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Tag: Garba Shehu

  • Boko Haram new video: More urgency for security agencies – Presidency

    The Presidency on Thursday said that the latest Boko Haram video has created urgency for the security agencies, especially the secret services in the efforts to ensuring the release of those on the captivity of the terrorist groups.

    It also expressed worry over the recent video released by the terrorist group showing some abducted Nigerians.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, “The Presidency has been briefed by the responsible government agency about the disturbing video showing our citizens, the humanitarian aid workers held captive.

    “Presidency has been given assurances that contact is being made and the captors are being talked to.

    “Besides these aid workers, there are some others about whom this engagement is about-Leah Sharibu, a religious leader and all the others.

    Read Also: Presidency: no going back on cattle settlements

    “These discussions have been ongoing even before this time and what this latest incident has done is to bring urgency to the efforts that the secret service is making.

    “Government is making contacts, in the hope that the captors will see reason to not visit hardship or even harm on these innocent individuals. Government is working.” he said

     

  • Buhari condoles with Makarfi on father’s death

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with former Kaduna State governor and former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, on the death of his father, Alhaji Muhammadu Na’iya, Majidadin Zazzau.

    The President also commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State and Zazzau Emirate on the passage of the Majidadin Zazzau, who was a strong voice for his community.

    The President’s prayers and thoughts, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, are with the Makarfi family, friends and well-wishers as they mourn the illustrious community leader.

    He prayed Almighty Allah to accept the soul of the departed and comfort those mourning.

    Also, President Buhari has congratulated His Royal Majesty Igwe Kingsley Chime on his 80th birthday.

    He wished the monarch good health and strength as he continues to serve his community.

    Read Also: Just in: Security tops my agenda, says Buhari

    In a statement by the Special Adviser (SA) on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President joined family, friends and associates of the royal father to celebrate the milestone, heralded by many years of dedication to professional development as a lawyer, good works and commitment to promoting values of peace, neighbourliness and diligence.

    The President affirmed that Igwe Kingsley’s contribution to national development would always be appreciated and remembered by posterity, especially in sensitising and mobilising his domain for civic responsibilities.

    As the royal father turns an octogenarian, President Buhari believed his wealth of wisdom will always be useful to governments and institutions, for now and the future.

    He prayed that the Almighty God will bless Igwe Kingsley with longer life to keep serving his community, the nation and humanity.

  • A settlement isn’t a ranch

    IS it true that the implementation of the controversial herders’ settlement project, called Ruga settlements, had started in some states before the Federal Government suspended the scheme?

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, had said: “Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the establishment of Ruga settlements in any state that is willing to have it. The pilot scheme has already taken off in about 12 states; there is no imposition on any state.” It is unclear which states were involved as no state was mentioned.

    According to Shehu, “Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organised place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.” He added: “The overall benefit to the nation includes a drastic reduction in conflicts between herders and farmers…”

    The Presidency suspended the project after declaring that there’s no going back. The reasons given for the suspension of the project exposed untidy planning as well as untidy monitoring. It was discovered that the Ruga Project contradicted the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) adopted by the National Economic Council (NEC).  The Ruga settlements were said to have created a wrong impression that the Federal Government was trying to take over land belonging to states and the people in those states.

    Read Also: Don’t revisit Ruga, Bishop warns Buhari

    Corruption was involved. “It was also discovered that the contract sums allocated for various aspects of the programme were heavily overpriced,” a report said. “For instance, purchases of solar panels were put at tens of millions of naira each, while boreholes were also to be procured at an average cost of N20 million each.”

    It is alarming that corruption was a factor. It suggests that the Buhari administration’s war against corruption has not been effective enough to serve as a deterrent. Corruption continues to corrupt the war on terror and the running of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, for instance.

    The Federal Government isn’t giving up on finding a solution to the perennial herders/farmers clashes. A new implementation committee is expected to start work soon.

    However, a Ruga settlement, as described by the presidential spokesman, is not the same thing as a ranch. The Ruga Project, as described, places emphasis on herders, rather than cattle. In other words, the Ruga concept creates exclusive spaces for herders with public funds, at the expense of others.  That is objectionable.

  • Atiku: our request to inspect server not rejected by PEPT

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the February 23 presidential election Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday insisted that his request to inspect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) central server was not rejected by the tribunal.

    The former vice president the position taken by the Presidency on the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) he and his party filed at the tribunal.

    On Monday, the PEPT turned down the request by Atiku and the PDP to be allowed to inspect the said INEC server, a ruling the Presidency described the Presidency described as justice over propaganda.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency hailed the PEPT verdict.

    Shehu had hailed the ruling as a “landmark” and went on to say that “the existence of a purported server is being contested and if a purported inspection had been allowed at this stage, it would have amounted to the determination that it indeed existed even when its existence is being contested”.

    Read Also: I’ve no plans to protest over INEC server, says Atiku

    Responding to Shehu’s statement through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, the PDP presidential candidate insisted that he did not only win the February 23 election but that the Muhammadu Buhari administration lacked the requisite executive temperament and capacity as would be established in the course of time.

    Ibe, in a statement, attempted to educate Shehu on the import of the tribunal ruling, insisting that the request by Atiku Abubakar and PDP to inspect the INEC server was not rejected.

    He said: “What the honourable tribunal said is that it is still at preliminary stages and the main case has not begun and that the matter of granting access to inspect the INEC server is not relevant to the preliminary stages. It is a matter to be adjudicated upon when the case proper is being heard.”

    Ibe said it was too early in the day for the Presidency to jubilate, arguing that the opposition party has enough facts to prove that the results of the February 23 election were transmitted electronically into INEC’s central server.

    He said: “In their rush to claim a pyrrhic victory, the Buhari administration missed out the fact that the 2019 budget has multiple line items for procurement, maintenance and service of the server they claim does not exist.

    “Furthermore, the statement tried to spin the recent verdict on the election passed by the EU election observers. For the avoidance of doubt, what the EU report said is that the 2019 elections had significant defects and fell short of the 2019 elections.

    “It should be noted that one of the issues they raised is the attempt to muzzle not just the media, but more importantly, the judiciary.

    “In the light of this, we remind those who are gloating in their ignorance that ‘he who laughs last, laughs best’.

    “The last has not been heard of this matter and we eagerly anticipate the actual ruling of the tribunal when the case proper begins.”

  • Southwest governors get wake-up call on security

    Agitated over rising insecurity in the land, regional leaders are meeting on how to fight criminal elements in their zones.

    In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Afenifere leaders met on Thursday, urging Southwest governors to collaborate in securing lives and property.

    The Organised Private Sector (OPS), in collaboration with Southeast governors, has scheduled a meeting for today on cooperation with the police and other stakeholders on the security situation.

    These developments came on the heels of a presidential order to security agencies to end violence in Taraba State.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who condemned the attacks on Kona, Taraba State, ordered security agencies to “immediately and decisively”end the violence.

    His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, reported him as warning that attacks on innocent people would not be tolerated.

    The statement said: “No group of people has the right to surround innocent people and unleash murderous violence on them.”

    He said resorting to self-help was an invitation to anarchy, which in turn will make everyone unsafe, noting that “in a cycle of violence characterised by revenge and counter-revenge, there are no winners.”

    According to him, in a state of permanent hostilities, people undermine not only law and order, but also their own ability to conduct their everyday businesses in peace.

    He said: “I always wonder how people can conduct their businesses in the absence of peace and tranquillity because violence ruins everything and leaves the people worse off.

    “It is difficult to build a virile nation where hate and intolerance dominate the people’s minds. It’s easier to destroy than to build. People should count the economic costs of this violence to their own lives.”

    The President warned that a situation where community leaders abandon their responsibilities and allow thugs to set the agenda was dangerous for peace and security.

    He criticised leaders who publicly preach peace, but privately promote hate and intolerance which ultimately culminate in violent destruction of life and property.

    Southwest leaders, under the aupices of Afenifere Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba, discussed security challenges in the region at the residence of a Second Republic senator and leader of the group, Chief Ayo Fasanmi.

    The group urged the Southwest governors to urgently find solution to kidnapping and banditry, which it said had become a regular occurrence in many parts of the zone.

    In a communique, signed by Pa Fasanmi, Senator Biyi Durojaye and Prince Taju Olusi, the group advised the governors to collaborate and form a regional security council to tackle the insecurity.

    Read Also: Security chiefs to go as governors seek new ideas

    The group concluded that it would visit the governors to know the steps they plan to take to curtail kidnapping and banditry.

    The group commended the immediate past governors for their outstanding performance.

    They hailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Chairman Adams Oshiomole and other party leaders for a successful and rancour-free elections of National Assembly leaders.

    The Afenifere Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba also congratulated Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on their election as Senate President and Speaker of the House Representatives.

    The group thanked Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola for sending a delegation, led by his Chief of Staff Dr. Charles Diji Akintola, to attend its meeting.

    Also, the group expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the honour on the late M.K.O. Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and for naming a nafional monument after him as well as recognising June 12 as Democracy Day.

    Appreciating national leaders of the APC for “repositioning the Southwest from its pitiable position between 2011 and 2015”, they urged all aggrieved Yoruba leaders to unite and work in the interest of the Yoruba, urging them to “reconsider their stand to work against the overall interest of the geo-politocal zone in 2023”.

    At the meeting were former deputy governors of Osun and Oyo states, Sooko Adeleke Olawoyin and Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Bayo Aina, Chief Akin Fasae and Mutiu Are, Chief S.M. Akindele, among others.

    Today’s summit in the east will discuss areas of mutual support and cooperation amongst stakeholders to enhance the ease of doing business within the region.

    It is expected to boost security facilities, community policing, economic prosperity and job creation.

    Dr. Nkemka Jombo- Ofo, the Commissioner representing the Organised Private Sector and South East in the Police Service Commission, will set the agenda for the summit with a paper on the objective of the event.

    Another Commissioner in the PSC, Rommy Mom, representing human rights organisations, will deliver the key note address.

    Governors of the region, top security chiefs, including PSC Chairman, Inspector-General, Commissioners of Police and captains of Industry are billed to attend.

    In Yola, the police parade 58 terror-gang members, including robbery and kidnap suspects.

    Fifty-eight suspects (Yan Shilla), otherwise called Shilla Boys and seven major receivers of stolen goods (mostly phones), were paraded by the Adamawa Police Command.

    Commissioner of Police Audu Madaki said that the suspects, who are usually armed with  cutlasses, knives and other weapons, using Keke NAPEP (tricycle) for transportation, specialise in robbing victims of money and hand phones, especially within Adamawa’s two cosmopolitan local government areas – Yola North (Jimeta) and Yola South (Yola town).

    Madaki said the seven suspected stolen items receivers specialise in taking the phones the Yan Shilla steal and erasing the memories to make it impossible for the police to track and recover the phones.

    He said the seven were among eight major receivers that investigations had indicated and that the police would continue to hunt for the eighth, who is at large.

    Among the paraded suspects were those arrested in last two weeks for attacking a commercial tricycle operator immediately after Governor Umaru Fintiri visited their hideout on June 12.

    Recovered from them  are 10 cutlasses, 18 knives, 17 pairs of scissors, 95 hand phones and accessories, nine computer laptops and accessories, 80 wraps of Indian hemp, and seven bottles of exzol/passion/diazeppam drugs.

  • ‘OIC member states battling terrorism, violent extremism’

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Organisation of Islamic Conference was battling terrorism and violent extremism.

    He passed a vote of confidence on the intervention programmes of the various institutions under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the impact they are making on Nigeria and other African countries.

    He gave the commendation while reading the collective statement of African countries at the 14th Summit of the OIC in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President commended the robust interventions of the Islamic Development Bank, IDB, in key sectors such as agriculture, trade and investment.

    In the statement read in the early hours of yesterday, President Buhari said: “The robust interventions of the various OIC Institutions and principally the Islamic Development Bank Group, have been effective in such key sectors as trade and investment, agriculture, rural development and food security, science, technology and innovation, poverty alleviation as well as women and youth empowerment.”

    In the specific case of Nigeria, the President acknowledged the support of OIC Member States in countering the menace of terrorism and armed criminality in West Africa, the Lake Chad area and the Sahel countries.

    “In particular, Nigeria acknowledges the support of OIC Member States in countering the menace of terrorism and armed criminality in West Africa, the Lake Chad area and the Sahel Countries. We appreciate their contributions in the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis arising from the insurgency but urge them to do more.

    “We appreciate their contributions in the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis arising from the insurgency but urge them to do more,” said the President.”

    Read Also: Military will defeat terrorism, says Buratai

    The President also commended OIC institutions for supporting development projects aimed at achieving rapid socio-economic development in Nigeria.

    He highlighted the Inter-Water Basic transfer, aimed at recharging the Lake Chad, the National Food Security Programme, the Second Niger Bridge, various roads and school rehabilitation projects as some projects in Nigeria that have attracted the support of OIC institutions.

    On issues of concurrent global significance, President Buhari said the African members of the OIC were pleased with renewed efforts by the organization for the restoration of the national rights of the Palestinians and other long-standing unresolved conflicts.

    The President, however, noted that many OIC member states were grappling with serious security problems, including terrorism, violent extremism and armed criminality.

    The Nigerian leader said some of these challenges have assumed grave dimensions in recent times and required serious and coordinated approach for lasting solutions.

    ”In addition to the core issue of the restoration of the national rights of the Palestinians and other long-standing unresolved conflicts, we now grapple with serious security problems, represented by the destructive activities of terrorists, violent extremists and armed criminals in many of OIC Member States.

    ”This situation has also been compounded by a series of political crises, which continue to affect a number of our countries.

    ”In this regard, we support the actions of the OIC in seeking an early resolution to the lingering Palestinian question and the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent homeland.

    ”We equally subscribe to the various actions of the OIC in resolving the crises in Syria, Yemen and Libya.

    ”We commend OIC engagement with other international actors in addressing the various political conflicts in the OIC region and the plight of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar,” he said.

    President Buhari also used the occasion to express confidence that the on-going political transition in Sudan and Algeria would be concluded smoothly and peacefully.

    He thanked King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud for hosting and chairing the 14th OIC Summit and the Turkish President, Recep Erdogan, whose tenure just ended for “his commitment to the ideals of our Organization and his efforts in ensuring that the OIC achieves its set goals and objectives, throughout his tenure as Chairman.”

     

  • I’ll tackle Boko Haram with full force – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari will host leaders of Lake Chad Basin Commission in an informal summit on the side lines of Democracy Day and second term inauguration celebrations on June 12, 2019, in Abuja.

    The meeting, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, will focus on bringing up new strategies to end the menace of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.

    Speaking at a bilateral meeting with President Idris Deby Itno of Chad Republic in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where both leaders are attending the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, Buhari said it was time for “a new way forward that completely removes the threat of terrorism from Lake Chad sub-region.”

    Read Also: Air Force degrades Boko Haram in Borno

    The President said since elections were over, he would have more time to pursue the threat of terrorism with “full force’’.

    The Nigerian and Chadian leaders agreed on the need for sub-regional leaders to sit down and agree on changing the strategy “for a more sustained operation, which will continue until the threat is brought to a permanent end.’’

    President Buhari and President Deby Itno also discussed the challenge posed by rainy season to military operations against terrorism, agreeing to urgently review strategies that will bolster onslaught against insurgents.

    The two leaders talked about how the meeting in Abuja will respond to infiltration of displaced elements of the Daesh, an acronym for ISIL’s Arabic name, al-Dawlah al-Islamîyah fî l-»Irâq wa-sh-Shâm, through Libya into the Lake Chad area.

     

  • Buhari, Jonathan greet Clark at 92

    President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan has extolled the virtues of former Information Minister, Chief Edwin Clark on the occasion of his 92nd birthday anniversary.

    In his tribute to Chief Clark, who served as Information Minister during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon, President Buhari noted “even if you don’t agree with the elder statesman sometimes, you must acknowledge his patriotism and commitment to peace.”

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “Peace building is one of the greatest contributions we should expect of our elders, and I am proud that Chief Edwin Clark has played this role remarkably during trying times in our country.’’

    He described the nonagenarian as a man of strong convictions who doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind on national issues and added ”this gentleman expresses his mind without malice, one of the outstanding virtues of a statesman that he is.”

    “While felicitating with you on this joyous occasion, accept my best wishes and deepest goodwill of my government. You have served your country with distinction and untainted record.

    ”You should be proud of this legacy. The country would always look up to you to tap from your fountain of wisdom”, the President said

    Read Also: Call Oshiomhole to order, NANS tells Buhari

    Jonathan described him as a crusader for equity and justice.

    In a goodwill message he personally signed, Jonathan noted that Chief Clark has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development, adding that the nonagenarian has continued to work for the nation’s unity and progress.

    A statement by Ikechukwu Eze, the former President’s spokesman further described Chief Clark as a respected leader and statesman who has been at the forefront of peace-building initiatives in the country.

    The message read: “I join your family members and other well-wishers to congratulate you on your 92nd birthday.

    “I am grateful to God for blessing Nigeria and the Niger Delta with someone like you.

    “Your patriotism and commitment to nation-building is evident in your legacies both as a public servant and as a private citizen.

    “You made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development while serving the nation as a regional and federal commissioner in different political dispensations and you have continued to serve her as a foremost leader and statesman.

    “Even in old age you have remained committed in your advocacy for equity, resource and environmental justice, especially in the Niger Delta.

    “You have been at the forefront of different  peace-building initiatives with a view to building a united and prosperous nation.

    “You have remained a role model to the younger generation and an icon of service and sacrifice.

    “May God Almighty who has blessed you with age, strength and wisdom continue to grant you sound health and multiply His grace upon you as you celebrate.”

  • Buhari congratulates Super Falcons for winning WAFU Women’s cup

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Falcons for putting up a superlative performance that saw them emerging as 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup Champions, with an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.

    President Buhari in a congratulatory message in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday, lauded the Falcons for their fighting spirit and resplendent skills evidenced in team work, discipline and focus, which enabled them to defeat the Ivorian Dame Elephantes at the finals of the championship.

    The President extolled all officials and management of the team, led by Thomas Dennerby, for their sacrifice, commitment and diligence in winning the championship.

    Buhari urged the officials and players to stay focused and unleash the same zeal that won the WAFU Women’s Cup Champions as they prepared for the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the eighth edition, holds from June 7 to July 7 in France.

    Read Also: FG’ll improve ease of doing business, says Buhari

    The Super Falcons had on Saturday won the 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup after defeating host Cote d’Ivoire 5-4 on penalty kicks.

    Both sides went into a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the game played at the Stade Robert Champroux de Macory, in Cote d’Ivoire.

    NAN