The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Killings in Nigeria: Group disagrees with Tambuwal

    The Nigerian Youth Impact Movement (NYIM) has strongly frowned at the recent comment by Governor Aminu Tambuwal, accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of being responsible for the politically-motivated killings in Nigeria.
    Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives had stated that the killings across the nation boil down to failure of leadership, stressing that the “growing spate of mindless shedding of innocent blood” has brought a new dimension to the reprehensible state of insecurity in the country.
    “That is not what Nigerians voted for in 2015″ Tambuwal had said.
    Reacting however, the youth group stated that it is very disheartening to see people who were in the helms of affairs in the old regime known for wastage, nepotism and grand corruption to cast aspersions on the person of President Buhari.
    Odoh Chima, Executive Director of the group in a statement warned Tambuwal that despite eyeing the number one seat, he should not throw caution into the winds.
    According to Chima, Nigeria relapsed into a recession shortly after the take off of the present administration because  the 7th National Assembly under Tambuwal didn’t do their job in checking what was happening in the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA and  Petroleum Ministry.
    He said, “Tambuwal as a matter of fact has undermined the war on corruption by terminating all corruption cases against members of his cabinet accused of stealing N1.5 billion public funds.
    “While billions of public funds are being squandered in the name of the electorate without commensurate social infrastructure in Sokoto state despite receiving successive funding as bailouts, Paris club refunds in addition to the regular monthly subvention from the federal government.
    “He therefore has no moral justification to attack the person of President Muhammadu Buhari on any grounds because as a matter of fact, he has a case to answer.
    “Talking about overhauling the Nigerian security architecture our question is, what did he do when Nigerians were killed like animals during the last administration while he was the speaker of the house?
    “We view this call as unfortunate and Ill conceived but we are not surprised because Tambuwal has again proven himself to be the chameleon that he is.
    “While we are not against his hobnobbing with the opposition which he now clearly belongs, we are warning him to stop playing politics with the lives of Nigerians.
    “The Nigerian security architecture as presently constituted has performed remarkably well, no wonder they have decapitated the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists, quelled all insurrections around the country and currently working to end the persistent farmers-herders crisis.
    “Tambuwal and his co-travellers should know that no amount of blackmail to score cheap political goals can deter Mr President from delivering on his promises which he has continued to do.
    “Comments like these amount to hate speech because they are capable of inflaming the already tensed situation around the country.
    “Much as we know that the evil intent of Hon Tambuwal is to  paint Mr President in a bad light and turn his people against him, we also can now clearly see that he is one of those who have seen President Buhari as a convenient scapegoat on account of his ethnicity.
    “Now that investigations have it that the recent killings have a political undertone, it is very clear that while we are hearing the voice of Jacob, the hand we feel is that of Esau.
    “Stereotyping a particular ethnic group who have lived peacefully with their host communities for hundreds of years because of one man has put the innocent Fulani man at harm’s way.
    “Only a witch is quick to accuse others of witchcraft there is no way Hon Tambuwal can tell Nigerians he knows nothing about the grand plot to destabilize Nigeria.”

  • Buhari inspects new terminal building at Abuja airport

    … Operation to commence by October – FAAN

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inspected the level of work done at the new  terminal building at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    The building being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation  (CCECC) is expected to the completed by August, it was learnt.

    The President was taken on a tour of the facilities by the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

    President Buhari, who dressed in blue agbada and a matching cap inspected the building in company of some of his cabinet members after commissioning the FCT light rail project.

    The President who rode to the airport on the newly commisioned train left the airport by 12:13pm in a helicopter marked NAF-541.

    Amongst those who accompanied him were; The Secretary General of Federation, Boss Mustapha, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole,  Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udoma and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    On the impact of the rail on the aviation sector, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said: “It will make things easy and it will be seamless. People will come from the light rail and straight into the aircraft and vice versa and it will make transportation more efficient and that is the whole essence of transportation by air.

    “It will also allow people to connect to their businesses and work places in much faster time than before.

    Read Also: FAAN goes for modern scanners to boost security at airports

    “It will reduce the pressure on our roads, ease traffic congestion on all the arteries that leads to airports around the world. So Abuja would be a classical example of multi-modern integration and transportation which eases things and makes them better.”

    On the date the project would be completed, the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma said: “We are pressing the contractor to finish in August so that we can start operations in October and all the stakeholders are working together to ensure this.”

    On some of the challenges experienced by the contractors, he said: “On the water and power supply, we have started the process of connecting the power system. During the last visit by the honourable Minister of the FCT, he instructed that the airport should be connected to the city main water supply system.

    “On power, government has approved for an independent power supply for the airport. So all these works are coming on and by October, they will all be functional and that is when we will start using the terminal building.”

    Dunoma also allayed doubts that the relocation of control tower would affect the commencement date.

    He said: “The relocation of control tower and fire station has nothing to do with the terminal building but those issues are going to be handled in the next stage of the items of work that we need to carry out but that will not stop us from using the terminal building.”

    He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done, adding that the train station would be linked to the existing terminal for seamless movement of passengers.

    Dunoma who said Abuja and Port Harcourt airports terminal buildings are on the same level said special focus was given to Abuja because of the volume of traffic in Abuja.

    “You can see there is congestion here and there and if we must ease up operation, we must complete this project

    “We are also working hard to put old facilities in order so that by the time we start operations here everything would be renewed.”

  • 2019: Buhari not losing sleep over merger, says group

    A solidarity group for President Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday declared that the presidency is not losing sleep over the merger of 39 political parties who came together to wrestle power from Buhari in 2019.

    The women group under the aegis of Noble Women Movement for Buhari and Osinbajo (NWM4BO), in a release made available to journalists in Abuja described the merger as a convergence of politicians who have stolen the collective commonwealth of the people.

    The release issued by the Director of Publicity, Dr. Rachael Ahmadu, also described most of the groups as “briefcase political parties” who are not politically relevant in their constituencies, stating that they are  crop of people who lack political ideologies.

    Ahmadu quoted the National President of the Noble Women Movement for Buhari and Osinbajo, Pastor (Mrs.) Mfawa Usani, as saying that President Buhari will not be distracted over those who are plotting to institutionalize corruption in Nigeria.

    Usani said the group will remain resolute in marketing the programmes and policies of President Buhari and Osinbajo that have impacted positively on Nigerians.

    The statement reads in part: “As a group, we want to state unequivocally that the presidency is not losing sleep over the merger of some briefcase political parties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We saw the convergence of people who are just plotting to institutionalize corruption in Nigeria. People who ordinarily should be begging for forgiveness for looting our collective wealth.

    “The merger is the coming together of people who do not have political ideology, those who are not politically relevant in their various states and constituencies. They are crop of people who survive by Abuja political oxygen”.

    The group, however, called on Nigerians not to be deceived by cynics and critics of the Buhari’s administration, assuring that the commonwealth is safe with the duo of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    “Development that has to be sustained comes with a price. Nigeria as a nation if compared to a broken bone takes a painful process to heal. We call on Nigerians not to loss hope in the leadership of our President because when the Labour of a pregnant woman become intense the baby is born,” the group affirmed.

    She maintained that the sacrifice made by Nigerians during the first term of Buhari’s administration will yield positive results if given second term in office, stressing that Malaysians also paid the supreme sacrifice to get to where they are today.

    It would be recalled that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had taken a step to galvanize other opposition parties to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2019.

  • FEC okays N35.613 billion for roads, bridge projects

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday approved a total sum of N35.613 billion for roads and bridge projects in the country.

    The Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, briefed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He was with the Minister of Information and culture, Lai Mohammed.

    According to Fashola, N8.9 billion was approved for construction of Ikom bridge and roads in Calabar, Cross River State.

    The roads and 330 meter bridge, which will be completed in 24 months, he said, will create access to the port for trucks to move freely with their containers.

    “This will help to facilitate further activity in the Calabar port and ease the challenges being faced.” he added

    The Minister said that N11.78 billion was approved for the 37 kilometers of section two of Nguru-Gashua-Biamari road project in Yobe State, while N8.6 billion was approved for section one of Ilorin-Igbeti-Kishi road project in Kwara State.

    While N5.4 billion was approved for re-award of section one of Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road project in Abia State.

    “The previous contractor was unable to satisfactorily execute the project in terms of capacity and equipment. And therefore we terminated and re-awarded the project to a new contractor.” he stated

    He said that N933.7 million was approved for automatic meter reading machine and services for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    The Minister said “This is to facilitate remote meter reading of wholesale meters at the custody and trading points. This is different from remote reading of retail meters used by consumers like you and I.

    Read Also: The anti-obesity effects of pineapple

    “If this is successful implemented, it will eliminate all of the delays. It will also help in dispute resolutions because data can be then produced quicker online.” he said

    On what he is doing to enforce supply of retail electricity meters to Nigerians, he said “The control that the Minister of Power before me, before 2013 had over PHCN and all its assets have been taken by the privatization of the sector.

    “But as a people as a government, we are not helpless. Powers that the Minister used to have are now vested in NERC.

    “But the Minister has the power to direct NERC to do its job. There are clear statutory and legal  limits to what I can do as minister in order not to send a wrong message to investors.” he said

    On why the Federal Government is yet to speak on the Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun’s allegedly forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate  Lai Mohammed said, “The government has spoken. NYSC is part of government and I have nothing to add to what the NYSC has said”

  • ‘Spill the ink, not the blood’ – Bakare

    Renowned preacher, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has urged Nigerians to toe the path of peace and shun violence as the 2019 polls draws closer, saying: “spill the ink, not the blood”.

    He made the observations at the formal presentation of three books by the Ovation Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, in honour of the late Chief MKO Abiola.

    While commending the media for its role in aiding the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the 2015, Bakare, who gave the keynote address, entitled: “The pen is mightier than the sword”, urged Nigerians, especially the press and the intelligentsia, to play a pivotal role in setting the agenda for the polity in 2019.

    “To a nation in the throes of violent agitations, to the people of our nation who want their fair share, and to young people running out of patience, the lesson from Dele Momodu is very clear and simple: spill the ink, not the blood; paint an indelible picture of the nation you desire, and work tirelessly to ensure its realization, knowing that the greatness of our nation depends on it,” he stated.

    Bakare observed succinctly that media has a critical role to play in driving the peace of the nation, urging that they “intensify efforts to ensure that the welfare and security of our people, as well as the overall development of our nation, become the main discourse at this pivotal moment. This is the purpose of any government worthy of the name”.

    Read Also: Bakare: Nigeria must restructure

    Stating the efforts of Momodu in immortalizing the memory of the late Abiola were noteworthy, he praised the posthumous the conferment of Nigeria’s highest national honour on Abiola, saying: “It is an honour first to the man who paid the supreme price to pave the way for Nigeria’s democracy, and then to the heroes and heroines who stood up behind him, including those in the Fourth Estate of the Realm who marshaled the written and spoken word against tyranny”.

    In attendance were members of family of martyr, led by Dr Doyin Abiola, who urged Nigerians not to allow a repeat of the June 12 saga, stating that: “This must not happen again. It depends on you”.

    On his part, Momodu observed that: “Nigeria died the day we killed June 12”.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olori Ladun Sijuade; the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was represented Prof Adebayo Williams; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar former Lagos State Governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje; former Anambra Governor Peter Obi; Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun represented by Mrs Oluyemi Akintunde; Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

    Others were top industrialist and Chairman of the Eleganza Group of companies, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya; oil magnate Femi Otedola; billionaire chairman of Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jr; renowned businesswoman, Hajia Bola Shagaya (the managing director of Practiol Limited, the founder of Fotofair); National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr. Yunusa Tanko; National Publicity Secretary of All Progressive Congress (APC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; a onetime Executive Director of NITEL, Chief Ezekiel Fatoye; former beauty queen, Nike Oshinowo, and Knight International Journalism Fellow Declan Okpalaeke.

  • Buhari’s Executive order divides Reps

    …as lawmakers call for suspension of Executive order

    …summon Malami, Magaji

     

    The House of Representatives became polarized on Wednesday at plenary when a motion to suspend Executive Order 006 on asset forfeiture signed by President Muhammadu Buhari came up for debate.

    Signs of what to expect from proponents of the motion became apparent when Olabode Ayorinde (APC, Ondo) stood up to make his contribution and introduced himself as a member of reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC).

    He was shouted down by a number of his colleagues, who took exception to that sort of introduction.

    He however insisted that he has every right to belong to any political party of his choice.

    Another member, Olarinoye Olayonu (APC, Kwara), who was also asked to second a motion for amendment took it further that members should be free to introduce themselves the best way they could to the applause of some of his colleagues.

    However, when Speaker Yakubu Dogara put the question for the motion of urgent national importance moved by Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) and 26 others and gave it to the Ayes, the floor went into an frenzy.

    Supporters of the motion were seen jubilation and hugging each other while the opponents continued shouting No, No.

    When the Speaker banged the gavel and gave it to the Ayes, a number of lawmakers made their ways out of the chamber despite the fact that the business of the day as listed on the order paper had not started.

    The motion was debated for more than one and half hour.

    In its resolution, the House ueged President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend and discontinuance the application and implementation of Executive Order Number 006 of 2018.

    According to the lawmakers, the Order which was on forfeiture of assets acquired through proceeds of crimes, was not only controversial in nature but conflicts with relevant provisions of the Law.

    While an ad hoc committee is to be constituted to scrutinize and investigate all Subsidiary Legislations and Executive Orders in the country, the House has also summoned the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Idris Malami the Chairman of Nigerian law Reform Commission to appear before the it and submit a comprehensive list of all Subsidiary Legislations in Nigeria that are published in the Federal Gazette within two weeks.

    Read Also: NLNG: Buhari congratulates stakeholders

    Ossai, in his submission noted that the  Executive Order Number 006 of 2018 signed into law by Mr. President on July 5, 2018, which inter alia empowers the Executive to restrict dealings in suspicious assets subjected to investigation or inquiring bordering on corruption appears to have hijacked and usurped legislative and judicial powers by the Executive.

    According to him, Section 44 Sub-section 2(k) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) restricts the application of compulsory acquisition of moveable or immoveable property in any part of Nigeria except on the temporary takings of possession of property for the purpose of any examinatson, investigation or inquiry.

    He however expressed concerns that “Section 315 Sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution is to the effect that appropriate authority may by order make such modificatuon on an existing law as it considers it necessary and in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution.

    “We are cognizant of the fact that the National Assembly shall not enact any law that ousts or purports to oust the judicial power of a court of law.

    “Executive Order Number 006 of 2018 is a clear usurpation of legislature and judicial powers, and a replication of subsisting legislations such as Section 8 of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act of 1983, Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 and certain provisions of Economic and Financial Crimes Commissmn Act.

    “Section 8 of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act of 1983 specifically vests the Federal High Court with powers to direct or require, prohibit any disposition of property moveable or immovable where a prima facie case has been made out against a person.

    “It is worrisome that the Executive Order Number 006 of 2018 is similar to the dreaded Decree Number 2 of 1984 that could be used as an instrument to hunt, traumatize, harass and victimize perceived political opponents”.

    Supporters of the motion were unanimous in their argument that the Executive order was an erosion of the powers of the legislature and the judiciary while the opponents said the President has not breached any law in his efforts against corruption.

    Speaking in support of the motion , Ayorinde likened the Executive order to absolute power that corrupts absolutely, saying, “We must rise consciously against this else there won’t be a democracy.

    “If an accused is proven not guilty after 20 years of litigation for instance, then he  might have been deprived of the usage of his property for 20 years.

    “Instead, whatever can be done to fast track corruption trials can be done through law but to circumvent the rule of law and usurp the powers of the legislature and judiciary is not acceptable”.

    Ofongo Daniel (PDP, Bayelsa) noted that lawmakers were not against anti-corruption fight of the government but that the Order breached section 1 of the Constitution, adding that it should be enough if the any anti-corruption matter is in court.

    Dennis Agbo (PDP, Enugu) Said the Order was like a military decree, “This is an attempt to usurp the powers of the legislature and judiciary,” he added

    Nuhu Danburam (APC, Kano) said President Buhari was wrongly advised by his aides on the Executive Order.

    Citing Section 44 Rimamnde  Shawulu  (PDP, Taraba)said  anything that will deprive the people of their property is against the Constitution, rather the  government should protect the people, he added, “This  Order is extra constitutional and it will not sit well with the people. It will only  create the fears in  the people”.

    Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje  (PDP, Abia) said the Order has been variously compared to the ones signed by President Donald Trump of the United States  (US) but the US Executives Orders were grounded in US Constitution.

    She said the same cannot be said of the latest Order by President Buhari.

    Bassey Ewah (PDP, Cross Rivers) questioned the intentmemt of the Order saying that whatever it was, it must not infringe on the powers of the legislature and the laws of the land.

    On his part, Linus Okorie (PDP, Ebonyi) said the Order has a target of about 160 persons, who already have cases in court.

    He however expressed concerns that the AGF was empowered by the Order to expand the list at his discretion that can be abused.

    Speaking against the motion, Prof. Majeed Alabi (APC, Osun) said the motion was incompetent, hasty and premature.

    Affirming his support for the Order, Alabi said President Buhari was constitutionally empowered, “What the President did was in order considering what is going on in this country. How the Order did usurped legislative power as contained in Section 6?” he demanded.

    Sadiq Ibrahim (APC, Adamawa)  went further to add that  Chapter 5 of the laws of the Federation as passed by the National Assembly vested on the President the powers to carry out the duty he performed on the Order.

    He pointed out that Section 26 (1) made it clear that seizure of assets be carried out through search, arrest or through a court of law.

    Nnanna Igbokwe  (PDP, Igbokwe ) told his colleagues that the intentmemt of any Executive  Order is to elevate the law, while adding that Executive Order was backed by law.

    Saying that the efforts devoted to kicking against the Order was not worth it, Igbokwe noted that Executive Orders are subsidiary laws that have been affirmed by the Courts

    Among others, he cited the change of name of State Security Service (SSS) to Department if State Service (DSS) that was done through Executive Order, which the court affirmed.

    “Though the Executive Order cannot be superior to the Act of Parliament but why not approach the court if we have an issue over this one rather than dissipate energy and waste quality legislative hours opposing it,” he added.

    Muhammad Monguno (APC, Borno) said since the intentmemt of the Order was to eradicate corruption by preserving the assets of proceeds of crime, the President has not breached any known law.

    When the Speaker put the motion to question and giving it to the Ayes, the floor erupted with the opponents of the motion shouting their disapproval and disappointment while the jubilant  winners were seeing hugging each other.

    Some of the aggrieved lawmakers made their ways out of the chamber.

    The Speaker however wasted no time in mining for the next item on the order paper.

  • Buhari to sign Continental Free Trade Agreement soon

    Criminals behind killings of Nigerians – Ramaphosa

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday disclosed that he will soon sign the Continental Free Trade Agreement.

    He made the disclosure during joint briefing at the end of South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, he is still studying the agreement.

    Read Also: Buhari, South African President meet in Aso Rock

    But he noted that he is careful about what he signs and that many Nigerian industries that will provide jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths are still coming up and would not be exposed to unfavorable competition.

    Answering questions on the frequent killings of Nigerians in South Africa, Ramaphosa said that there was no intentional killings of Nigerians.

    According to him, what led to the killings were acts of criminality, which his administration is determined to end.

  • Ekiti 2018: Ignore Fayose’s antics, he is a clown, says Adeyeye

    A chieftain of the All Peoples Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has advised the people of the state to ignore, what he described as the latest antics of the state Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

    Fayose had  claimed that he was attacked by some armed security agents at the state Government House on Wednesday.

    Speaking through the Director of Publicity, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM), Niyi Ojo, in a statement on Wednesday, Adeyeye, said Fayose has always been a “clownish dramatist.”

    Adeyeye said Fayose’s latest “stunt” was aimed at creating a diversion for the people of the state, while covering up his nefarious activities, which are aimed at rigging Saturday’s governorship election.

    The statement reads in part; “Fayose has always been a dramatist. He has always been acting drama. Ekiti people should ignore him and remain resolute in their determination to throw him out of office and out of Ekiti State completely, on July 14.”

    The former Minister of State for Works, congratulated the people of the state for their impressive turnout on Tuesday for the party’s mega rally and the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read Also: EKITI 2018: Fayose teargassed, says I was slapped by policeman

    He also implored the youths of the state, especially students of higher institutions, not to involve themselves in the Governor’s schemes to rig Saturday’s election, adding that it could turn awry for them and knowing the governor, he would deny them, when they are arrested and incarcerated .

    ”I congratulate the people of the state for their massive turn out on Tuesday for the visit of President Muhammdu Buhari  to the state APC’s mega rally and other VIPs who came too. This was despite all the devilish plans of the tyrannical state governor to prevent and disrupt the rally.

    ”I admire their courage and determination to weed out the Pharaoh of Ekiti state through the polls on Saturday.

    ”There are reports that some of our youths are been misguided by the despot at the state House, to engage them in disrupting the democratic process.

    “These have dire consequences and the character in the government house has been known in the past to betray those who did his bidding in the past and get caught. Be wise, don’t be used for devilish plots, which are anti-democratic”. Adeyeye  warned.

     

     

  • No gang up can stop Buhari from winning 2019 presidential election – Ngige

    Former Anambra governor and now Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige said on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti that no gang up would stop President Buhari’s re-election in 2019.

    Ngige said that the gang up against the President by some leaders would fail ahead of next year election, noting that he has brought sanity to the Nigeria’s economy compared to what he met when he assumed office in 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the former Senator who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital during the grand finale mega rally of the All Progressives Congress, described the parties forming alliance against the president as “mushroom”.

    He said the APC, which first evolved as Action Congress and later Action Congress of Nigeria before its current name of APC, had remained a progressive party with the vision and mission of uplifting the lives of Nigerians.

    The former governor said the people of Ekiti should vote wisely by electing Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC on Saturday, so as to be part of progressives.

    Read also: ‘Buhari deserves second term’

    According to him, parties gathering to unseat Buhari are just wasting their time as nothing will stop President Buhari from winning 2019 Presidential election.

    “All the gang up against the President will fail and he is going to win with landslide victory. It is obvious that before now, there was strong opposition against President Buhari by same past Nigerian leaders, but their plan to stop him then failed.

    “I can equally assure you that their gang up now will still fail because those who say Buhari should not run in 2019 are afraid that they may be forced to cough out the public fund they embezzled through dubious means, “he said.

    He accused Governor Ayo Fayose of impoverishing the people of Ekiti state, especially the Igbo traders by his refusal to pay backlog of salaries.

    He noted that the non-payment of salaries was fast destroying the businesses of many Igbo people that are into trading in the state, saying a vote for Fayemi would address the current situation.

  • Ekiti must grow beyond stomach infrastructure – Buhari

    Says Fayemi competent to be governor

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged the people of Ekiti State to cast their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election.

    He said the people of the Fountain of Knowledge should not allow themselves to be insulted by the stomach infrastructure policy being promoted by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The nation’s number one citizen said Ekiti should grow beyond stomach infrastructure vote APC to enjoy god governance, development, better standard of living and infrastructure development.

    He expressed regrets that many politicians have been capitalizing on the herdsmen crisis in some parts of the country accusing him of not doing anything because he is Fulani.

    Describing the allegation as a “cheap blackmail,” Buhari said protection of life and property of Nigerians is paramount to him noting that measures are being taken to put an end to the herdsmen’s onslaught.

    Buhari spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale governorship rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where APC national leaders and governors canvassed for votes for the flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The President described Fayemi as competent, capable and experienced enough to be elected governor again noting that the APC flag bearer served excellently well as Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

    He said Ekiti get its fair share of resources and projects from the Federal Government despite the political difference between the government at the centre and state government.

    Joining Buhari at the rally are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Governors Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Umaru Al Makura (Nasarawa) and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

    Ministers who attended the rally include Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology), Adebayo Shittu (Communications) and Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior).

    Thousands of residents defied Fayose’s order to stay at home and thronged the stadium to welcome the President who first paid courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional ruler at the palace.

    Commercial activities were going on at the city’s main markets while many commercial drivers and motorcycle riders plied their trade on the major roads.

    Buhari, whose helicopter touched down at about 12.35 pm at Christ’s School sports field headed to the Ewi’s Palace where the monarchs were waiting to receive him.

    Read Also: Ekiti residents defy Fayose’s order to stay at home

    At the palace, Oba Adejugbe, advocated for creation of cottage industries in Ekiti to generate jobs for the unemployed. He urged Fayemi to do more for the people if he wins the poll and is sworn in again.

    At the stadium, Buhari said Ekiti people are dear to him which explained why many indigenes of the state got very important appointments in his administration including the most senior military officer in the land, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.

    The President said he and his party have not only come to campaign for the votes of Ekiti people but to key in to the change agenda and vote APC.

    He disclosed that the APC-led Federal Government has carried out laudable projects including construction and rehabilitation of 13 federal roads including Ikole-Omuo Road, Efon Alaaye-Iwaraja Road, Ido-Ifaki Road, Ado-Ifaki Road, Ila-Ilale-Ekan-Otun Road and internal roads at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

    Buhari said his administration also awarded contract for a Federal Secretariat which is under construction in Ekiti to ensure that federal civil servants have office accommodation.

    He noted that a National Housing Project to provide accommodation for residents was extended to Ekiti State by his administration which has also generated jobs for local artisans.

    The President further explained that thousands of Ekiti residents benefited from the social investment programmes of his administration including Npower for youths, School Feeding for primary school pupils, Conditional Cash Transfer and several tranches of bailout funds.

    Urging Ekiti electorate to vote Fayemi, Buhari said: “Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed by stomach infrastructure; your future is in your hand, you must grow beyond stomach infrastructure.

    “Ekiti should do the right thing by voting APC and commence the journey to reclaim your land and restore your values.

    “I recommend Fayemi to you, he served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, he is experienced. Don’t waste your vote, vote Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

    APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged Ekiti voters to elect Fayemi and reject PDP which he accused of inflicting hardship of non-payment of salaries on civil servants, teachers and local government workers.

    Oshiomhole accused Fayose of pocketing the over N20 billion bailout funds given to him by the Buhari administration to pay arrears of workers’ salaries and dancing “kurukere” when workers are suffering.

    He disclosed that he held a meeting with labour unions in Ekiti on Monday where he gave a commitment that Fayemi would pay all the outstanding arrears owed by Fayose to give relief to workers

    Oshiomhole said: “I have served as a guarantor that Fayemi will pay the arrears of workers’ salaries when elected and he will ensure that all Ekiti people get what is due to them.

    “Four years ago, I was a sitting governor of Edo State and I wanted to come and campaign for Fayemi in the 2014 election but the PDP made sure that I did not have the opportunity to come and campaign for the then incumbent Fayemi.

    “Mr. President, we thank you and we know that you will not do the same, we are not here for revenge. Fayose has been trying to divert attention, he abused INEC, Police and he is behaving like a typical armed robber.

    “Fayose has resorted to very primitive tactics, he gave unlawful order that all shops be closed and manipulated drivers not to bring out their vehicles to convey people here.

    “This boy (Fayose) is a poor student of thuggery; nothing, absolutely nothing can stop people that are determined. The President is proud that you defied his tactics and came here today.

    “You will vote freely and fairly and nothing will happen. Whoever Fayose demotes, Fayemi will promote him and whoever Fayose dismisses, Fayemi will reinstate.

    “All of you go to your polling units with your PVCs and by Saturday, Fayose will cry.”

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Ekiti electorate to reject the PDP which he described as a “party of looters.”

    Tinubu described APC as a pain killer that will put an end to the pains being experienced by Ekiti people and Nigerians at large.

    He said Buhari built three refineries for Nigeria but the PDP government dismantled and sold them off leaving Nigerians to suffer.

    Tinubu said: “They (PDP) stole all the money, what do you have left in the treasury? PDP is a party of destruction, it is Poverty Development Party.

    Read Also: Photos: Ekiti APC governorship rally

    “When they stole your money, they stole your life, they stole your future. APC is here to rebuild what has been destroyed. We thank God for the party under the leadership of our Baba, President Buhari.

    “APC is the pain killer, my mama used to give me APC when I was young. When you vote APC, you are voting for future, you are voting for the sake of your children.

    “It is not for the sake of Kayode (Fayemi), he had an appointment in Abuja but he has come back to serve you. If you want Ekiti to look like Lagos, to witness development and have your children in schools, vote APC.

    “Don’t let anybody intimidate you, you will be protected, nobody can intimidate you. If you want to eat the seed inside palm kernel, it will not be easy/

    “You can’t sleep at home and be expecting power, nobody serves it in a restaurant. No matter the level of their lies, propaganda and intimidation, fear has gripped them.

    “Vote and stand by your vote, it will not be like that of 2014. It is your turn to get your government for your good and progress, go there on Saturday and vote APC.”

    Fayemi promised return of good governance to Ekiti if the people of the state elect him. He commended the people for trooping out in large numbers for the rally to welcome the President.

    He said the party is united after the primary noting that all governorship aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket with him are resolute to ensure victory for the party.

    Fayemi said: “During my time, there is no community that did not benefit from our government. If we did not construct your road, we built your school, if we did not build your school, we constructed palace for your Kabiyesi, if we did not build palace for your Kabiyesi, we fixed your drains.

    “We did all that, we did not owe workers a single Naira; we paid the elderly, we paid free WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB fees. We increased workers salaries (minimum wage) from N8,500 to N13,000 and then to N19,000.

    “We were the first to pay Rural Teachers Allowance in Nigeria, Core Teachers Allowance. I am running on a track record of service in all constituencies, there is no single community that did not benefit from our (first) tenure.

    “Why am I back? President did not sack me (as minister). My people need me for reclaiming your land and restoring our values. Your PVCs must be ready because the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

    Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State governorship election, Kebbi State Governor Bagudu said the magnitude of crowd that thronged the stadium was a pointer to an APC victory on Saturday.

    Bagudu said Ekiti has the best potential to develop under Fayemi noting that Ekiti people appreciated what he did during his first tenure.

    “Go to your polling units on Saturday and vote APC; guard your votes, don’t be intimidated. President Buhari has assured that security will be provided and your votes will count,” Bagudu said.

    Yari, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) said Fayose held its rally on the streets last week because he was afraid of an empty stadium.

    Yari said Fayemi has done it before and he will do it again urging residents to troop out in large numbers to vote Fayemi.

    Other governors who spoke at the rally include Akeredolu, Bello, Aregbesola, Ajimobi and Amosun.

    The Senator representing Ekiti Central, Mrs. Fatimat Raji Rasaki led other PDP members into the APC. She described the PDP as a party of retrogression, anti-people and anti-progressive party.

    Other PDP chieftains officially received into APC are House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2, Mr. Olamide Oni; House of Assemby member representing Ikere Constituency 2, Mr. Sunday Akinniyi; House of Assembly member representing Ise/Orun Constituency, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi; immediate past Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Mr. Samuel Adekunle.

    Ex-Attorney General Ajayi accused Fayose of running a selfish government which has lost focus and popularity among the people.

    Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said more than half of PDP leaders and members in Ekiti State have left the umbrella party saying “PDP will be buried on Saturday.”