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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • I’ll remain fair to all Nigerians—Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said that his administration would continue to be fair to all Nigerians.

    He made the remark while receiving a delegation of Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites led by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo, at the Presidential Villa.

    According to him, his administration has ensured even distribution of political appointments to reflect diverse interests across the country, regardless of the voting patterns of the 2015 presidential elections.

    The President in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina,  said the Nigerian constitution clearly maps out the need for representation in every government, and he had adhered strictly to the tenets of the law.

    He noted that Ministers of Foreign  Affairs, Science and Technology, Labour and Employment, and Industry, Trade and Investment emerged from states that he did not record much votes in 2015, but they were given strong portfolios in the cabinet based on their competence.

    Read also: 2019 governorship: Amosun, Okorocha lose out as APC insists on Dapo Abiodun, Uzodinma

    “As humanly possible, I have tried to be fair to all. And I am very pleased that in spite of the complaints of technical marginalisation, you have agreed to vote for me in 2019,’’ he said.

    The President assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of poor representation of the Bassa people in government.

    “Thank you for all the nice things you have said about me and the administration. I have taken note that you don’t have leadership in any of the parastatals,’’ he added.

    In his remarks, the leader of the delegation said  Bassa people had consistently voted for the President over the years, and “will do it again in 2019’’.

    “You are a great asset to Nigeria. The Bassa nation will use all the resources available to us to ensure you are re-elected in 2019,’’ he said.

    The royal father said the President’s effort at securing the country was commendable, urging him to also sustain the anti-corruption war.

    “We are happy with your administration which is all-inclusive without discrimination. Keep promoting equality,’’ he added.

    He called on the President to reciprocate the affection of the Bassa people, who are spread across Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Niger  states and FCT, by ensuring that they get fair representation in government.

  • I will remain fair to all Nigerians – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja said that his administration will continue to be fair to all Nigerians.

    He made the remark while receiving a delegation of Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites led by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo at the Presidential Villa.

    According to him, his administration has ensured even distribution of political appointments to reflect diverse interests across the country, regardless of the voting patterns of the 2015 presidential elections.

    The President in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said the Nigerian constitution clearly maps out the need for representation in every government, and he had adhered strictly to the tenets of the law.

    He noted that Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Labour and Employment, and Industry, Trade and Investment emerged from states that he did not record much votes in 2015, but they were given strong portfolios in the cabinet based on their competence.

    “As humanly possible, I have tried to be fair to all. And I am very pleased that in spite of the complaints of technical marginalization, you have agreed to vote for me in 2019,’’ he said.

    The President assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of poor representation of the Bassa people in government.

    “Thank you for all the nice things you have said about me and the administration. I have taken note that you don’t have leadership in any of the parastatals,’’ he added.

    In his remarks, the leader of the delegation said Bassa people had consistently voted for the President over the years, and “will do it again in 2019’’.

    “You are a great asset to Nigeria. The Bassa nation will use all the resources available to us to ensure you are re-elected in 2019,’’ he said.

    The royal father said the President’s effort at securing the country was commendable, urging him to also sustain the anti-corruption war.

    “We are happy with your administration, which is all inclusive without discrimination. Keep promoting equality,’’ he added.

    He, however, called on the President to reciprocate the love and affection of the Bassa people, who are spread across Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Niger states and FCT, by ensuring that they get fair representation in government.

     

  • Buhari receives WAEC certificate

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday received attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result from the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, disclosed this on his Twitter handle, @FemAdesina, on Friday.

    Read Also: We will make economy better, says Buhari

    Adesina wrote, “WAEC presents attestation certificate and confirmation of school cert result to President Buhari. What will the naysayers say next?”

  • 2019: Senior staff association sues for restraint

    Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) rose from its meeting in Enugu State with a call on politicians to exercise restraint as the 2019 electioneering period approaches.

    The association said it was of the view that no human life is worth losing in the quest for power.

    In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the association advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain unbiased ‎as the umpire and ensure that the general elections were free, fair and credible.

    The communique signed by the national president, Comrade Muhammad Yunusa and the secretary, Comrade Ayo Olorunfemi also commended government’s efforts in fighting insecurity and criminality in the country.

    It, however, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to combat “the nefarious acts of herdsmen, kidnapping and Boko Haram insurgency in the country “.

    It frowned at the non-payment of workers’ salaries in the states despite the release of bailout funds and Paris Club refunds to them.
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    “We hereby call on state governments to as a matter of urgency pay salaries owed workers in order to ameliorate the sufferings and hardship being experienced by workers” the association demanded.

    The communique further states: “The NEC in session noted clearly that the present National Minimum wage has been eroded with the current inflation in the country. We hereby call on the government to immediately forward a Bill to the National Assembly on the proposed new minimum wage so as to ameliorate the economic hardship workers have been made to go through.

    “The NEC in session noted with dismay how government at all levels had abandoned the provision of potable drinking water for her citizens, we hereby call on governments to as a matter of urgency begin to resuscitate moribund water distribution networks in the country and fund the Water Corporations in the states.

    “The current poverty in the country is alarming and the need to curb this cannot be over emphasized. We call on governments at all levels to consciously create economic policies that will genuinely alleviate poverty in the land”.

  • NCWS to Buhari: fill three women seats in the cabinet

    The National Council for the Women Societies (NCWS) yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to replace the three women who left the cabinet before the end of the year.

    The NCWS members from the 36 states and FCT visited  the President at the State House Villa, Abuja.

    President of the NCWS, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda told the President that the three women should be replaced in line with the 35 per cent affirmative action.

    She said: “As you also know, Nigeria is yet to fulfill the target of 35 percent of women in decision- making posts in the executive. We want to use this opportunity to raise this matter as well. If we do not, our women will ask us, why ?

    “They are watching as we speak. The three women who vacated their ministerial posts for various reasons have not been replaced.

    “This means that there is a deficit in the number of women in your cabinet. Sir, as we appeal to you to please champion the inclusion and participation of more women in your cabinet, public and board appointments, can we also leave here with the hope that these three women ministerial vacancies will be filled before the end of the year?

    “For us, this is the  only way that women can participate in governance and have have a seat at the table of executive decision – making in public  policy.

    The female Ministers at the beginning of this administration were Amina Mohammed (Gombe), Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna), Kemi Adeosun (Ogun), Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto), Aisha Alhassan (Taraba) and  Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe).

    Mohammed, Adeosun and Alhassan have left the cabinet.

    While Mohammed resigned to take a UN job, Adeosun resigned over NYSC scandal and Alhassan left over her disqualification from the governorship race by the APC.

    The President promised to look into the issue as he claimed that he replaced the women that left with other female members of the cabinet.

    He said Adeosun was replaced by Zainab Ahmed and that Aisha Alhassan was replaced by Aisha Abubakar.

    The President said: “I have appreciated the settle and timely threat you have made. I said timely because you waited until campaigns are about to start. You mobilise yourselves to come and threaten me. I hope you are being very fair to me. You said I haven’t replace the casualties from my council about the ladies.

    “I’m sure you are following up. One, applied to leave because she wanted to be the governor of her state. One failed to meet the government requirement of declaring NYSC certificate. I replaced them with other ladies, Finance and Women Affairs. So, I don’t know where I went wrong there.”

  • Guru Mahraj ji urges politicians to come for guidance

    Spiritual Head of the One Love Family, Satguru Marhaj ji has advised any candidate that wants to win the 2019 elections to come to him for spiritual guidance and knowledge.

    He made this known when he visited the premises of the Nation Newspaper on Thursday.

    According to Guru Mahraj ji, whose original name is Mohammed Saheed Dan Ibrahim; it is unfortunate that just anyone just want to get into government.

    “In a society where money is our god, nobody thinks straight except the traditionalist. It is sad that some people just think that it is easy to be in power, as long as they have money. No it is not. We have lost great people like Ojukwu, Awolowo and others who were not in power during their time because of money, but to bring the black man back.

    “We have seen a lot of corruption going on. Our airways are gone. We have to fight corruption. We have to examine whoever wants to lead us and see his history.  And every Nigerian, including myself believes that Buhari is on course. It is left for INEC to plays its role properly in 2019.

    Read Also: Politicians plotting to replace names on INEC’s list

    He further noted that he respects every government, ”but it is important to note that I am the light, the living perfect master and the solution to Nigeria woes is in my hand if the people in power can connect with me”.

    He however voiced out his support for President Muhammadu Buhari, when he said “I will vote for the All Progressive Congress because of President Buhari’s stance against corruption and his sincerity of purpose in moving Nigeria forward.”

    In preparation for the One Love Family Golden Age Festival which will take place from 9th to 17th November at Maharaj ji Village, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Oyo State, Mahraji said that it is golden time in the history of the human race to meet, walk, talk, eat, drink and dance with that very special Golden boy

  • NCWS to Buhari: Fill three women seats in the cabinet

    The National Council for the Women Societies (NCWS) on Thursday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to replace the three women who left the federal cabinet before the end of December this year.
    NCWS members from the 36 states and FCT paid a courtesy visit to the President at the State House Villa, Abuja.
    President of the NCWS, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda told the President that the three women should be replaced in line with the 35 percent affirmative action.
    She said: “As you also Know, Nigeria is yet to fulfill the target of 35 percent of women in decision- making posts in the executive. We want to use this opportunity to raise this matter as well. If we do not, our women will ask us, why ?
    “They are watching as we speak. The three women who vacated their ministerial posts for various reasons have not been replaced.
    “This means that there is a deficit in the number of women in your cabinet. Sir, as we appeal to you to please champion the inclusion and participation of more women in your cabinet, public and board appointments, can we also leave here with the hope that these three women ministerial vacancies will be filled before the end of the year?
    “For us, this is the  only way that women can participate in governance and have have a seat at the table of executive decision – making in public  policy.
    “Your Excellency, we are not happy about the way the major political parties treated women in the last primary elections. The major parties charged exorbitant fees for forms and other levies, after which a lot of women were either dropped or asked to withdraw.
    “Your Excellency, this is why the 35 percent affirmative action is key for Nigerian women political  advancement, this is done in many countries. When passed into law and domesticated in all states and all political parties, it will make us very happy with government,” she said.
    The female Ministers at the beginning of this administration were Amina Mohammed (Gombe), Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna), Kemi Adeosun (Ogun), Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto), Aisha Alhassan (Taraba) and  Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe).
    Mohammed, Adeosun and Alhassan have left the federal cabinet.
    While Mohammed resigned to take a UN job, Adeosun resigned over NYSC scandal and Alhassan left over her disqualification from the governorship race by the APC.
    Responding, the President promised to look into the issue as he claimed that he replaced the women that left with other female members of the cabinet.
    He said Adeosun was replaced by Zainab Ahmed and that Aisha Alhassan was replaced by Aisha Abubakar.
    The President said: “I have appreciated the settle and timely threat you have made. I said timely because you waited until campaigns are about to start. You mobilise yourselves to come and threaten me. I hope you are being very fair to me. You said I haven’t replace the casualties from my council about the ladies.
    “I’m sure you are following up. One, applied to leave because she wanted to be the governor of her state. One failed to meet the government requirement of declaring NYSC certificate. I replaced them with other ladies, Finance and Women Affairs. So, I don’t know where I went wrong there.
    He said the request of the council on Agricultural loan would be looked into, noting out that his administration has transformed the sector.
    On sexual violence, Buhari said: “I have taken note of the observation you made about the abuse of women in IDP camps. I’m encouraging the Police to be much more efficient and I think something is being done about that.
    “I will look at the issue of appointment. Since the threat is clear, election is coming…  I thank you more sincerely for coming but I wonder why you waited until after three and a half years before you come.” he said

  • Atiku will reduce fuel price -PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has worked out a pricing template that will immediately crash the pump price of fuel in the country if elected President in 2019.

    The main opposition party accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of insensitivity by failing to do the needful in the last three years.

    In a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP raised objections to the reported increase in the official pump prices of diesel and kerosene.

    According to the PDP, such increase will bring more economic pressure on an already impoverished nation, stressing that most businesses and homes across the country heavily depend on these products for sustenance.

    The party said it has been in high level talks with top international players in the oil and gas industry.

    The PDP said results of its engagements have shown that the appropriate pump price of fuel in the Nigerian market, under the current subsidy regime of the Buhari Presidency, should be within the borders of N87 to N90 per liter as against the N145 currently being charged.

    The party said with the current price template of crude oil in the international market, the Buhari administration has no justification to keep the pump price of fuel at N145 per liter.

    Read Also: 2019 poll: Osinbajo, Atiku renew restructuring battle

    It blamed President Buhari for watching Nigerians groan under the weight of high fuel prices, while a cabal at the presidency loot the funds meant to subsidise the product.

    The statement said, “The PDP notes that for every N145 paid for a liter of fuel, the Presidency cabal diverts a hidden N58, which Nigerians have continued to pay since the fuel price was increased from N87 to presumably subsidized cost of N145.

    “Apart from failing to account for the over N1.4 trillion allegedly siphoned through sleazy oil subsidy deals, the Buhari-led Federal Government is burdened to account for the over N3.49 trillion stolen under the hidden N58 per liter of fuel on over 50 million daily domestic consumption estimated in the last three years.

    “The PDP notes that had the Buhari administration heed wise counsel to be transparent in its dealings in governance and to engage more experienced hands on petroleum issues, the nation would not have been in the dire straits we face today.

    “The party however urges Nigerians not to despair as its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has already worked out a blueprint that will end sleazes, ensure appropriate pricing template and free resources to guarantee availability of product on a national pricing regime”.

  • Nigeria’s economy looking good – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said that his administration will continue to implement policies that will make Nigeria’s economy, which is already looking good, better.

    He made the remark during an audience with Mr Jesper Kamp, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Nigeria.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said Nigeria welcomes further strengthening of relations with the country, especially in the areas of agriculture and trade.

    He told the Danish Ambassador he was pleased that relations between Nigeria and Denmark have remained strong; noting that in the economic sphere there is still some more work to do.

    ‘‘The Nigerian economy is looking good and we look forward to making it better,’’ the President told the Danish Ambassador after receiving his Letter of Credence.

    President Buhari who also received Letters of Credence from Major General (Rtd.) Waqar Kingravi, the new High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Mr Babacar Ndiaye, the new Ambassador of Senegal to Nigeria and Mr Vyacheslav Beskosky, the new Ambassador of Belarus to Nigeria, told them that Nigeria valued the existing cordial and friendly relations with their countries.

    He described the long-standing military cooperation between Nigeria and Pakistan as very commendable and beneficial to both countries.

    Read Also: Buhari: Beyond the noise of WAEC certificate

    ‘‘Given the vast experience of the Pakistani military, your commitment in assisting us to develop our military is commendable,’’ he told the Pakistani High Commissioner:

    The Nigerian leader recounted that as a former military officer, several of his colleagues who trained in Pakistan still have very fond memories of the country.

    Receiving the Senegalese Ambassador, President Buhari commended President Macky Sall of Senegal for his roles in the progress achieved in the political process in Guinea Bissau.

    Noting that he was aware of the economic progress taking place in Senegal, President Buhari stressed the need for stability in the West African region to ensure rapid socio-economic development, particularly in the key areas of education, health and infrastructure.

    ‘‘The bigger we are the bigger the problems, so we must continue to do our best to surmount our challenges in the region,’’ President Buhari, who is also the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government, told the Senegalese envoy.

    In his audience with the Belarus Ambassador, President Buhari harped on the need for improved economic ties, while commending the Eastern European country for accommodating international students from Nigeria in their tertiary institutions.

    The President wished the four Ambassadors very successful tenures, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to continue to partner with their countries in areas of mutual concerns.

  • Okorocha to Oshiomhole: Prove your integrity

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has called on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole to uphold the integrity and honesty for which he is known in resolving the controversy surrounding the party’s governorship primary election in the state.

    Oshiomhole had vowed that he will never mortgage his conscience to keep his job.

    But the Imo Governor who noted with dismay that the party is contemplating undemocratic measures in determining the governorship candidate in his State, even after a candidate has been duly elected.

    He enjoined the National Chairman to forward Nwosu’s name as the governorship candidate and jettison sentiments promoted by those that do not mean well for the party.

    Okorocha insisted that Oshiomhole and members of the National Working Committee of the party owe it as an obligation to defend the integrity of the party, which he said distinguishes it from other political parties.

    According to him, Oshiomhole was elected as the National Chairman of the party as a result of his track record of honesty and integrity, which he adduced were and are still his highest selling points.

    In his words, “We elected Oshiomhole because we felt that he is a man of integrity and we are only asking him to uphold that integrity for which we have priced him, he must prove that image which he has cut for himself as Oshiomhole prior to his being elected as the National Chairman, anything short of that will reduce his value completely in this country. He should do the right thing and be simple”.

    The Governor continued that, “I think people are trying to change the narratives, some people are trying to upturn the truth they want to cover the truth by leaving the main to discuss frivolities, the truth remains that a certain Ahmed Gulak with a sinister mission came here and disappeared with result sheet by 4am on the day of proposed election, the NWC of our party disbanded that Committee, despite the fact that eight members of the Committee including the Secretary  stayed back and conducted the election and declared Uche Nwosu winner.

    “Despite the fact that Uche Nwosu won the election, the National Working Committee disbanded that Committee and called for fresh election, this fact is known to everybody and the second election which they came to conduct on October 6, the same Uche Nwosu won. Now how could the man who is supposed to be facing charges of criminal conspiracy turn around and say that the election he disappeared with result sheet is genuine, it makes a mockery of this country.

    Read Also: Oshiomole’s campaign for political revival

    “But one fact remains that President Muhammadu Buhari is known for justice and fairness, that is the image he has and let no one or the party destroy this image which has given us victory and that is why we are here today as APC members. So it is not a question of who is a good or bad loser, the issue is that people are trying to change the narrative to cover the truth, it is diversionary as far as I am concerned.

    “How could you explain it for God’s sake that somebody won in the first election, the results are clear and signed by the members of the Committee, same person won the second election signed by all the members, even when you cancelled the first election and then you have the Police and INEC reports confirming the election and you have a letter from the NWC disbanding that Gulak Committee and you also have a letter from the NWC confirming that Uche Nwosu is the candidate of the party and again you have forms given to him from INEC for his name to be submitted.

    “I don’t understand what is happening but I think this issue of semantics and sentiments being poured cannot cover the truth, the truth is that APC holds it as a point of duty and honour to declare winners of election and anything short of that will not go down well with the people and the history of APC in Nigeria and I beg to disagree with those who try to change the issue from what it is.

    “I mean what can you say to the whole world that Gulak didn’t disappear with result sheets or that election was not cancelled or that Uche Nwosu did not win I don’t just understand what is happening, so people are trying to change the truth but that is not going to work.  APC must remain APC and our party’s NWC holds it as a point of duty to defend the integrity for which APC is known, anything short of that will amount to self-destruction of the party”.

    On the alleged plot against the National Chairman, “I think talking about Oshiomhole’s removal is not an issue, it is not important, we elected Oshiomhole because we felt that he is a man of integrity and we are only asking him to uphold that integrity for which we have priced him, he must that image which he has cut for himself as Oshiomhole prior to his being elected as the National Chairman, anything short of that will reduce his value completely in this country, he should do the right thing and be simple, I mean we are democrats and this is our party, this is APC and the right thing must be done so when people try to change the narrative and to say Governors are bad losers, the governors want to impose people, excuse me, democracy is about the people, if the people have spoken, who are you to change what the people have said.

    “Buhari is a President today because the people spoke and if Buhari can be a President because people spoke, then the party must respect that and allow the voice of the people to prevail in whatever election and avoid sentiments. The campaign they try to put forward is that Uche Nwosu can’t go because he is  Okorocha’s son-in-law and I say to them, has Uche Nwosu gone contrary to any section of the Nigerian constitution, nobody has been able to give an answer to that, nobody has come forward to say that the young man is a criminal or that he is corrupt or does not have capacity.

    “It is not just enough to sit back in Abuja and be talking, they should come to the state to understand the feelings of the people down home, that’s the point am making so my advice to our party, is that our party should sit up and do the right thing and not allow the people get misled.

    “And if you are talking about morals, what is the morality in somebody that joined the party in less than two weeks to be given the number one job by Abuja and not the people, how is he going to win, so I want to advice those behind this to stop forthwith and it is a directive that they should stop forthwith so that this party can enjoy that name that it is known for as a party of justice, equity and fairness if not there is no difference between this party and any other party in Nigeria.

    “Ninety percent of those who have joined APC in the last two months are doing so not because they love APC, they can never go to an election without Federal might and per adventure President Buhari loses this election, the net day they will leave the party, so these set of people are simply called political opportunists who are not with the people but always want to grab victory through the use of gun but I think this has to stop, why should our party promote this and I warn they should stop this”.

    On the likelihood of leaving the party, the Governor noted that, “the option of leaving the party has not come to my mind, APC is my party, in 2011 when this party was called Boko Haram and Islamisation party, where were these people, nobody gave us a chance that APC was going to win the 2015 election, so what makes you think that we are going to leave the party for those that came through the back door and are being given a voice by the National Chairman of our party.

    “All you hear is rumour everywhere that they are backed by the Presidency that Rochas should take one position and leave the other one as if we are sharing groundnut, but I tell them I have met President and he told me he never said to anybody to impose a wrong candidate or to remove the name of anybody and change it with another in whatever guise, I think they want to make Mr. President a liar. So what they are doing is wrong and unacceptable so they should stop”.