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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Group demands Oshiomole’s resignation, Buhari to call Osinbajo to order

    A coalition of  Civil Society groups, known as the Pro-Democracy Alliance has demanded for the immediate resignation of Comrade Adams Oshiomole, as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as it also asked on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Vice Yemi Osinbajo to order, over what the group described as their ‘undemocratic’ roles in the conduct of the Ogun State Gubernatorial primary of the APC, which the group affirmed was won, by Honorable Abdulkadri Adekunle Akinlade.
    The group at a Press Conference addressed in Lagos on Thursday, blasted the national chairman, Comrade Oshiomole, for orchestrating a ‘show of shame’ in disregard of the democratic decision of members of the APC, in the State, who on Tuesday, overwhelmingly voted for Honorable Akinlade as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming 2019 governorship election in the State.
    Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Olusegun Soyoye accompanied by other leaders of the group said it is sad, that those who were entrusted with positions of high responsibility such as the National Chairman and even the Vice President of the country, have proven to be incapable, while also employing every undemocratic means, to undermine the democratic decision of the people of Ogun State, by desperately attempting to foist an aspirant, who came in 3rd position, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, on the party, through illegal means.

    Read also:Group threatens IG, PSC over special promotion

    The group further said the infamous role of the APC National Chairman, who is in active connivance with VP Yemi Osinbajo, clearly negates  the principles upon which the APC as a party, was formed and pursuant to which it has become a party of choice to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ogun State.
    “For the purpose of clarity, and we wish to inform you that we active monitored the Ogun State gubernatorial primary on Tuesday 2nd October, 2018, where members of the APC in the State voted Honorable Abdul-kadri Akinlade with a total of 190,987 votes, Mr Jimi Lawal in second position with 5,046 votes, Dapo Abiodun with  3,648 votes, among others. We were therefore taken aback, when on Wednesday, the  Muhammad Ndabawa-led electoral committee sent to Ogun State by the National Working Committee(NWC) of the All Progressives Congress(APC), which has made itself unavailable since arriving the State, rose from the comfort of their Hotel rooms, to announce Mr. Dapo Abiodun, as the winner of the Ogun State governorship primaries, without any election, held to the contrary, in any part of Ogun State, on Wednesday. We condemn this shenanigan of a very few, who are out to hijack an otherwise peaceful and successful primaries, just for reasons of personal aggrandisement, as we hereby call on members of APC and all lovers of democracy, to resist it”
    The group therefore called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari, and other well meaning members of the party to direct Comrade Oshiomole and Vice President Osinbajo, to immediately hands off their interference in the outcome of the Ogun gubernatorial primary, and respect the choice of members of the party, over whom should be its flag bearer.

  • Ondo Aspirants reject automatic tickets

    Give Oshiomhole 24 hours to reverse decision

     

    Senatorial aspirants of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo state on Wednesday rejected the automatic tickets offered the three incumbent Senators in the state by the National Working Committee(NWC) of the party.
    At a news conference addressed by the Senator representing Ondo Central District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura on behalf of other aspirants including Dr Tunji Abayomi(Ondo North) and Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo South)  said the purported decision to screen certain contestants in all states of the federation was” shocking and unimaginable”
    The forum was also attended by membership of the state party exco led by Ade Adetimehin and leaders of the party
    However two of the aspirants, Senators Ajayi Boroffice (North) and Yele Omogunwa(South) who had been cleared alongside Alasoadura(Central) were absent.
    Alasoadura said”NWC’s involvement is not only false,but also a shameful act considering the fact that the NWC never sat to decide on an issue as important as the right of Nigerians and indeed members of APC to contest to represent their people at the senate.
    “It has also disquietingly portrayed our party as a political platform whose leadership abhors regard for due process and truth”.
    Alasoadura pointed out that the NWC did not meet to discuss any matter relating to the screening of candidates,let alone take a decision on same.

    Read Also: Osun poll: Our deal with Omisore, by Oshiomhole

    He noted that” we are unaware of any provisions,either in the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria,as amended or the constitution of the APC empowering the Chairman of the party or any other officer to abridge the guaranteed rights of members to aspire to serve or of the people to elect those to represent them.
    “Most disturbing is the increasingly audacious impunity associated with the APC leadership under Adams Oshiomhole,there has been a high level of inconsistent standards applied across states if the federation”.
    The lawmaker also observed’ manifest unjust and unjustified’ preferential treatment of certain categories of aspirants and political tendencies, among others.
    According to him,the NWC must adduce reasons for this dictatorial act capable of breaking the fragile peace existing in the party,stressing that they leave all options open until the manifest error of judgement was corrected.
    The Aspirants gave 24 hours ultimatum to the NWC to reverse the order on the purported screening of the three serving senators in the state.
    They insisted that they would not accept the emergence of any candidate unless through lawful means,stressing that equal opportunities must be extended to all Aspirants in the race,from whom the party had collected the prescribed fees.
    The aggrieved contestants urged the leader of the party, President Muhammadu Buhari and others to intervene and normalize the situation in the interest of the party.

  • Buhari renews OAUTH CMD, appoints new CMD for UUTH

    President Muhammadu Buhari has renewed the appointment of Professor Victor Adetiloye as the Chief Medical Director, (CMD) Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile – Ife.
    This will be Adetiloye’s second and final tenure.

    Read Also: Buhari, Akeredolu, El-Rufai meet in Aso Rock

    In a press statement signed by Mrs. Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Buhari also approved the appointment of Dr. Bassey Emem Abasi as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for an initial term of four years.
    In their letters signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, the appointees were urged to bring their wealth of experiences to bear in order to upgrade quality service delivery in the health sector.

  • Stop these killings now, NASU tells Buhari

    The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions ( NASU ), has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately ensure the stoppage of this blood-lettings and carnage in parts of the country, especially the recent killings in Jos, Plateau state.

    Rising from its National Executive Council meeting, the Union said while the achievement recorded by the government in tackling the Boko Haram issue is commendable, the high incidence of the killer Herdsmen menace, kidnapping, armed robbery and resurgence of Boko Haram activities in recent times is worrisome.

    In a communique signed by the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Ani and General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the Union also expressed concern over the growing tension in the land regarding the forthcoming 2019 general elections in Nigeria and the recent movement by politicians from one political party to the other to fulfill their political ambitions.

    The union said this was as a result of the lack of political ideology by Nigeria political parties as being responsible for this ugly development which is purely for the selfish interest of politicians and called on politicians to have the interest of the masses at heart and conduct themselves in a manner that will ensure the success of the year 2019 general elections and desist from doing anything that will truncate the electoral process.

    They appealed to all eligible voters to remain peaceful, law abiding and ensure that they come out in mass during the elections to vote for the candidates of their choice.

    They lamented high tax deductions being made as Pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E) by the Federal and State Governments via their Boards of Internal Revenue (B.I.R) from Nigeria workers and asked the government to immediately put an end to such deductions.

    The union condemned the 7% budgetary allocation to education in year 2018 Federal budget, which is a far cry from the 26% UNESCO recommended budgetary allocation to education.

    It observed that in admittance of under funding of education, the Federal Government in year 2013, approved the sum of N800 Billion for the Universities as intervention funds and released the sum of N200 Billion the same year as first tranche after which no further release has been made.

    The Union said further that in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education sectors where Needs Assessments were carried out in 2013, Government is yet to release the White Paper thereby negatively affecting the release of intervention funds in the sectors.

    They called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, improve on the budgetary allocation to the Education Sector and also release the outstanding tranches of intervention funds for 2014, 2015 and 2016 for the Universities. In the same vein, NEC call on the Federal Government to release the White Paper for the Needs Assessments in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education sectors.

    They also expressed concern over the under funding of the health sector in the country, pointing out that it was sad that the leaders and privileged individuals in the country often embark on medical tourism for simple ailment which is a demonstration of lack of confidence on the nation’s health sector.

    It called on the Federal and State Governments to improve on the funding of their Primary and Tertiary Health Institutions as well as ensure the provision of adequate facilities and equipment for them to meet international standards to avert brain-drain syndrome and capital flight which results from the money expended annually on foreign treatment by top Government functionaries and other privileged Nigerians.

    The union commended the Federal Government for the funds released so far for payment of Earned Allowances to the Non-Teaching staff in the Universities and Inter-University Centres, but called on the Government to clear the outstanding arrears of the Earned Allowances and ensure that the 2019 budget takes care of the allowance on a month-to-month basis.

    While commending the federal government for setting up a committee to renegotiate 2009 and 2010 FGN/NASU Agreements for Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it expressed dismay, the slow pace of work being done by the FGN Re-negotiation Teams which have not met for several months now.

    The union urged the Re-negotiation Teams to expedite action on the re-negotiating process in the three sectors mentioned above to ensure that the re-negotiations are concluded in good time.

    While expressing concern over the rising spate of unemployment in the country which remained unabated, the union said the situation has “needlessly resulted in some graduates taking to crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, internet fraud as well as being ready tools in the hands of insurgents, politicians and sponsors of communal crisis.”

    The union said the unemployment situation was a by-product of gross disparity inherent in the nation’s planning and haphazard execution of projects aimed at generating employment opportunities that should absorb the numerous graduates being turned out annually by tertiary institutions.

  • Kano Senatorial aspirant backs out of race

    Donate campaign structure to Buhari, Ganduje

    One of the aspirants for the Kano Central Senatorial district, Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed popularly known as Lado has withdrawn from the Senatorial race and donate his campaign structure to President Muhammadu Buhari and the state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja, the former lawmaker said he was withdrawing from the race based on the intervention of the state governor and as a mark of respect for the governor.

    Former Kano state Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau who recently returned to the party is believed to be the party’s candidate for the Senatorial ticket and will not slug it out with Hajia Laila Buhari for the ticket.

    Mohammed said “I also wish to use this opportunity to announce the donation of my campaign structure, including personnel, 25 vehicles and other facilities for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other elective offices of our great party, the APC ahead of 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: Kano guber primaries: Ganduje secure 2.7M votes

    “I therefore appeal to my teeming supporters who felt aggrieved by my decision to withdraw to take the new development in good faith, strongly believing that it is Allah that gives power to whom He pleases.

    “As Muslims, we are fully aware of the fact that respect for elders is akin to respect for Almighty Allah. With this in mind, I owe gratitude and appreciation to our governor who has always regarded me as a son and therefore advised that I should put aside my senatorial aspiration in order to present an undivided front in preparation for the ever sensitive upcoming elections in  Kano State.

    “I also wish to extend my appreciation to the people of my constituency,  Kano Central Senatorial Zone and the state at large for the love and support they have given me; their support is well appreciated.

    “I am also indebted to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State under the leadership of Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas for their wise counsel in times of need. My political aspiration is for the sake of our people and the unity in our party is always sacrosanct. Directors and Coordinators of my campaign organization also deserve mention for their untiring support.”

  • Imo primaries: APC disbands Gulak panel – Oshiomhole

    Describes result as fake

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole on Tuesday said that the party has disbanded the Ahmed Gulak-led Committee for the party’s governorship primaries in Imo State.
    According to him, the results being paraded as the result of the Imo governorship primaries were fake
    He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    Oshiomhole said that the party disbanded the Committee that was sent to the state to conduct the primaries and will set up another one immediately so that the process would be completed before the end of the week.

    Read Also: Why we disqualified Shittu, Mama Taraba – Oshiomhole

    He said that he came to brief the President on developments in the party.
    The APC National Chairman also disclosed that the National Working Committee (NWC) was in charge of the Lagos primaries and that every situation has been put under control.
    He ruled out the possibility of honouring parallel results from states.
    No matter how highly a member may be, he said, that he or she must subject himself to the Constitution of the party.

  • Buhari to Kumuyi: My morale is raised by your visit

    Says 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria not by mistake

    Remain focused, courageous, Kumuyi tells Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that the visit by the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi to the Presidential Villa, Abuja has boosted his morale.

    He also noted that God did not make any mistake by creating 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said “God did not make a mistake when he created over 250 different ethnic groups, and decided to put them in a place called Nigeria,’’

    President Buhari said that Nigerians must appreciate God for bringing everyone together.

    “We must appreciate God for bringing us together. He knows what he was doing. He didn’t make a mistake,’’ the President noted.

    Describing Nigeria as “a great country’’ endowed with human and natural resources, President said: “We have challenges in trying to get people to understand us.

    “With my experience as a governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, I thought I had seen it all, but Nigeria has a way of going at its own speed.

    Read Also: I’m committed to ‘Independent’ INEC – Buhari

    “My morale is raised by your visit. I very much appreciate it.’’ he added

    President Buhari recalled what he described as Pastor Kumuyi’s “intellectual achievements’’ as a scholar and university lecturer before going into full time ministry, adding that he was “excited a great deal’’ for the General Superintendent’s acceptance of government’s invitation to preach the sermon at the country’s 58th independence anniversary.

    “Thank you very much,’’ the President said.

    In his remarks, Pastor Kumuyi, who leads one of the country’s largest Pentecostal churches, said it was an honour to be received by the President on a busy day as October 1.

    He told the President that he appreciates the government.

    “Please remain focused and courageous and do what is right. Not everyone will support you publicly, but we are praying for you so that your tenure will be one of progress and prosperity for the country.’’

    The General Superintendent was accompanied by his wife, Esther, Pastor Samuel Afuwape, Pastor Chike Onwuasoanya and Pastor Seyin Malomo, the Chaplain of Aso Chapel.

  • 2019: Moghalu assures of technological innovation

    Presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Kingsley Moghalu has assured Nigerians that the country will be driven by innovation and technology if he is elected president in 2019.

    He made this known in a monitored interview on Television Continental (TVC) on Monday evening.

    According to Moghalu, the approach of growing non-oil revenue, which President Muhammadu Buhari proposed in his independence address, is not the only way out, adding that; “The approach to growing non-oil revenue for me is not the right approach. The way to grow non-oil revenue is by growing the nation with innovation and technology, which I intend to do if I become president of Nigeria in 2019.”

    Read Also: Moghalu is YPP presidential candidate

    “We need to have an innovative economy driven by scientific inventions. That is what drives the economies of the western world. It is not by moving away from oil, and going to exploit solid minerals, which we export without processing at home. It will yield the same result as our dependence on oil.”

    Moghalu said that it is important for Nigerians to come out to vote during the 2019 elections so that votes will not be stolen.

     “If a minimum of sixty millions of us come out and vote in 2019, it will be impossible for anyone to steal your votes. We must believe that we have the power to change our destiny,” Moghalu said.

    He advised Nigerians not to “allow politicians to intimidate them in casting their votes.”

    The 2019 Presidential election will take place on February 16th 2019 all over the country.

  • Buhari, Gowon, observe Independence Day parade at Eagle Square

    Saraki, Dogara absent 

     

    Against all odds, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday observed the 58th Independence Day parade at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

    The last time the ceremony held at the Eagles Square was in 2010 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    That parade in 2010 was marred by bomb blasts.

    Since that year, subsequent independence anniversary parade were held in low key at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari, who already made national broadcast marking the 58th independence anniversary at 7am, on Monday broke the jinx and arrived the Eagles Square venue of the parade around 9.30am.

    But the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were conspicuously absent at the Eagle Square.

    According to the programme circulated to guests, they were listed to arrive the venue by 9.10a.m for the event.

    Saraki and Dogara have recently dumped the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Others who attended the ceremony included Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    Former military leader, Oladipo Diya and cabinet members also attended the parade.

    There was inspection of guards by President Buhari, which was followed by march past in slow and quick time.

    There was also march past by para-military organisations, agencies and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) mounted troops.

    Also on display were military equipment march past on low loaders

    Police dogs displaying the trainings they had acquired also thrilled the guests while outriders also displayed their skills.

    There was also aerial show by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Recalled that while training for the aerial show, there was two jets crash on Friday, which claimed the life of one pilot and leaving two wounded survivors.

    Rounding off the ceremony at the Eagles Square, there were firing of volleys and 21 gun salute by the military personnel.

    Before departing the venue, President Buhari signed the 58th Independence anniversary register.

    Speaking to journalists at the end of the ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said “You have seen what we displayed today, we are capable of defending this nation.”

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, noted that the last time independence anniversary was celebrated in full was in 2010.

    Read Also: Full text: Muhammadu Buhari’s 58th Independence Day address

    According to him, a child born seven years would not have idea of how independence anniversary is celebrated in Nigeria.

    He said that there is relative calm in the north east and checkmating of banditry in the North West and north central as a result of acquisition of more military equipment under the present administration.

    He urged Nigerians to be patient and trust the leadership of President Buhari.

    Shortly after Buhari and the dignitaries left the venue, some APC youths wearing black T-shirt took over the arena.

    In a procession with the APC flag, they started moving around, singing songs in support of President Buhari towards the 2019 Presidential election.

    Trouble however started when somebody, who infiltrated the group, stole the telephone set of one of the youth.

    Rather than submit the telephone set when he was caught, he drew out dagger to scare away those who tried to get the telephone set from him.

    With the thief’s supporters at the venue backing him, it almost turned to free for all fight.

    They ran, pushed and pursued one another around the venue for over 15 minutes.

    It got bloody when some of the thief’s gang started throwing stones, which made the youths to run helter skelter around the venue for safety.

    One young boy of about 15 years was not too lucky as one of the stones landed on his head.

    The boy, who was bleeding profusely, was given first aid treatment by some members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps at the venue.

     

     

  • Let us guard our freedom jealously, Ahmed urges Nigerians

    Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Monday urged Nigerians to guard the country’s freedom and do nothing that will truncate the nation.

    He added that it is worrisome that this is not the best of times for in the country.

    Governor Ahmed told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital as part of activities to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Nigerian independence.

    He therefore enjoined all to “Promote such biding factors that would sincerely sustain the hard fought and won freedom by our nationalists whose labour must never be in vain.”

    Read Also: Ahmed approves employment of 1,850 teachers

    The governor who was represented by the Sports Commissioner Muyideen Alalade said: “In a time like this, particularly as we approach another election year, we need to cultivate a sustainable habit of brotherhood, eschew ethnic chauvinism, religious bigotry, political discordance and sectional interest that have the tendency not only to tear us apart but impede our pace of development, growth and progress.

    “It is also of paramount importance to stress that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is resolutely committed to the cause of Nigerians. I, therefore wish to assure the people of this great nation that, this government shall continue to toe the path of wisdom, to ameliorate our people’s hardship, make life more bearable and bring back succor to the people at the risk of our material comforts.

    “I therefore, at this juncture, plead for your continued support, understanding and above all, prayers for the leadership and government of this great nation for enablement to bring to fruition our vision for a better and prosperous Nigeria.  Let us continue to have abiding faith in the government and not forget that, we do not have a better country to call our own except Nigeria.”