    In May 2018, he said that the Nigerian Police Force inaugurated a Mobile Squadron in Takum, Taraba State, the Nigerian Air Force established 3 new Quick Response Wings (QRW) in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue States respectively, and deployed Special Forces personnel to these new bases. (Taraba State QRW is located in Nguroje; Nasarawa State QRW in Doma; and Benue State QRW in Agatu).

    Also in May, he said “Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris ordered the deployment of 200 policemen, and 10 patrol vehicles to Birnin Gwari (Kaduna-Zamfara axis) to tackle armed banditry in the area.

    “President Buhari approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command, in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area. Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, has since flagged off the new Battalion (2 Battalion Forward Operating Base, FOB) in Kanfanin Doka Village, Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State.

    “The Defence Headquarters assembled a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel, drawn from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS and NSCDC, to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West. On May 8, 2018, the Force launched Operation WHIRL STROKE, as a full-scale military operation to completely restore law, order and stability in the affected communities. The Whirl Stroke Operational Force Commander is Major General Adeyemi Yekini.

    “Chief of Army Staff inducted a mix of 49 Toyota Land Cruisers and Innoson gun trucks, at the HQ of the 133 Special Forces Battalion of the Nigerian Army at Azare, to support the ongoing OPERATION LAST HOLD in Northern Borno.

    Read Also: Ekiti: PDP is irreparably broken, dismantled – Presidency

    “NAF launched newly-constructed accommodation for the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) — established in 2017 to provide aid and operational assistance to wounded and distressed troops serving in combat units — in Kerang, Plateau State.

    “The Air Task Force of NAF commenced Operation THUNDER STRIKE to attack selected locations of Boko Haram Terrorists in the North-East.

    “The Nigerian Army commissioned its new Forward Operating Base in Epe, Lagos State.” he added

    He said that in June 2018, the NAF deployed combat helicopter to its 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) in Gusau, Zamfara State to support the fight against armed banditry in the town and its environs.

    In this month, he said that President Buhari approved the establishment of Operation WHIRL STROKE II, for deployment in Zamfara and Kaduna States.

    Securing the length and breadth of the country, he noted, is a continuing commitment.

    “It is one of the key pledges of the Buhari administration, which it is carrying out night and day.” he said

    According to him, the security situation in the country in May 2015 when the administration came on board was in tatters.

    He added “It pulled up its bootstraps, rolled up its sleeves, set to work, and the Boko Haram insurgency was beaten back. It was eventually degraded.

    “Other security challenges are being tackled and will subsequently become history. Not doing enough, as some critics claim, is not part of the deal, nor is it reality, no, not by any stretch of the imagination. A lot is being done, and success is guaranteed.” he said

  • Buhari visits The Netherlands

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, July 15, 2018, depart for the Netherlands to participate in activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that President Buhari is the only world leader invited to deliver a keynote address during the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the anniversary at Courtroom 1 of the ICC’s Headquarters at The Hague.

    In buttressing Nigeria’s commitment as a member of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, the President, as the current anti-corruption champion for the African Union, will use the global platform to reaffirm Nigeria’s support to the fundamental values of the Rome Statute and to the ideals of the ICC.

    He will also highlight his administration’s campaign against corruption in Nigeria.

    After the event at the Courtroom, the President will have a bilateral meeting with the ICC Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda.

    President Buhari will attend a dinner hosted by Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, the President of the ICC who is a Nigerian.

    The Nigerian leader, while in The Hague, will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to discuss bilateral issues such as migration, peace and security, and economic cooperation.

    Read Also: ADP pulls out coalition against Buhari

    The President and his delegation will have a separate roundtable with some Dutch Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of companies based in Nigeria with a view to urging them to expand their investments, especially in agriculture, oil and gas in Nigeria.

    President Buhari will also tour the Port of Rotterdam and Shell refinery Pernis, Hoogvliet.

    On the margins of the President’s visit, Nigeria and the Netherlands will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations.

    President Buhari’s delegation to the Netherlands will include Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

    Others are the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh; the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar; the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru; and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman.

  • Buhari to attend AU Summit in Mauritania

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday will embark on an official visit to Nouakchott, Mauritania to attend the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government from June 30 to July 2, 2018.

    In his capacity as the leader of the AU theme of the year: “Winning the Fight against Corruption, A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation”, the President will make introductory remarks and presentation on the theme.

    On the margins of the AU Summit, President Buhari and other African leaders will take part in an interactive session with President Emmanuel Macron of France on Financing AU-led Peace Support Operations authorized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

    Read Also: Buhari greets Captain Joseph at 81

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that dominant issues affecting the continent such as peace and security, HIV/AIDS, regional cooperation, climate change will engage the attention of the African leaders during the Summit.

    The Nigerian leader will also hold series of high-level bilateral sessions on issues of shared common interests to the country, Africa and the world.

    Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, his counterpart in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, and other top government officials will be on the President’s entourage.

  • Plateau killings: PDP knocks Presidency for kicking against call for mourning

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed shock at a statement credited to the Presidency justifying its failure to stem the tide of killings and bloodletting in the country, particularly in the Plateau, Zamfara,  Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Kogi, Taraba and other troubled states.

    In a statement on Thursday by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the Presidency had condemned PDP’s call for seven days mourning in honour of the over 200 villagers killed in Plateau State on Sunday.

    In a statement on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party said it’s reprehensible that the Presidency had displayed its usual arrogance and insensitivity too the mood of the nation.

    The statement said, “It is disturbing that even in death, the Buhari Presidency still wants to deny these victims of callous murder the honour of being mourned.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole to Presidency, National Assembly: I’ll uphold party supremacy

    “We are particularly appalled that instead of joining Nigerians in mourning the dead and seeking ways to stem the escalation of the bloodletting under its watch, the Buhari Presidency is engaged in morbid reference to past killings as if the lives of Nigerians have no value under President Buhari’s watch.

    “The PDP, as a party, will continue to identify with Nigerians at this troubled time irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations and will therefore not allow itself to be dragged into a needless mire with the Buhari Presidency, which has shown by its statement, that it has no iota of regard for the lives of Nigerians.

    “PDP urges the Buhari Presidency to confront the challenge of fulfilling the basic responsibility of governance by providing security to the lives and property of all Nigerians, irrespective of their creed, tribe and political affiliations.

    “Finally, the PDP assures Nigerians that we will not be deterred in speaking out against the killings and the failure of the Buhari administration to take concrete steps to stem this ugly tide”.