The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Garba Shehu

  • Nigeria, China to sign $328 million agreement on ICT

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to join his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping to witness the signing of an agreement for US $328 million facility provided by the Chinese EXIM Bank.

    The agreement is on the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase 11 (NICTIB 11) between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI).

    Buhari, who arrived Beijing on Saturday to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) holding September 3 – 4, 2018, is on 6-day official visit to the Asian country.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said “The bank facility is for the development of NICTIB 11 project which is consistent with the current administration’s commitment to incorporating the development of ICT into national strategic planning under the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

    “President Buhari and his Chinese host will also witness the signing of the MOU on One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR). It may be recalled that in 2013, the Chinese leader proposed the initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, with a view to integrating the development strategies of partnering countries.

    Read Also: Illegal Nigerian migrants travel at own risks, says Buhari

    “During the High-Level Dialogue between Chinese and African Leaders and Business representatives on the margins of FOCAC, the Nigerian delegation is also expected to sign no fewer than 25 MOUs, including those proposed by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).” he added.

    On arrival at Capital International Airport, Beijing at about 9:04 am (Nigerian time), he said that the President was received by top Chinese government officials including the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian.

    He went on “Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda and his wife Zahra; the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Bakori Aliyu Usman; Consular-General of Nigeria, Guangzhou, Shairudeen Oloko; Consular-General of Nigeria, Shanghai, Anderson Madubuike; and Defence Attaché, Brig-Gen. Temitope Ademola were also among those who received the President.

    “President Buhari will tomorrow meet Nigerians living in China before the kick-off of FOCAC on Monday when he will join President Jinping and other African leaders for roundtable sessions which will essentially discuss the report of FOCAC since the 2015 Johannesburg Summit, including the implementation of the ‘‘ten cooperation plans’’ adopted at the last meeting.

    “The Summit is also expected to adopt the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan for the development of China-Africa cooperation and fashion out new opportunities to grow Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership from 2019 to 2021.”

     

  • We respect rule of law, agreements, Buhari tells Merkel

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja said his administration will always uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in governing the country.

    He also assured the visiting German Chancellor Angel Merkel that all agreements will be fully respected.

    President Buhari received the German Chancellor, who was accompanied by top government officials and a business delegation, at the Presidential Villa.

    In his remarks during a bilateral meeting, the President said unity and harmony in every society can only be preserved by observing the rule of law, and ensuring that agreements reached in good faith are followed through to the mutual benefit of countries.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also told Chancellor Merkel and members of her delegation that the rule of law embodies all the rightful mechanisms for conflict resolution, both within the country, and in dealing with all foreign partners.

    He assured that his administration remains focused on delivering a peaceful, economically viable and politically stable polity to all Nigerians.

    The President said Nigeria remained grateful to the German government for the fair treatment of migrants.

    He said Nigeria looks forward to improving its trade figures with Germany, which had taken strong interest in investing in the country and supporting the government in providing effective services in security, education and creation of jobs.

    Read Also: Buhari,  Angela Merkel meet in Aso Rock

    The President said his administration instituted reforms in the economy to make it more internationally attractive and business friendly for investors, noting that infrastructure development had been a priority, especially in power supply, road and rail constructions.

    The economy, he said, was already responding to the diversification reforms and the stimulus of the government as growth is now largely driven by the non-oil sector.

    The President said Nigeria was politically stable, urging German investors to take advantage of the friendly climate.

    “I enjoin you to invest in Nigeria because this is the best time to do so,’’ he added.

    President Buhari noted that the successful political transitions since 1999 were clear indications of the country’s stability and preparedness to welcome more investments that will bolster the economy.

    In her remarks at the meeting, Chancellor Merkel said Germany is prepared to further strengthen bilateral and business relations with Nigeria, which, according to her, controls 60 per cent of ECOWAS economy.

    She said the population growth and opportunities in the economy can always be explored to improve employment situation in the country.

    Chancellor Merkel said the three Memoranda of Understanding signed during the visit represent a starting point for a healthier and deeper partnership with Nigeria in areas of security, trade, immigration and education.

    The Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Volkswagen of South Africa for the manufacturing of Volkswagen vehicles in Nigeria, while Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Petkus Technologies GMBH for the supply of seed and grain processing machines.

    The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German African Business Association on fostering trade and investment.

  • Buhari congratulates Presidents Keita, Mnangagwa on election victories

    President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has heartily congratulated President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali on winning the country’s election for a second term in office.

    He also felicitated with majority of Malians for giving the incumbent another opportunity to serve them after the August 12, 2018 presidential run-off.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also urged the main challenger, Soumaila Cisse and his supporters to abide by the verdict of the people as confirmed by the ruling of the Constitutional Court, and join hands with President Keita in the interest of the country in particular and peace and stability of West Africa.

    The Nigerian leader firmly believed that the successful outcome of the election in Mali further strengthens Africa’s democratic credentials as the people are allowed to choose their leaders without let or hindrance.

    Read Also: Buhari protecting the poor, says Keyamo

    Buhari wished President Keita a successful second tenure in a peaceful and stable atmosphere.

    Similarly, the Nigerian President has congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe following his declaration by the country’s Constitutional Court as the lawful winner of the July presidential poll.

    President Buhari called on all Zimbabweans especially the politicians to unite and work for the progress and development of their country.

     

  • Buhari fully committed to use of PVC, card readers – Presidency

    The Presidency said on Wednesday President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to the use of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) and card readers in the 2019 general election.

    The  Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

    The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to incorrect and misleading reporting in several newspapers regarding the status of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

    “The Presidency would like to set out the true status of the Bill. The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was sent by the National Assembly to the Presidency at the end of June 2018, for assent.

    “Following extensive consideration, the Presidency engaged with the National Assembly to raise concerns regarding errors and inconsistencies found in the submitted version. Following this, the National Assembly, on July 24, 2018, met to review and correct the Bill.

    “The Bill was given, on July 24, 2018, a ‘clause by clause consideration’ by the Senate. The votes and proceedings from the Senate on July 24, 2018, attest to this.

    “The Senate resolved to rescind its decision on a number of clauses included in the version they had earlier sent for consideration by the President, and to reconsider these clauses.

    Read Also: A Buhari life presidency?

    “According to the Senate Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday July 24, 2018: The Senate notes that in the course of final cleaning of the Bill as passed, some provisions were found to negate the essence of the amendment; [and] Resolves to: Rescind its decision on Clauses 3,5,8,11(2), 13(b), 14 (4), 15(3), 18,21,23,24,28,32 and 38 of the Bill as passed, and recommit same to Committee of the whole for reconsideration and passage.”

    According to him, the re-considered Bill was passed by the Senate on July 24, 2018 the same day that plenary was adjourned toSeptember 25, 2018.

    He said the revised Version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018, with corrections by the National Assembly, and dated the 2nd of August, 2018, was received by the Presidency on the 3rd of August, 2018.

    The President, he said, has 30 days from the date of receipt, to assent to or decline the Bill.

    The Bill, according to him, is therefore still under consideration by the Presidency.

    He added: “The allegations that the President declined assent to the Bill because of objections to the use of card readers are wild and baseless.  President Buhari did not and has never raised any objections to the use of Card Readers for elections in Nigeria. On the contrary he has always been a passionate advocate for the use of PVCs and Card Readers in elections in Nigeria, mindful of the role that Card Readers and PVCs played in the election that brought him into office. And he has repeatedly made this clear, and praised these technologies.”

     

  • APC waxing stronger ahead of 2019 – Presidency

    The Presidency said on Monday the All Progressives Congress (APC) is waxing stronger ahead of 2019 general election following its victories in last weekend’s bye- elections held in some parts of the country.

    The APC won the senatorial bye-elections in Katsina and Bauchi States and also won one of the House of Representatives seat in Kogi State.

    Briefing State House correspondents, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, said the victories were indication that President Muhammadu Buhari has a better chance in next year’s presidential election.

    He also faulted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for carrying out its actions in a militant manner rather than following laid down procedures.

    Shehu said: “I like to speak to you about the fabulous shows of the APC in Katsina, Bauchi and Kogi, and even to some extent in Cross River States.

    “It is clear that election after election, Nigerians are reposing confidence in the Buhari/Osinbajo presidency. Each of these election victories is considered to be epic in nature because none of these elections was an ordinary election.

    “We are happy that we have won and on behalf of the President and the Acting President, we like to say thank you to Nigerians who continue to repose their confidence in the leadership of the APC administration.

    “We also want to thank the leadership of the party at the national level, but equally important, to thank all the party’s apparatchiks deployed to all the campaigns and ensured that the elections were won handsomely by APC.

    “So, we are expressing our gratitude to everyone for these that had happened and to say that with this increasing confidence reposed in the President and the Acting President, who are determined more than ever before to leave no stone unturned in the bid to bring the promised change to Nigerians.

    “For a quick review, maybe one, two, three or four lessons can be taken from the victories that the party has been recording.”

     

     

  • Buhari greets Odigie-Oyegun at 79

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on the occasion of his 79th birthday on August 12, 2018.
    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, joined family, friends, well-wishers and party members in celebrating another milestone in the lifetime of a patriotic Nigerian, who personifies the meaning of a progressive in letter and in spirit.
    The President recalled that throughout Chief Oyegun’s distinguished career as a civil servant, first civilian Governor of Edo State, pro-democracy activist and the first elected National Chairman of the APC, whose leadership was instrumental to the advent of the CHANGE government in 2015, he stood out as a beacon of progressive values and principles embodied in change, reforms and intense commitment to the good of the nation.
    He prayed God almighty to grant the celebrant more years of good health and fulfillment to see a nation where positive change, in all facets of our national lives, is a reality for all.

    Odigie-Oyegun relinquished his position as the first APC chairman after the party’s convention in Abuja on June 23.

    He was replaced by Comrade Adams Oshiohmole who emerged unopposed during the convention.

  • Allow law enforcement agencies do their work -Presidency

    The Presidency on Tuesday said that it has taken note of the orchestrated campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari each time a Very Important Person (VIP) is invited by the law enforcement agencies, in the discharge of their legitimate duties and functions.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency said that the law of the land is intended for all, not for the poor or those at the lowest rungs of the social ladder.

    Read Also:Security: Presidency blasts Northern elders, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, others

    It added “It is odd, strange and bizarre that while ordinary citizens can be called up to answer questions or be interrogated, the VIP cannot be questioned without the annoying insinuations of partisanship, persecution or outright politicization.

    “This country cannot achieve development in peace when important cases are viewed through a political prism and the law is considered as being applicable to some, and not applicable to others.

    “The workings of law enforcement agencies are set out in the constitution and the laws of the country. If they worked at the discretion of past presidents, who decided who to question and who to detain, Nigerians should get used to the fact that this President is different. President Buhari does not and will not influence or interfere with cases.

    “The constitution clearly directs law enforcement agencies to promptly report and investigate any actual or potential infringement of the law and also initiate proceedings against all those involved.

    “This President is not the one who directs them on what to do.

    “President Buhari does not stand in the way of law enforcement either. Under our constitution, he has no powers to stop the investigation of anyone or institution. When they are set to investigate anything and anyone, the best friend of the law is the one who lets them do their work.

    “The President’s constant refrain is that he will not tolerate any form of illegality including corruption and the law enforcement agencies have been given complete freedom to identify and bring all culprits to justice. His instructions to them are very clear: Anyone with a case to answer or found guilty should not be spared,” it said.

    The statement also said that accused persons should approach the courts to plead their innocence rather than going to the public to plead persecution.

    “The country is better served when the law enforcement agencies are allowed to do their work and we must stop the actors of this dangerous game of politicizing law enforcement,” it stated.

  • Buhari salutes renowned pharmacist, Dahiru Wali, at 83

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with renowned Pharmacist and community leader, Alhaji Dahiru Wali, who turns 83 on July 23.
    In a statement by the President’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday, Buhari said he joined the family, friends and professional colleagues of the highly resourceful pharmacist in celebrating the milestone.
    According to him, this has been lined with many years of achievements and recognitions for his contributions to knowledge and an extensive practice to ensure a healthy country.
    The president commended the exceptional brilliance of the pharmacist, whose training predated the Nigerian independence.
    He noted that Wali had maintained a rising influence in his field by working for a long period and setting up a pharmacy, Tsamiya, since the 70’s that had continued to cater for many with quality drugs.
    Buhari affirmed that Wali, who travelled widely to acquire knowledge in Pharmacy, was magnanimous in returning to Nigeria with his family to offer his services to citizens and inspire a generation of community pharmacists committed to promoting healthy living.
    “The legacy of being your brothers’ keeper which Wali instituted with the community pharmacy will become the hallmark of pharmaceutical practice in the country, with stronger focus on providing quality health care and safe guarding the lives of the people,’’ he added.
    The president prayed that the almighty God would grant the pharmacist longer life, good health and more strength to keep serving the nation and humanity.

  • 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 greets Sidi Ali at 81

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm greetings to All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and member of the party’s Elders Committee in Kano State, Hon. Sidi Ali, as he celebrates his 81st birthday.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, joined family, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating the resourceful public servant, who spent most of his life serving the country as a Public Affairs Officer; most remarkably for ensuring accurate and balanced information on government activities during and after the Nigerian Civil War.

    Read Also: Buhari congratulates Fayemi

    The President commended Ali’s deep sense of patriotism and nationalistic world view, which has always been evident in his promotion of the unity of the country and projection of values of harmonious and peaceful co-existence.

    As the octogenarian marks his 81stbirthday, President Buhari believed the years he served in the Nigerian International Press Centre, Ministry of Information and National Broadcasting Commission were historic, coupled with his membership of the board of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    The President prayed that the almighty God will grant Ali longer life, good health and strength to keep serving the nation and humanity.