The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • NNPC signs MoUs on biofuels production with Chinese consortia

    …targets over 10 biofuel complexes in Nigeria

     

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Tuesday announced its target of over 10 biofuels refineries in the country as it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in China with Nigerian-Chinese consortia towards developing sustainable biofuels in the country.

    In a ceremony held at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing on the sidelines of the ongoing Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit Tuesday, two separate MoUs on the biofuels project development were signed between: NNPC and the OBAX-COMPLANT Consortium on one hand and NNPC and the CAPEGATE-NANNING Consortium on the other hand.

    Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines on behalf of the corporation, NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the MoUs signing was aimed at implementing the Federal Government’s mandate on clean, alternative and renewable energy programmes, particularly automotive biofuels production nationwide.

    A statement that the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division , Mr. Ndu Ughamadu issued made this disclosure.

    The statement quoted Baru as saying that “The aspiration for the exploitation of renewable fuel resources in Nigeria is to implement our nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement; part of which requires the blending of 10% by volume of fuel-ethanol in gasoline and 20% by volume of biodiesel in automotive gas oil (diesel) for use in the transportation sector.”

    He added that for a country like Nigeria with a daily consumption of over 65million litres of automotive fuels, it was easy to see that enormous volumes of fuel-ethanol and biodiesel would be needed to meet this obligation.

    According to the GMD, meeting and sustaining the target requires strategic investment in more than ten (10) large biofuels complexes across the country.

    Baru, who noted that the execution of the two MoUs would help develop the first biofuel production complex in Nigeria, revealed that before the end of the year, the development of not less than three other complexes would commence in the country.

    He said NNPC was poised to domesticating the alternative fuels production towards a thriving commercial Biofuels Industry which would not only create jobs and rural wealth for the populace but would also complement international efforts towards curbing global warming.

    Read Also: NNPC reporting template ready next month

    He described the renewable energy project as dear to the Muhammadu Buhari administration, saying that was why, shortly after assuming office as GMD, he made it one of the cardinal programmes of his corporate vision of 12 Business Focus Areas (BUFA).

    Dr. Baru said as part of NNPC’s expanded programme on providing renewable energy solutions, the corporation also plans to power all its retail outlets by means of Solar PV facilities, as well as develop grid and off-grid solar power as a business and contribution to the clean fuels initiative of the Federal Government.

    While assuring the two consortia that Nigeria’s investment climate under President Buhari was transparent and conducive to willing Investors, Dr. Baru charged them to commence the implementation of the biofuels projects without any further delay as preliminary studies on the programme show clear financial indices that are very encouraging for business growth.

    The NNPC biofuels programme centres around sugarcane-fuel ethanol production; cassava-fuel ethanol production as well as oil palm-based biodiesel production.

    While OBAX and CAPEGATE are two Nigerian companies, COMPLANT and NANNING are two reputable companies incorporated in China.

    Speaking on behalf of the OBAX-COMPLANT Consortium, President of COMPLANT, Mr. Gu Haitao, expressed delight over the MoU signing, saying he hope it “would culminate into helping NNPC achieve Nigeria’s renewable energy aspirations.”

    Also responding on behalf of the CAPEGATE-NANNING Consortium, Chairman of the NANNING Board, Mr. Qin Chun Lin, said they looked forward to a great partnership with the NNPC on biofuels production.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in China who supervised the MoUs signing, Ambassador Aliyu Bakori, said with over 185 million people, Nigeria remains a huge market for potential investors.

    On her part, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Yewande Sadiku, said the Commission’s doors would always be open to investors in need of relevant information towards investment in the country.

     

     

  • No territory is under Boko Haram – Buratai

    …says Lake Chad will no longer be their safe haven

     

    As against insinuations from some quarters, Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said that, Boko Haram terrorists are not in control of any territory in Nigeria.

    This was also as he said that Lake Chad which the terrorists have been using as their hideout, will no longer be a safe haven for them.

    General Buratai stated these in Jaji Kaduna State on Tuesday at the graduation of 55 soldiers from Advanced Watermanship Course.

    The army chief however disclosed that, the 55 soldiers would be included in the amphibius battalion which would soon be established to tackle the insurgents in the Lake Chad.

    According to Buratai, “You are all aware of the ongoing event in the country especially, the security landscape between 2013 to mid-2015. I am referring the situation in the north east. However, between middle 2015 to date, the insurgency and terrorist elements have suffered the highest degraduating.

    “They no longer control any territory in particular in our sovereignty; this is due to correct strategies, employment and disposition of the right force with the tremendous backing of the Commander-in-chief, President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the good will of the citizens contributed immensely to the successes achieved so far.

    “There is no gain saying that the focus on effective training adopted in the last 3 years has been the heart of our successes. It is pertinent to say that lessons learnt from our counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations have to a large extent guided our training and our operational planning.

    “Earlier on in the north east campaign known as Operation Lafia Dole, it became evident that we needed to develop the mobile style capability. This informed the development of mobile bridge concept which involves organizing the troops into mobile strike teams. Today, you have witness the employment of mobile strike teams with the incision of troops in small team by air to conduct  raid operations and the subsequent execration through the water body in small groups and parties.

    “You will agree with me that what you have witnessed today is a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army Capability to deal decisively with the Boko Haram terrorists that are still locking up in the Lake Chad waters. This l sure you that with the level of motivation that l have seen this afternoon from theses gallant troops, the lake Chad will no longer be a safe haven for the criminals.” He said.

    Read Also: Buratai cautions troops against social media use

    Buratai however promoted the soldiers to their various next ranks, as their reward for their courage to participate in the special course.

    Meanwhile, the visiting Chief of South African Army (CSAA) Lt Gen. Lindile Yam in his remarks said Nigerian military has to be emulated for.

    “I am delighted to note that the relationship has been started between the two Armies and to note to Lt Gen. Buratai on my visit to the Chief of Air Staff and Naval Staff on Tuesday, l marvel at the relationship between the 2 militaries on how it has grow multi fold and the results that it bears.

    “The Chief of Army Staff visited me early this year and already, l have notice here now when the opening is being done here, I can remain affection, you just put your foot once and things happen.

    And l notice that the change round of the strategy in technical of the Nigerian Army in dealing with the insurgency and especially Boko Haram that has informed that the green figure head in the headquarters on the things that I took for granted only intellectually discussing them and using a lot of English, you put a tomb on them and therefore l thank you a lot for bringing me here and honouring me and for putting the badges on your elites soldiers.” He said.

     

     

  • ‘Those opposing direct primaries are opposed to Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade’

    Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial district said on Tuesday that party members, including governors who are pressing for the use of indirect primary for the nomination of candidates for the various offices ahead of the general election stand as direct antithesis to the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption at all levels.

    Senator Sani, who led other aspirants for various offices from Kaduna state including a governorship aspirant to present a petition to the national leadership of the party said the use of direct primary was the only way to show support for the President’s fight against corruption, adding that the argument of the governor about the security situation in the state not favoring direct primary was not trainable.

    While saying that all the aspirants from the state were favorably disposed to the use of direct primary for the nomination of candidates, Sani however warned that the governor may cause violence during the primary to justify his insistence.

    However, it was observed that aspirants for the Senatorial and House of Representatives seats from Kaduna south Senatorial district we well as aspirants loyal to Governor Nasir El-Rufai were not part of the signatories to the petition.

    He informed the Leadership of the party that the processes that throw up the current ward, local government and state executive of the party was still being challenged in court by aggrieved members who were excluded from participating in the exercise.

    He said that the Delegate System, otherwise called Indirect Primaries will rely on the whims and caprices of a few individuals that now control the party after emerging from ward, local government and state congresses that have been widely rejected by party members as a sham.

    The petition reads: “We the aspirants and stakeholders of the Kaduna state Chapter of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) present our best compliments to you and wish by this letter to inform Your Excellency of our collective decision to adopt DIRECT PRIMARIES as the preferred mode of nominating candidates at primary elections into all elective positions in the state.

    “Your Excellency, as all keen observers of the politics of Kaduna State know, there have, over the past three or so years, been a significant amount of disquiet in the camp of the APC. A disturbing level of apathy and anomie now pervades the party as a result of the profound sense of marginalisation and, in some cases, outright exclusion which is experienced by many critical stakeholders as well as members of the party.

    “The Delegate System, otherwise called Indirect Primaries will rely on the whims and caprices of the few that now control the party after emerging from ward, local government and state congresses that have been widely rejected by party members as a sham.

    Read Also: ‘Buhari’s govt good for youths’

    “Hundreds of party members who bought forms with a view to vying for various wards, local governments and state party executive positions were deliberately excluded from the process and in some Instances even intentionally blocked from submitting their forms. Nor were they even consulted ahead of the so-called processes of affirmation of officials of the party.

    “Instead, the names of all party executives were single handedly written by the Governor. That alienated many of our party members and caused mass exodus from the party.

    “These selected party executives under the tyrannical hold of the Governor have been complying only with his (the Governor’s) biddings, limiting access, communication and association to only those candidates in the favoured book of the Governor.

    “A great number of members of the party executives have been appointed to serve as campaign coordinators of the Governor’s preferred candidates at various levels, while those deemed to be sympathetic to the cause of the people other than the Governor have been shown the way out.

    “Majority of the members of our party, armed with facts that are stark and incontrovertible, are now in court seeking judgements that would, from all indications, set aside these sham congresses.

    “And since it is a trite legal dictum that you cannot build something on an illegality, it means that for Kaduna State at least, the indirect Primaries system relying as it would on these bogus congresses is Dead on Arrival (DoA).

    “It would have come to your notice Your Excellency that the proponents of Indirect Primaries in the state, particularly the Governor and his cohort, rely on the excuse that the current security situation in the state makes direct primaries impracticable and risky.

    “This argument is not nearly as clever as it should be considering that it outrightly contradicts claims by the same Governor that Kaduna State has been made secured.

    “Besides, the argument flies in the face of logic because if security challenges are sufficient ground not to adopt and conduct Direct Primaries, then it follows that the 2019 general election ought not to hold at all.

    “If anything therefore, we use this opportunity to forewarn of the possibility that violence may be fermented by the governor and his hatchet men to undermine the conduct of free, fair credible direct primaries in the state.

    “Your Excellency, we the undersigned are particularly in opposition to Indirect Primaries because of the weakening effects of its corruptive tendencies. The entire process begins and ends with vote buying.

    “And, as it is always the case where the will of the general electorates are subverted, the best candidates for the tasks at hand never get recruited. it is our humble opinion that the forthcoming 2019 general election is too crucial for the APC, and Kaduna State too strategic, for us to confront the array of near formidable candidates of the opposition with anything less than our very best candidates.

    “Indirect Primaries stand as direct antithesis to the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption at all levels. Our party, having touted the change mantra must shine the light into those dark places in our electoral system where the corruptive influence of ill-gotten wealth is used to subvert the will of the electorate and perpetrate the vicious circle of corruption, bad governance and weak and dysfunctional institutions and processes.

    “In all, Your Excellency, we see our decision to adopt Direct Primaries in Kaduna State as the panacea to the current deep fault lines and obstacles to building a strong virile, people-rooted APC. Direct Primaries is the most assured means of throwing up the most popular candidates that will deliver Kaduna State for the APC come 2019,

    “As we respectfully look forward to your kind support for our decision we ask, You Excellency, that you please accept the assurance of our highest regards.”

    Signatories to the petition include Senator Shehu Sani, Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Mohammed Sani Saleh, Senatorial Aspirant Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Aliyu Silver, Senatorial Aspirant Kaduna North Senatorial District, Hon. Shamsuddeen Shehu Giwa Senatorial Aspirant Kaduna Central Senatorial District and Hon. Rufai Chanchangi Member Representing Kaduna South Federal Constituency.

    Others are Bar. Mohammed Musa Soba Member Representing Soba Federal Constituency, Sir Jalal Falal, a governorship Gubernatorial Aspirant, Hon. Usman Ibrahim (Sardaunan Badarawa) Senatorial Aspirant Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Hon. Hassan Samdi Aspirant Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Hon. Umar Isa Aspirant Kaduna South Federal Constituency, Hon. Aminu Sa’ad Aminchi Aspirant Kaduna South Federal Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Ali (Raba Gardama) Aspirant Kaduna South Federal Constituency, CP. Sani Magaji Aspirant Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Hon. Rufai Surajo, Aspirant Kaduna North Federal Constituency and Hon. Sani Abdul Doka/Gabasawa Constituency.

  • Bafarawa: no president can succeed without ingenuity of Ndigbo

    Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, a People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) Presidential aspirant, has said that nobody can rule Nigeria without tapping the education and business ingenuity of Ndi Igbo.

    Bafarawa, a two time governor of Sokoto State, made this known when Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi hosted him in Enugu on Tuesday.

    He was in Enugu to consult and intimate the party in the state about his intention to vie for the country’s president.

    “Ndi Igbo are partners in Nigeria unity, cohesion and political stability; nobody can govern the country without Ndi Igbo,’’ he declared.

    He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the 2019 general elections were free, fair and credible.

    Read Also: I won’t quit PDP even if I lose ticket – Bafarawa

    Bafarawa said that Buhari had no alternative than to allow for credible poll in the forthcoming elections because “he is a beneficiary of free and fair poll in the country’’.

    He commended Gov Ugwuanyi and the state PDP for the wonderful reception accorded him and delegates and promised to carry everybody along if elected as the country’s president.

    “I will carry everybody along politically in building a virile, united and prosperous Nigeria. This is my bond to Nigeria and Nigerians,’’ Bafarawa declared.

    Earlier, Ugwuanyi, described Bafarawa as an ambassador of peace and good governance adding that the presidential aspirant was one of Nigeria’s politicians with grassroots followership.

    Ugwuanyi said that the people of Enugu respect Bafarawa’s role in unity of the country.

  • Electricity: Politician promises solar energy in Nasarawa

    Alhaji Issa Ibraheem, an aspirant on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State, has promised to provide solar energy in his constituency, if elected in 2019.

    Ibraheem, who is seeking election to represent Umaisha/Ugya constituency at the state legislature, made this known on Tuesday in an interview at Umaisha.
    He said the project would boost the socio-economic activities and the standard of living of the people of the area.

    He also said that due to the absence of electricity in the area, he would collaborate with the State Government to ensure the electrification of the constituency if given the mandate. The aspirant also promised to empower women and youths of the constituency with different skills to make them self-reliant and contribute their quota to national development.

    “I will promote the welfare of the people of the constituency if elected to represent them at the state House of Assembly in the 2019 general elections.
    “And as a grassroots politician, I know how best to better the standard of living of my constituency, if elected.

    “I am into this race to provide the much needed dividend of democracy to my people. I want to change their lives positively.
    “I will initiate different skills acquisition programmes in order to enable them become self-reliant and to contribute their quota to national development.

    Read Also: Nasarawa Deputy Gov bags chieftaincy title

    “Most of our youths have nothing doing, hence the need of my plan, if elected, to engage them in one activity and the other in order to better their lives,” he said.

    Ibraheem also promised effective representation, assuring that he will not fail in his responsibilities. “I am contesting for the position in order to ensure effective representation, sustainable development and youth empowerment, among others,” he added.

    The politician further assured the people of the constituency that he would support and sponsor laws that would have direct bearing on the lives of his constituents and the state at large.

    He drummed support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Tanko Al-Makura to enable them succeeds in the task of delivering more dividends of democracy.

    Besides, the aspirant called on Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliation.

  • Buhari prevailed on me not to leave APC – Sen. Tejuoso

    Senator Lanre Tejuoso, on Monday revealed that it was President Muhammadu Buhari who advised him to remain with APC and not quit along with other defector – Senators sometimes ago.

    Tejuoso also advocated for use of direct primary as a best democratic method to select candidates in Ogun State for the next general elections by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District who made this known to reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while declaring his intention to re- contest for the seat, maintained that he still a member of the party and not a politician that moves around.

    He declared that he would not leave the APC provided that President Muhammadu Buhari also remained with the party.

    According to him, when he quitted the party with some Senators, the President called him that he wants him to stay

    He noted that President’s action and call were  a great honour done to him.

    The medical doctor – turned politician recalled that President Buhari asked him what he (the Senator) wants him to tell the Senator’s monarch father, Osile of Oke-Ona,  Oba Adedapo Tejuoso  who is a close friend of the President, if his son leaves APC.

    He revealed that he has been with President Buhari since his time in All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and they have both lost election together three times, describing him as a mentor and a person whose nobody can contest his integrity.

    Read Also: Buhari again declines assent to Electoral bill

    He disclosed that what happened was just a mere misunderstanding between him and the party at the local level, which, he said, has since been resolved.

    “I cannot leave APC. I will only leave if President Buhari leaves. When the incident happened, Mr. President called me and told me he wants me back in the party. What happened is just a misunderstanding in the local and it has been resolved.

    “You know Ogun state is known in Nigeria to be the first in most things. It has been established that for democracy to thrive and to catch up with that of the developed nations, direct primaries is the answer and since Ogun state is always the first I am sure my governor will surely support it because he always want the best for the state.

    “I am sure he will lead and others will follow and we are going to do direct primaries by God’s grace in Ogun state and I am sure my governor will agree.

    “So that everybody in the party can have their say and choose whoever they want. Anybody who offer themself for election let the people agree that you are competent enough. So let everybody vote.

    “It shouldn’t be a scenario of where few people will just be gathered somewhere and somebody will then tell them what to do. We want a change and that is what our party is preaching.

    “We want direct primaries; we don’t want indirect primaries where some people will owe some people because they are the one who help them achieve the success they have achieved.

    “Some of us are beneficiaries in the past but that shouldn’t continue because we have benefitted from such, there must be a change because we can’t leave this for our children,” Tejuoso said.

  • YCE to Osinbajo: You’re a good ambassador of Yoruba race

    Tackles VP on opposition to restructuring

     

    The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for demonstrating good leadership and loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The body also described Osinbajo as a “good ambassador of the Yoruba race” and providing inspiring leadership on few occasions he exercised presidential powers in the absence of Buhari.

    YCE Secretary General, Dr. Kunle Olajide, however, tackled Osinbajo for his opposition to the demand for restructuring by a section of Nigerians.

    Olajide made the remarks in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, after his son, Adegoke, received the endorsement of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to run for the Efon Constituency House of Assembly seat.

    The endorsement took place at the residence of the APC leader in the town and Erungbua of Obalu Quarters, High Chief Joseph Alake.

    Olajide said: “The Yoruba are very proud of Mr Vice President (Osinbajo). He has performed most creditably in office. His absolute loyalty to his boss is commendable.

    “Moreover on the few occasions he acted as President, his leadership has been most inspiring.”

    Osinbajo had at a town hall meeting in Minnesota, the United States of America, said that the problem of Nigeria was not geographical restructuring rather prudent management of national resources and providing for the people properly.

    Read Also: Atiku attacks Osinbajo on restructuring debate

    Criticizing Osinbajo on restructuring, Olajide said: “However, he (Osinbajo) missed it on the issue of Restructuring. The federal government must listen to wise counsel on the need for restructuring in the country.

    “Restructuring is very fundamental to the problems of Nigeria for obvious reasons. This is a heterogeneous country made of different nations, tribes histories and cultures and consequently different priorities.

    “Our concept of development differs from one part of the country to another. If we must live together in peace, each of the nations must itemize their priorities as regards to their cultures, histories and believes.”

    Olajide urged the people to support his son for the assembly’s seat, assuring them of quality representation.

    Alake promised that the town would support Adegoke because what the people needed was a consensus candidate.

  • 2019: I’m not afraid of free, fair elections, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that as a beneficiary of free and fair elections, he is not afraid of a credible process in 2019.

    Buhari spoke during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in China.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the 2019 polls are free, fair and credible.

    He said Nigerians eligible to vote will be allowed to freely elect candidates of their choice.

    Buhari said: ‘‘I have no fear about free and fair elections because that is what brought me to the present position. I know what I went through and very few Nigerians could boast of trying four times (contesting for President).

    ‘‘Those interested in participating in the elections must get their PVCs, register in their constituency and elect anybody of their choice across ethnicity and religion.

    ‘‘The Nigerian police, law enforcement agencies and INEC must respect the people to express their wishes.’’

    Citing recent elections in Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi states, the President said the country had made progress relative to elections conducted in the past.

    On security, Buhari reaffirmed that his administration had succeeded in curtailing Boko Haram insurgents, adding that the terrorist group no longer controls any part of the country.

    He attributed the success to operations of security agencies deployed to counter insurgency in the Northeast.

    ‘‘You will all recall that we contested the last election basically on three issues, which include security, especially in the Northeast.

    ‘‘The Boko Haram used to occupy quite a number of local governments in Borno State but they are not in anyone now. They have resorted to a very dangerous way of terrorism by indoctrinating young people, mostly girls and attacking soft targets, churches, mosques and marketplaces,’’ Buhari said.

    On herders and farmers clashes, the President told Nigerians in the Diaspora that while security agencies were doing their best to curtail the clashes, the media needed to complement the efforts through objective and informed reportage.

    He urged the media to attempt to understand the cultural and historical implications of some of the misunderstanding between herders and farmers.

    ‘‘To my disappointment, there are a number of things which the members of the press in Nigeria do not make enough efforts, in my observation, to study the historical antecedents of issues that are creating national problems for us.’’ he said

    According to him, due to the effects of climate change, a farm that used to belong to five people now belong to 50 people. Besides, said Buhari, the weather condition, particularly the rainy season is now unpredictable.

    The President blamed the farmer’s, herders’ controversy on the shrinking of the Lake Chad, which has forced many to seek greener pastures for their herds in other parts of the country.

    On Nigeria-China relations, he praised China’s generosity and contribution to the development of Nigeria, citing the successful completion of the Abuja-Kaduna railway line, built by the Chinese, and ongoing works on Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano railway routes.

    He said Nigeria and China were also negotiating the Mambilla project.

    President Buhari advised Nigerians planning to travel abroad for ‘‘greener pastures’’ to do so legitimately and not to expect too much from their countries of destination.

    ‘‘You cannot seek greener pastures in a place where you are not respected because of the colour of your skin or your lack of education or other things. Personally, I think you will earn more respect when you remain at home and get a job,’’ he said.

    Acknowledging the material and intellectual support of Nigerians in the Diaspora to Nigeria’s development, the President assured all that his administration will remain focused and committed to providing the needed infrastructure and doing the needful for Nigeria’s prosperity.

    Nigerian Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed-Jidda thanked the President for his support to the Embassy, which led to the completion of the Ambassador’s residence.

    The Ambassador praised Nigerians resident in China for being law abiding, with the exception of few.

    On consular matters, the envoy told the President Nigerians still faced difficulties in obtaining Chinese visas – an issue he thinks the President should take up with the Chinese authority.

    The president of the China Chapter of Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation, Brian Akiti, wishing the country successful elections in 2019, pledged the support of the organisation to the present administration’s development agenda.

    At a separate event, the President also met with Nigerian students on scholarship in China.

    He told them: “I hope you will make the best use of this opportunity given to you. Nigeria is grateful to China for extending this generosity to us.

    ‘‘The Chinese are helping Nigeria greatly with building infrastructure; it is very much appreciated. We are pleased with the training they are providing for our Nigerian students.”

    President Buhari also met with the executives of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), during which he lauded the construction group for its immense contributions to infrastructure development in Nigeria.

  • Buhari committed to checking scourge of irregular migration, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated the political will to check the scourge of irregular migration of Nigerians to other parts of the world, describing as unfortunate attempt to politicize the President’s recent comment on the issue.

    Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that it was unfortunate that the main opposition PDP is displaying typical insensitivity to the issue of irregular migration of Nigerians which has cost the lives of several Nigerians.

    The APC said that as a result of the concern expressed by Nigerians, the President directed the evacuation of Nigerians from Libya with the support of the International Office of Migration.

    The party said it “strongly condemns the unfortunate attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to politicise President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement on the illegal migration and trafficking of Nigerians during the visit of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

    “The PDP in its typical insensitive and unguarded stance on matters affecting the country is exploiting an issue that bothers on the lives of Nigerians (mostly youth). It is a known fact that many Nigerian families have suffered grief as a result of deaths and other inhuman treatment that have befell relatives attempting migration to Europe and other parts of the world.

    Read also: 2019 elections: PDP already conceding defeat, says APC

    “Through support of international agreements/efforts towards curbing illegal migration, repatriation of stranded Nigerian migrants and addressing root causes encouraging illegal migration of Nigerians, the President Buhari administration has demonstrated the political will to check the scourge.

    “The pains and suffering most Nigerians go through with the hope of reaching Europe has been well reported. Through relevant agencies, the President Buhari administration has continued to mitigate the migration crisis, particularly in Libya and Mediterranean Sea.

    “Nigerians will recall the presidential directive for Nigerians to be evacuated from Libya and other locations and be returned home safely. Already in place are several interventionist programmes of the federal government to enable them start new and productive lives.

    “With unemployment and poverty identified as one of the root causes of illegal migration, the President Buhari administration is using initiatives like N-Power, Bank of Industry Youth Entrepreneurship Support, Central Bank of Nigeria support schemes, Agriculture, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.”

  • 2019: I’m not afraid of free, fair elections, Says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Beijing, China said that as a beneficiary of free and fair elections, he is not afraid of a credible process in 2019.

    He made the remark during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in China,

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President also reaffirmed his commitment to making sure that the 2019 polls, under his watch, will be free, fair and credible.

    He pledged that Nigerians eligible to vote in the next general elections will be allowed to freely elect candidates of their choice.

    He said ‘‘I have no fear about free and fair elections because that is what brought me to the present position. I know what I went through and very few Nigerians could boast of trying four times [contesting for the presidency].

    ‘‘Those interested in participating in the elections must get their PVCs, register in their constituency and elect anybody of their choice across ethnicity and religion.

    ‘‘The Nigerian police, law enforcement agencies and INEC must respect the people to express their wishes,’’ he said.

    Citing recent elections in Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi States, the President said the country had made progress relative to elections conducted in the past years.

    On security issues, the President reaffirmed that his government has succeeded in curtailing Boko Haram insurgents in the country, adding that the terrorist group no longer controls any part of the country.

    He attributed the success to operations of security agencies deployed to counter insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country.

    ‘‘You will all recall that we contested the last election basically on three issues, which includes security, especially in the North East.

    ‘‘The Boko Haram used to occupy quite a number of local governments in Borno State but they are not in anyone now. They have resorted to a very dangerous way of terrorism by indoctrinating young people, mostly girls and attacking soft targets, churches, mosques and marketplaces,’’ he said.

    On herders and farmers clashes in Nigeria, the President told Nigerians in the Diaspora that while security agencies are doing their best to curtail the clashes, the Nigerian media need to complement the efforts through objective and informed reportage.

    He appealed to the Nigerian media to make an attempt at understanding the cultural and historical implications of some of the misunderstanding between herders and farmers.

    ‘‘To my disappointment there are a number of things which the members of the press in Nigeria do not make enough efforts, in my observation, to study the historical antecedents of issues that are creating national problems for us.’’ he said

    According to him, due to the effects of climate change, a farm that used to belong to 5 people now belong to 50 people, the weather condition, particularly the rainy season is now unpredictable.

    The President partly blamed the farmer’s herders’ controversy on the shrinking of the Lake Chad, which has forced many cattle nomads to seek greener pastures for their herds in other parts of the country.

    On Nigeria-China relations, the President applauded China’s generosity and contribution to the development of Nigeria, citing the successful completion of the Abuja-Kaduna railway line, built by the Chinese, and ongoing works on Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano railway routes.

    He said Nigeria and China are also negotiating on the Mambilla project.

    President Buhari advised Nigerians planning to travel abroad for ‘‘greener pastures’’ to do so legitimately and not to expect too much from their countries of destination.

    ‘‘You cannot seek greener pastures in a place where you are not respected because of the colour of your skin or your lack of education or other things. Personally, I think you will earn more respect when you remain at home and get a job,’’ he said

    On Nigeria-China relations, the President applauded China’s generosity and contribution to the development of Nigeria, citing the successful completion of the Abuja-Kaduna railway line, built by the Chinese, and ongoing works on Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano railway routes.