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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Ayade lies about everything, cannot stand opposition – Owan-Enoh

    The Cross River State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator John Owan-Enoh, has accused Governor Ben Ayade of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of lying about everything as far the programmes and policies of government are concerned.

    In a press conference in Calabar, Owan-Enoh also said the present administration in the state could not withstand position and was doing everything it could to stifle them.

    Owan-Enoh, who presently represents Cross River Central in the Senate, in the state needed to be change, and he was in the race to restore hope and confidence in the people.

    He said, “This is an administration that lies on everything. It is not the kind of thing that we are looking forward to. The government needs to be changed. This administration doesn’t know Cross River. It is not interested in Cross River and its future and we need to change it. This administration cannot stand competition because of how woefully they have done. And they try to stamp out opposition. This administration tries to posture in Abuja as being friendly to President Muhammadu Buhari, but back at home, it is fighting opposition and doing things that are unspeakable.

    “People ask me where my billboards are. My billboards are not here in Calabar particularly because this administration cannot stand seeing my billboards. They were pulling them down.

    “Officials of the campaign organization are getting intimidating calls everyday. We are in a civil society and it is important this administration understands so. It needs to know that the election is going to be competitive. It is going to be keenly contested. We have candidates for every state constituency, every federal constituency, and the senatorial district and the governorship candidate.

    “I would like to appeal to the generality of Cross Riverians, those at home and those in diaspora that the 2019 governorship election is going to be a very consequential election. Let everyone get involved.

    Read Also: Ayade enjoins youths to embrace farming

    Better days are possible again. None of the two previously civilian administration got elected on the altar of ethnicity. They got elected on the basis of their credentials and what they were expected to do and they delivered in Cross River.

    “Cross River is in an unusual situation and requires an unusual response. 2019 is not about the north, central or south districts of the state. It is about Cross River and about who has the blueprint to deliver, who can be trusted, who can take us to the next level, and who can change the narrative of the state.

    “We are in an era where government needs to create the enabling environment for industrialists, for the private sector to come and invest. The public government has no business going about building industries. That is the best way to go about stealing the resources of the state. Government has no business building industries in the year 2019. Any government that does so wants to encourage corruption. It wants to put hands in the public till. That is what it is.

    “The greatest achievement of this administration which it talks about every day is the garment factory. I challenge this administration to come clean first on the true ownership of the garment factory, secondly, with how much was spent to build and thirdly, three and a half years later, how much has that garment factory generated for the state.

    “This administration spends time on window dressing. It cannot get anything right. I would run an administration that would be sincere. I believe in what I am doing. When Liyel Imoke handed over to Ayade in 2915 Cross River became the 11th largest economy in Nigeria. The latest statistics indicate we are at 36. We are at rock bottom as a state. As a state, how bad can it get before people take action to change the course of their lives. The 2019 governorship election is about the future of Cross River.”

    Owan-Enoh called on disgruntled party men and women to work together to oust the present government in the state.

    “The APC is one big family. I would like to call for cooperation, for reconciliation. I appeal that we all get back together. The matters that seek to divide us are not as important as the matter that confronts us as a state. We should get back together in one party and win this election. Cross Riverians expect us and are praying for us to win, even those who are appointed in his government. People are yearning for redemption and today I take up the challenge,” he said.

  • Election: Lawmaker seeks support for APC, Buhari

    The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ovie Omo-Agege, has urged Nigerians to support and vote for the All Progressives Congress  (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari in the coming general elections.

    The senator in his new year message said the general elections would represent a strategic moment in the country’s collective desire for a better future.

    While acknowledging the successes recorded by Buhari in areas of fighting insecurity,  anti-corruption, and reviving infrastructure; added that the president had also steadied the economy and improved the power sector.

    Read Also: Why President Buhari should be re-elected

    He however noted that there were still challenges to overcome including unemployment, killings across the country, but assured that the present administration was working tirelessly to improve all sectors.

    Omo-Agege also appealed to Nigerians to shun those who brought about the woes of the country through years of misrule and corruption.

    He said: “On the basis of how much the Buhari-led administration has achieved in less than four years, it is clear the country has overcome its worst days.”

    He also said he was full of confidence that the Urhrobo people would record greater success in their effort to achieve greatness and free Delta State.

     

  • 2019: Obaseki mobilizes support for APC at New Year’s day service

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called on all Edo people and residents, particularly those in Sabongida-Ora, to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

    Obaseki made the call during a New Year’s day church service on Tuesday, at the Cathedral of St. John Anglican Church in Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The governor explained that a vote for President Buhari will enable the APC-led government sustain the achievements and progress the nation has recorded under the party.

    “We must understand that Nigeria faces major challenges. But we are on course as we have done quite a lot of work in the last three and a half years. We need to sustain the work we are doing and the massive support for the APC will guarantee this.”

    He noted that though the nation’s increasing population was frightening, with associated challenges, he assured that “the President is equal to the task as he is creating opportunities and empowering people to make life more meaningful for everyone.”

    According to him, the people of Sabongida-Ora are celebrated for the high value they place on education and emphasised that the ongoing reform in the state’s education sector is revolutionizing the sector.

    Read Also: Obaseki mourns as former President Shagari passes at 93

    “Basic education is free and compulsory for our children in the State,” he stressed.

    “Health is another area of focus for us especially primary healthcare system. We are committed to ensuring an efficient healthcare system that will identify diseases early enough for easy treatment, before ailments get out of hand”.

    He told the congregation that his administration is also investing in agriculture to attract industries to the state to feed production and processing centres.

    In his sermon entitled “Our year of divine expansion”, Rev. Augustine Ohilebo, Diocesan Bishop, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora, said Christians cannot enjoy God’s blessings if they don’t have personal relationship with him.

    “If you are outside the camp of God you are prone to danger. Sin hinders your relationship with God and limits your expansion. For you to experience divine expansion we need to get in contact with God,” the Bishop admonished Christians.

    Reading from the Bible book of Isaiah, chapter one verse 18, he urged Christians to repent from their wicked ways and trust the Lord for his provisions in 2019.

    “To experience divine expansion, you should enlarge your capacity in service to God; attendance to church, paying of tithes, prayers and giving to the work of God.

    He added that the country will not be divided and warned that anyone or group of persons who want Nigeria to divide will not succeed.

  • Ambode assures of greater benefits for Lagosians in 2019

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured of more life changing projects in 2019 for the greater benefit of Lagosians.

    Ambode gave the assurance in his New Year message to Lagosians at the grand finale of the 2018 One Lagos Fiesta (OLF) held at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island on the eve of the New Year

    He said though 2018 was a great year for the State, the New Year holds greater promises for all.

    “I want to thank God for giving us this New Year and also thank all residents of the State for being peaceful and for cooperating with our government in delivering services in 2018 and we are ready to take Lagos to the next level.”

    On expectations for Lagos, the governor said irrespective of the fact that 2019 is an election year, the State would witness more prosperity as the enabling environment for the economy to thrive had already been firmly established.

    “I want you to know that 2019 has a lot in stock for all of us and we must stand up for a better Nigeria and a greater Lagos.

    “I believe the GDP of Lagos will grow and I believe irrespective of what is happening, Lagos remains the most prosperous State in Nigeria and it can only get better,” he said.

    The Governor attributed the successes his administration has recorded in the last few years to the sterling efforts of security agencies in keeping the city safe, adding that the State has emerged as the safest place to live in Africa.

    He also assured that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that ongoing capital projects across the State would be completed before the expiration of his tenure in May.

    “The modest successes we have recorded would not have been possible without the efforts of security agencies in the State.

    Read Also: Pensioners praise Ambode

    “I want to appreciate the efforts of security agencies for their dogged contribution in making our State the safest place to live in the country and Africa right now.

    “Let me also assure residents that we are committed to their well-being, security and safety. We also want to assure that we are committed to completing all on-going projects before the end of May,” the governor said.

    The Governor said he was thrilled that the OLF was meeting the set objectives, saying that the positive impact of the fiesta on the economy of the State had been massive and encouraging.

    “The positive economic impact of the fiesta is very visible. You see, at the beginning, we were doing this particular fiesta in just one location but again we have been able to increase it to five locations, eight days, 40 concerts and you can imagine everything surrounding it in terms of employment, job opportunities for food hawkers, artisans and above all, the security that has kept the city very safe.

    “So, we are very excited that this is part of the GDP that we are growing for Lagos and I know that this will be continued by the next government. I am satisfied that we made a promise that we were going to use tourism, entertainment , arts and sports to promote excellence in Lagos and almost four years after, people can see that we have fulfilled it and Lagos is the only destination for people in December, he said.’’

    Besides, Ambode also seized the occasion to urge Lagosians to go all out and vote enmasse for President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 presidential election and also for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the March 2 election.

    According to him, victory for both and all other candidates of the party would continue the positive economic trajectory the country and the State in particular has witnessed since 2015.

    “It is the best interest of all of us to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari and we assure the President that we would deliver Lagos for him come 2019.

    “In Lagos, we must continue with the plan that has worked and vote Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governor of Lagos State,” he said.

    The 2018 OLF with the theme, ‘A December To Remember’, continued in its fine tradition of holding simultaneously in five locations including Agege, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe just as it attracted thousands of participants and millions of viewers across the world.

    The highlight of the grand finale at the Eko Atlantic City venue was the spectacular display of fireworks and the raffle draw which saw Mr. Ayodeji Omoboye, a resident in Ikorodu emerge winner of a brand new car from GAC Motors, while other residents went home with consolation prizes.

  • Why President Buhari should be re-elected

    SIR: By the groundswell of popular support and grand expectations that swept President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015, his performance in office is mediocre even as his governance style has been timid. But to assess President Buhari’s performance in the nearly past four years of his tenure without taking into account the depth of abyss, he had to struggle to climb out would be grossly unfair.

    Those who dispute the mileage he has reached in tackling security challenges and even mock his claim of not only technically subduing the terrorist Boko Haram but putting the bandits in disarray, yet go to the church, mosque, motor parks, even shopping malls without worrying about the next blasts are living in denials of the reality of our recent past. Today especially, in the federal capital territory of Abuja and the northern and north-central regions, it is now taken for granted to stay in long traffic jams and worry only about when to get home and not whether one would get home at all. Just about four years ago, to stay in any queue at all, whether in a traffic or at ATM (Automated teller Machine) is almost a suicidal act; but not anymore.

    If today, the terrorist group mostly confront the military and other armed security forces and whether they overwhelm them or were overwhelmed, is as improvement, to the previous situation, when they roam free among civilians, perpetrating mass murders and leaving in their wake, highly traumatized civilian populations.

    President Buhari most serious challenge in his re-election bid has been the economy and it is not because he has not done much or even well, but because the effort has not reflected yet in the improved living standards for Nigerians. To be fair to him, no measure by anyone else could have delivered visible improvement in the quality of life of the people of an economy that was recovering from the intensive care unit of a disastrous crash in the more than a decade; it was pilloried, pillaged and plunged into a coma.

    President Buhari correctly focused on financing massive infrastructure regeneration, the basic pillar for an inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development. Unfortunately for him, investment in key infrastructures, though of enormous importance for growth and development, do not yield quick results and its effects cannot be felt immediately on the quality of food on the table. But the experience of thriving Asia which includes Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and many others is that, if you want get rich, build roads, a metaphor for all the critical infrastructures that makes for sustainable growth and  inclusive development.

    While much work are still to be done, quite a lot has already been done and nobody seeks the luxury and pleasure of President Buhari, in canvassing for his re-election for a constitutional second term, but to for him to bear to the full, the cross of national recuperation and restoration, which he began nearly four years ago

    • Charles Onunaiju,

    Abuja.

     

     

  • Crossfire

    The 2018 Christmas homage paid by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) community on President Muhammadu Buhari last Tuesday was meant to be more or less a religious gathering.

    But the political missiles exchanged following remarks at the brief ceremony held inside the official residence of the President was of large magnitude.

    It resulted in crossfire between the Presidency and the camp of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the Presidential flag-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 elections.

    The comments at the religious gathering was claimed to have prompted Atiku to write the President a letter faulting his utterances at the homage.

    Buhari during the Christmas homage had told his visitors “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 going 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.

    But barely twenty four hours after the President’s remark, Atiku picked holes in the comments through open letter he wrote to the President.

    Atiku, in the open letter to the President last Wednesday said “My attention has been drawn to a statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of a Christmas homage paid on him by members of the Federal Capital Territory Community in which he blamed his inability to fight corruption on the Nigerian system.

    “According to the President, his administration is slow in fighting corruption because the system is slow.

    “My immediate response to this is to commend President Buhari for admitting that he has failed in fighting corruption. The President has just corroborated Transparency International, whose latest Corruption Perception Index shows that Nigeria is more corrupt today than it was under the

    previous administration, having moved 12 places backwards in the CPI, from 136 in 2014 to 148 this year.

    “But my point of departure from the President is in blaming his failure on the system. I disagree. The system has challenges, yes, but where there is political will, the system can make progress.

    “I was Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and we used that same system to speedily convict no less a personality than an Inspector General of Police, and several others including cabinet ministers and other high officials.

    “Mr. President, the problem with your anti-corruption war is not the system. You are the problem!” he said.

    Atiku went on to list four examples where he felt the President didn’t do well including the cases of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, the former chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process, and the billions found in an Ikoyi apartment.

    The former Vice President added “Based on the above statement of facts, I will not allow you to make Nigeria the scapegoat for your failure. Your failure is personal, and not national.

    “Besides, your excuse is deceptive, because you have staunchly resisted restructuring. If you really believed that the system is the problem, you would have embraced restructuring.

    “Unfortunate as your admitted failure in the war on corruption is, it is your economic policy that is the greater failure. Your lack of ideas and your politicisation of the corruption war has made your administration fight legitimate businesses and the opposition.

    “I might add that it is actions such as this that have led to an unprecedented capital flight which has caused joblessness and made Nigeria the world headquarters for extreme poverty under your watch.” he said.

    Atiku’s letter that Wednesday got at least two responses the same day from the President’s camp.

    The first to react was the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, who are said “The PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is exhibiting early signs of depression, resulting from obvious frustration.

    “Consequently, he is unable to focus on his campaign. Otherwise, he should tell Nigerians why a discredited person like him should be elected as president instead of raising puerile allegations daily.

    “President Buhari and APC, not his programmes for the country, appear to be his main campaign issues. Nigerians are desirous of a campaign that focuses on issues that matter to them.

    “For Atiku and his PDP co-travellers, the only interest is to grab power and continue where they stopped in their avarice. The APC administration is eager to showcase the impressive achievements we have recorded in the last three and half years. This is the campaign that matters to us and this is what Nigerians are interested in.

    “The trajectory is exciting as we see a brighter future shaping up. We won’t yield to the PDP’s shenanigans. The obvious strategy of the PDP is to truncate the country’s journey towards economic buoyancy and social stability. We will not play the PDP’s game. PDP is acting an anti-people’s script.

    “President Buhari remains unshaken by the desperate efforts being made by Atiku and the PDP to blackmail the APC government. Everyone who was involved in corrupt practices would be brought to justice.  PDP is not offering any alternative to the progressive course this government is pursuing.

    “It is actually apparent that the party is not contesting the 2019 elections to redeem itself, least of doing any good for the country, but simply to seize power to escape justice for the grevious crimes committed against the people of this country. Nigerians won’t be fooled by the rapacious PDP gang. Never!” he added.

    Later the same day, the Director of Strategic Communications (Official Spokesperson) of the

    President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organization, Festus Keyamo also replied Atiku.

    He said “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar disputing the assertion by President Muhammadu Buhari that the system in Nigeria allows corruption to thrive because the system is slow in tackling corruption.

    “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar further blamed President Muhammadu Buhari for perceived failure in addressing some instances of ‘corrupt practices’ under his watch.

    “Let us remind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that he is one of the greatest beneficiaries of the failed system in tackling corruption that was in place before President Muhammadu Buhari took over in 2015.

    “We know he is aware of this, hence his latest diatribe against President Muhammadu Buhari amounts to nothing but disgusting grandstanding and an attempt to mock the system.

    “If the system in Nigeria was indeed working, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would not have acquired substantial shares in INTELS in clear conflict of his duties as a Customs Officer whilst in office. Those shares would have belonged to the Nigerian people by now.

    “If the system in Nigeria was indeed working, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would not have run a monopolistic company called INTELS all these years, ripping off the Nigerian people and the Nigerian State before Muhammadu Buhari came and broke that monopoly.

    “If the system was working, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would have been prosecuted and jailed for various acts of corruption and abuse of office after he left office as Vice President.

    “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar latest adventure in trying to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in matters of integrity with President Muhammadu Buhari is a political suicide mission from which we thought his handlers would have tried to steer him away. But alas! They have decided to test the waters. Locally and internationally President Muhammadu Buhari stands several miles away from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in matters of integrity.

    “When the President used all his life in public office building a reputation and a name, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar used all his life in public office to build mansions and acquire personal wealth. Now Judgment Day has come when the credentials needed by the Nigerian people for the highestoffice are not the buildings and wealth but the simple quality of integrity. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar cannot eat his cake and have it.”

    What is playing out now is definitely the beginning of what to expect as the campaigns begin in earnest and the 2019 general elections rush in.

    But peace loving Nigerians will not want what is playing out now in the polity to escalate.

    They will, no doubt, want a peaceful environment to exercise their franchise and also still have a country called Nigeria at the end of the elections.

     

  • ‘We are on mission to rescue Nigeria from greedy few’

    President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is on a mission to rescue the nation’s resources from being appropriated by “a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed”.

    The President stated in his New Year message to Nigerians which was issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday.

    To this end, the president said the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government had resolved to build a country in which the resources were utilised for the benefit of citizens, irrespective of their socio-political affiliations.

    He said: “That is the journey we have embarked on since we came on board in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on.

    “We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilized for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed.

    “We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.’’

    According to him, Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructure development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations.

    He, however, stated that those who continued to trumpet falsehood and negativity were on their own, fighting a losing battle.

    He noted that “the greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do’’.

    He, therefore, reiterated his promises and declarations that the general elections would be free, fair and credible.

    “Elections need not be do or die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear.

    “Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have,’’ he added.

    President Buhari acknowledged that the country had its challenges; ranging from security, economic, political to social, but the government had resolved to combat and overcome them all.

    He, therefore, expressed the hope that Nigerians would renew the mandate they overwhelmingly gave the APC in 2015, for another term.

    “I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years, and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term.

    “We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest.

    “I can assure you all that we are making steady and sustainable progress in all areas of national life. Those who are unbiased can see and appreciate the progress the country has made since 2015.

    “A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all.

    “We are moving from potentials to actualisation, and it’s a task to be accomplished by us all; man, woman, young, old, military, civilian, all Nigerians.Please come along, as we journey to the land of our dreams. Happy 2019,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Ribadu donates campaign structure to Buhari

    Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, one of the three who contested for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State in October, has handed over his campaign offices, vehicles and other items in his campaign structure for the reelection campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Ribadu who lost the Adamawa APC governorship ticket to incumbent Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, announced the turning over of his campaign structure Monday afternoon at his Yola campaign office which has been re-branded as Buhari/Osinbanjo for Continuity 2019.

    He similarly unveiled 10 Siena cars similarly branded, which he said were cars donated for his own campaign but which would now be used for a ward-to-ward campaign for Buhari’s reelection.

    Read Also: Ribadu bags ‘lifetime’ global anti-corruption award

    Ribadu who currently holds the position of Director of Field Operations in the Buhari Campaign Organisation, said the Buhari government in the past three and half years has ushered in desirable change that has earned him a repeat performance through a second term.

    “We have seen what is fair and what is just in the Buhari government and we will work hard to ensure the continuation of such quality leadership. We have never had it so good,” he said.

    Ribadu said Adamawa as a state has benefitted greatly from Buhari’s federal government in many ways, and citing issue of road construction, he said, “Roads that were abandoned for decades are being constructed. At least 10 local government areas are being linked with federal roads in Adamawa State.”

     

  • Buhari hailed for withholding assent to NBC Bill

    Communication experts at the weekend commended President Muhammadu Buhari for refusing to sign the National Broadcasting Commission Bill 2018 (Amendment) into law.

    They said the president’s action demonstrated his resolute commitment to national interest, over the primordial vested interest of a few powerful persons or a group of establishments.

    The experts, Engineer Yusuf Ahmadu and Barbara Ekprikpo, conveyed their commendation in a statement issued in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    “The President’s decline to sign the bill was again communicated to the Senate President with reasons, which are mostly in alignment with the views of industry experts,” they stated.

    The statement reads: “The President clearly stated that he seeks to ensure that the NBC is not dis-empowered by the proposed amended act.

    “In a bizarre show of lack of National interest some Nigerians colluded with their foreign cohorts to influence the National assembly to, not only insert some strange clauses that would tamper with the number of Digital Broadcasting Signalling Distributor ( BSD) Licenses, stipulated by the white paper, but also expunge the clause that empowers the NBC to efficiently carry out its functions.

    Read Also: Buhari to troops in Northeast: remain resolute

    “This illegal action, if allowed to have passed with a Presidential assent, would have grossly hampered the currently ongoing Digital Switch Over (DSO) process.

    “We indeed have a President that is reasonable and who has a listening ear as he has proven once again that bills would only be assented to by him, for the right reasons, and with strong considerations given to views of experts that our country, Nigeria is enormously blessed with.

    “By this master stroke, the President, has saved the country tremendous national security and economic vulnerabilities.”

    It would be recalled that some experts recently expressed strong worries over some insertions into the bill that were inimical to the position of the Federal Government White Paper on the NBC Act.

     

  • Christmas: Abuja women celebrate Army over  peaceful yuletide across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Army has received massive commendation from a coalition of Abuja women under the aegis of FCT Women of Honour over the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the Christmas celebration across the nation.
    Under the dogged leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the surge in insurgency during the yuletide has been effectively silenced.
    Prior to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, frequent bomb blast marred the festive periods, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    A good example was the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, a suburb of Abuja in 2011 which claimed over 40 lives and left 60 others injured.
    As a result, inhabitants were forced to mark the festivity at home, staying away from religious and public centres.
    That’s in the past, however.
    The FCT Women of Honour can’t seem to fathom how the Nigerian Army has restored calmness in such a short time, with the dreads of old now forgotten.
    According to its president, Princess Juliana Okolo, at a press briefing in Abuja , she revealed that this is no mean feat and deserves to be applauded.
    The group hailed President Buhari, the COAS and his ever-reliable troops for restoring peace to the nation’s capital and across Nigeria.

    Read Also:Army arrest three gun runners, recover 44 rifles in Niger

    “While in the eyes of the ordinary, it seems an ordinary feat, it is indeed a huge feat when compared to previous years where there was hardly any Christmas period that bombs would not detonate in churches or other recreational spots within the federal capital territory and its environs,” she stated.
    “It is therefore instructive to note that for three consecutive years, (2016,2017 and 2018) residents of Abuja celebrated the Christmas in absolute peace and harmony. We are of the opinion that this was made possible by the total commitment of the Nigeria Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  Group sees and recognizes the sacrifices of the Nigerian  Army in keeping the country safe and secured with it various military operations going on simultaneously around the country.  From the east to the west, to the south and the north, the commitment of the Nigerian  Army has remained unflinching even though it has been stretched thin by these activities.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  also wishes to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his unalloyed commitment in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed leadership of this great country in 2015.
    “The visible inroads experienced in the critical security sector is indeed a demonstration of the political will to ensure that Nigeria is back on the path of glory again.
    “As African mothers, we indeed must continually remember our sons in our daily prayers that are striving day and night for our sake so that we may be free from evil forces that are hell-bent on destabilizing our great country.
    “We are using this medium to extend our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai for his commitment in seeing to an end of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country experiencing various security challenges in one way of the other.
    “This group  is therefore of the opinion that if not for the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria would have indeed collapsed before our eyes due to threat of militant and violent armed groups that threatened the very essence of our foundation.
    “We also appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for leading the onslaught against the Boko Haram Terrorists and the subsequent achievements it has recorded in the past three years.
    “We also wish to appreciate the troops that have continually sacrificed for the country. They are the real heroes of Nigeria, and their sacrifices would never go in vain.
    “We also wish to charge them to more victory and also to disregard the very few that would not appreciate their efforts so far in the fight against Terrorism and other militant and armed groups in Nigeria. “