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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari salutes Ayo Adebanjo at 90

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated elder statesman and legal luminary, Chief Ayo Adebanjo on his 90th birthday.

    Buhari, in a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja on Tuesday joined family members, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating the elder statesman.

    He thanked God for the grace that had taken Adebanjo to this landmark age.

    The president, who noted with delight that Adebanjo had clocked 90 years, believed the politician and lawyer had contributed to national development through his profession and commitment to nation building.

    Read Also: Kano welcomes Buhari’s second term bid

    He prayed that almighty God would grant Adebanjo longer years and strength to serve humanity.

    Born on April 10, 1928, Adebanjo has been identified as one of the strong and die-hard associates of the late Chief Obafemi Owolowo and Awoism.

    Adebanjo, one of the chieftains of the National Democratic Coalition ( NADECO ), has also been described as the “last of the original Awoists’’.

    He is also a leader of the Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group in the South-West region of the country.

    NAN

  • Kano govt welcomes Buhari’s second term bid

    Kano state government has welcomed with satisfaction the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to re-contest election comes 2019.

    A statement signed by the commissioner for information, youth and culture, Malam Muhammad Garba assures that the second term tenure of President Buhari will ensure the consolidation of the achievements recorded in nearly three years of the administration in the area of economic growth, security, fight against corruption, transparency in government .

    According to the statement, while Nigeria has gotten out of recession, higher level of transparency in government has ensured foreign investments, the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, coupled with its holistic approach to fighting insurgency has boosted the country’s image in the international community.

    The commissioner says as the strongest support base of the President, the good people and the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano state will ensure the success of Buhari at the polls to consolidate the gains so far made.

     

  • Buhari’s declaration to re-contest in 2019 is no surprise, says Yakasai

    A prominent Northern Elder Statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, said in Kano on Monday that he is not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari is seeking a second a second mandate for the Presidency.

    In his spontaneous reaction in Kano yesterday, shortly after Buhari formally declared his intention to re-contest the Presidency in 2019, Yakasai, said Buhari’s body language has since suggested that he will test his popularity in 2019.

    According to him, Buhari began flying the kite when he repeatedly waged war against his party Executive members, particularly on his refusal for  the Chairman pf the party, Chief John Oyegun to extend his tenure.

    Yakasai noted,  that the political divide between APC members loyal to the President against those on the other divide further suggested that, PMB is interested in contesting for office in the 2019 polls.

    “I have been expecting it for a very long time. It no news to me. Look at his body language, and efforts to mend broken fences with Tinubu. I am not surprised that he declared his interest to contest.

    Also reacting, an APC Chieftain and  close ally to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji AbdulMujid Dan Biliki Kommander   said, the declaration is a welcome development.

    He said the decision will further solidify the yearnings of Nigerians, who have been patiently waiting for the President to declare his interest.

    According to him, there is no other credible candidate from the North than Buhari that is eligible to contest against him, hence is the only alternative for now.

  • NDDC to complete 25km road project in Imo – Ekere

    The Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) plans to complete 25-km dual carriage way to connect Imo and Rivers states, an official said.

    Mr Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of NDDC, gave assurance while inspecting the road project, according to a statement by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Ibitoye Abosede, on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    Ekere said the project would run through Port Harcourt Owerri junction-Avu-Adapalm-Etekuru-Ohaji Egbema and terminate at Ogba Egbema Local Government Area in Imo.

    He said: “The road is very important project for the NDDC and the Niger Delta. It will enhance regional integration which is one of the things the current things that we are passionate about.

    “Also, the expansion of the road means that the project will cumulatively amount to constructing 50-km of road.

    “This is so because 25-km of the existing road will be totally reconstructed,” he said.

    According to the statement, Ekere also inspected construction of internal roads in Umueze, Ehime Mbano and Obolo, Isiala Mbano local government areas in Imo.

    The NDDC boss said that NDDC would construct other undisclosed internal roads spanning four kilometres across the two local government areas.

    “We are committed to building sustainable infrastructure in the region. We don’t want to build roads that will fail after six months.

    “If we are able to complete one kilometre road, then it should be a solid road infrastructure that will last for a long time

    “We are happy with the contractor working on the Obolo-Umueze road for taking measures to guarantee quality delivery considering the challenging terrain of the region,” he said.

    The NDDC boss urged the people to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to develop rural communities in the Niger Delta.

    According to the statement, Eze Igu, the paramount ruler of Umueze 1, thanked the commission for building internal roads in the area.

    “By fixing our roads, the NDDC board and management have shown us love and has given us hope and confidence on the administration of President Buhari,” he said.

    NAN

  • APC chieftains in Ebonyi back Buhari’s second term bid

    Two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Ebonyi state, have applauded the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari to run for second term saying that the decision would benefit all Nigerians.

    The chieftains noted that the outstanding performance of the President qualified him to run for re-election to consolidate on the achievements recorded in his first term.

    The chieftains spoke in separate interviews with the News men on Monday in Abakaliki.

    Dr Paul Okorie,  a governorship aspirant in the 2019 election said  the decision was  welcome.

    He hailed Buhari for his courage and decision to present himself for a second term and urged party faithful and Nigerians to support the President for the reelection bid.

    Okorie who served at various times as Commissioner for Works and Transportation and Environment said the re-election of Buhari would deepen democracy and enhance economic growth and development.

    He listed among the achievements of the president, the growth of the foreign reserve from $30 billion to about $47 billion, road infrastructure, anti-graft campaign, job creation, youth empowerment, defeat of Boko Haram and  fiscal discipline.

    “Though he has performed creditably well in his first term, more needed to be done and four years obviously is not enough for him to fully accomplish his programmes and policies.

    “Again the South-East will have brighter opportunity to produce the next Nigerian President by 2023.

    “The decision is a wise decision and I commend Mr President for taking the selfless and patriotic decision, ” Okorie said.

    Another chieftain and Acting chairman of the party in Ebonyi, Mr Eze Nwachukwu said that the declaration has put an end to uncertainties  on whether the President would offer himself for a second term.

    Read Also: Tinubu has capacity to unite APC, says Kano lawmaker

    He praised the President for taking the bold decision, saying that the second term of Buhari would stabilise security concerns, enhance political, economic and industrial growth in the country.

    He said that the government had fought corruption and had redeemed the country’s image previously battered by corruption.

    “Corruption in public service has reduced while fiscal discipline and responsibility are strictly adhered to in public procurement.

    “The President may have his short coming as a human being but his administration’s programme and policies indicate that he is committed to building more virile and strong Nigeria.

    .“As a party, we commend the decision and pledge to mobilise Ebonyi and the whole of South-East to vote the President for second term in 2019,” Nwachukwu said.

    He urged all eligible voters in the state, who have  not yet registered in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration ( CVR ),  to ensure they register to avoid  disenfranchisement during the election.

    NAN

  • Balarabe, Makarfi, others react to Buhari’s decision to seek re-election

    Some Nigerians have welcomed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019, saying it was a good decision, as it would help consolidate the gains recorded by his administration, if re-elected.

    However, some members of the opposition political parties said in separate interviews with the News men in Sokoto and Kaduna that the President won’ t find it easy going for second term.

    Alhaji Sidi Ali, Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Sokoto State, said, “Buhari has all it takes to re-contest and the decision is a welcome development.

    “He is governing well and has the capacity to continue with the good work, and I am sure more good transformations will happen in the country, if he is re-elected.”

    Malam Kasimu Chiyama, Chairman Dadin Kowa Youth Association in Kwannawa, Sokoto state expressed joy over the announcement.

    “We will support him fully because he is the only candidate that has been good to Nigerians.”

    Two Sokoto residents, Hajia Hauwa’u Magode and Abdullahi Maiyogot expressed excitement over President Buhari’s position and prayed Allah to continue to guide him.

    However, Mr Samson Samuel, a student, faulted the decision, saying the President should consider his age and health status.

    “The APC will surely make a mistake by nominating Buhari to re-contest.

    “Buhari is a good leader but in recognition of his age and health status he should have rested, as he had spent most time during this tenure on medical treatment abroad.”

    Read Also: Buhari secure soft landing for Oyegun, others

    Also, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Governor of Kaduna State welcomed the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019.

    Musa, a chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party ( PRP ) said in a telephone interview that his party would, however, come up with a strong candidate to challenge Buhari in the elections.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari is welcome on board, but we want to assure Nigerians that the PRP has a presidential candidate to field in the 2019 general elections,” he said

    Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, former National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the People Democratic Party ( PDP ), said in a text message that: “It’s no news that he is contesting, it would have been news if he had announced the opposite.”

    The Sokoto state Secretary of PDP, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, said Nigerians should vote out the APC or prepare for “another four years of hunger.”

    “Buhari’s age and health condition are all in Allah’s hand, but what is more of concern is good governance and ability to transform the country better.

    “Nigerians should vote PDP to avoid continuous hunger and maladministration that subject people to hardships,” Aliyu said.

    President Buhari had announced his intention to go for second term at the National Executive Council meeting of APC held in Abuja.

    NAN

  • Updated: Buhari declares for Second term

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday told the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that he will be seeking the party nomination to fly the party flag in the 2019 presidential election.

    The party NEC also approved waiver for members of the National Working Committee and other leaders across all levels wishing to contest party offices as part of soft landing measure for those willing to contest.

    Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong who briefed the media at the end of the party’s shortest NEC meeting ever that the President informed the meeting that in view of the resolution of the tenure elongation issue and the adoption of the report of the Technical Committee, he will be seeking nomination for re-election.

    The NEC meeting which started with the arrival of the President at about 11.02 and the introduction of members present ended at about 11.55 am when the President departed the APC national secretariat.

    Lalong said the NEC meeting also approved a waiver for members of the leadership from the ward level to the national level to contest in line with the recommendation of the technical committee report.

    Lalong who addressed the media alongside the National Publicity Secretary said the recommendation of the technical committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting.

    Lalong said “We were given a task to work within a short time. Within that time, we considered those who were for and against. We looked at the issue extensively and did wilder consultations and arrived at a point where we considered not only the legal point, but also the political options available.

    “That is why we came to the point that, if we are going to conduct that election within the time available, then the concern shown by other members on the issue of disenfranchisement and allowing others to contest was very genuine. We also considered the opinion of the President and we arrived at the point that it is constitutionally valid to conduct congresses.

    “We also decided that if, in conducting the elections, certain conditions are not going to be fulfilled, it means that some people will be disenfranchised. We spoke about the 21 days’ notice and the fulfillment of article 31.

    “If we are going to comply with this, the constitution require that certain weavers should be granted to those who are crying that they will be disenfranchised. We came to the conclusion that if these provisions are taken care of, then there was no need for anybody to say there should be no congress.

    “Our conclusion is that we must conduct congresses. We looked at the second aspect of the legality of the action and we said that in every constitution and the election of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, we are not saints, we are not angels.

    “It is assumed that in the course of doing things, there may be unforeseen circumstances that will stop you or you reached a brick wall and therefore fail to conclude the exercise. That was the option that was made by the party, in creating an opportunity for there to be an option for you when you get that brickwall. So, we married the two position.

    “So, conducting the congresses will also create an opportunity for even those who are not yet members of the party or who have come to the party, but not yet registered because the constitution provide that you must be a registered member of the party and that for you to vote and be noted for, you must be a card carrying member. There was also the issue of reconciliation.

    “With this, the constitutional notices are being provided and we will work within this short period. That is why we concluded that everybody be carried al no and everybody’s interest protected in this report. It was a unanimous decision to adopt the recommendations that was made to a point that the President felt so happy and excited and said that because of this reunion and unity in the party, he will now consider and also accept the appeal by several members of the society and the party that he recontest and he accepted to recontest. So, he is going to recontest for the position of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria.”

    Article 31 1 (Iii) of the APC constitution states that “Any Party office holder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of nomination or Party primary for the Office he or she is seeking to contest”, while article 31(2) states that “Subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee may in special circumstances grant a waiver to a person not otherwise qualified under Article 31(1) of this Constitution if, in its opinion, such a waiver is in the best interest of the Party.”

    Also speaking, National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said members were leaving the meeting with smiles because it has been a win win situation for all members of the party, adding that those who thought the party will start breaking up after the NEC meeting were disappointed.

    Abdullahi said “This is the shortest NEC meeting that we have had. This is because the challenge before us has been clear all along and that what we want is a win win situation for all and that is the work that the committee had done, to find a mid-course that will take care of the interest of everyone.

    “Those who have been clamouring that we must have congresses and that who were afraid that if we have congresses, they will be swept away. The committee recommendation has taken care of both; that you must do congresses and that the requirement of the law that you must resign 30 days before you can contest will have to be waived.

    “In essence, you don’t have to resign before you can contest. That way, the matter has been resolved and as far as APC is concerned, the storm that everyone was expecting to happen did not happen and the collapse that people were expecting to start from this NEC meeting today did not happen.

    “So we are leaving the NEC meeting reunited and strong family of progressive politics in Nigeria. We are also happy and you can see that our countenance has changed and we are happy that Mr. President has accepted and has announced his wish to recontest in 2019.”

    Governors present include Ibikunle Amosu (Ogun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Jubrilla Bindo (Adamawa), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Deputy Governor of Edo state, Phillip Shuaibu, Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).

    Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, House leader, Femi Gbajabiamila among others.

     

  • APC NEC meeting: Govs move to stop plot to use state chairmen against Buhari

    About 18 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors yesterday moved against a plot to use state chairmen of the party against President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party on Monday.

    Some leaders of the party and a few governors had on Thursday held a secret session with the state chairmen in Abuja to persuade them to mount a “block vote” against the President’s proposal for congresses and national convention.

    Although the meeting was boycotted by some state chairmen, some forces behind tenure elongation were hopeful that Buhari’s proposal would be defeated on Monday.

    Also, there were indications last night that the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) members are facing another dilemma if they want to re-contest their various offices.

    The omnibus provisions in APC Constitution makes it compulsory for Oyegun and all NWC members to resign at least 30 days prior to the date of nomination or party primary for the office he or she is seeking to contest.

    But the preparation for NEC meeting was not without some drama yesterday as Oyegun shielded the report of Governor Simon Lalong Committee from NWC members.

    Upon collection of the report, Oyegun cuddled it like a baby and kept it in his custody,

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that after much furore on the legality of the NEC meeting on Monday, the NWC yesterday issued letters of invitation to all statutory members of the committee.

    But there had been series of secret sessions between members of the Oyegun-led NWC and state chairmen.

    It was learnt however that the agenda still border on either tenure elongation as desired by Oyegun and his team or the need for elective congresses and national convention.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent said: “What we have on the agenda is a continuation of the last NEC meeting.

    “The agenda may include constitution amendment, the consideration of the report on true federalism and the report of Governor Simon Lalong Committee on whether the NEC should opt for tenure elongation or allow elective state congresses and national convention.

    Findings however revealed that pro-Oyegun/NWC forces have perfected plans to create an upset against Buhari on Monday,

    A reliable source said: “The pro-tenure forces, governors and NWC members are really fighting back. They have worked on some booby traps to ensure that the NEC meeting on Monday is a make or break.

    “They are mobilising state chairmen to kick against state congresses and national convention in the presence of the President.

    “They will insist on tenure elongation and create a rowdy mob around their agitation.

    “They are already reaching out to NEC members in order to ambush the President and others supporting elective congresses and national convention to allow the simple majority to have its way and override Buhari.

    “One of the plots is that Oyegun will have the final say by hitting the gavel on the final decision of NEC on any issue, especially the report of the Lalong Committee.”

    But it was learnt that 18 out of 24 APC governors have got wind of plans to rubbish the agreement they reached with the President on elective congresses and national convention.

    One of the governors said: “We learnt of how they were trying to prevail on state APC chairmen on Thursday night to insist on tenure elongation and create a scene if the President is adamant on elective congresses and national convention.

    “We have launched a counter-plot against them.

    “The few governors and NWC members backing tenure extension have forgotten that some of the state chairmen are working closely with most governors.

    “We also learnt that they are lobbying APC chairmen and leaders in states not being controlled by our party to create upset.

    “We will ensure that the President is not disgraced at the NEC meeting on Monday.

    “It is unfortunate that the governors who have benefitted most from President Buhari are behind the tenure extension plot.

    “This row in APC has actually revealed the other side of some of these governors to President Buhari. We won’t allow them to have their way.”

    When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, said: “The NEC meeting will border on Constitution amendment, the report of the committee on True Federalism and the assignment the NEC gave to the NWC on the issues raised by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the last meeting, which led to the setting up of Lalong Committee.”

    At press time, ahead of NEC meeting, Oyegun and his NWC members were in another dilemma if they want to re-contest for their various offices.

    The omnibus provisions in APC Constitution make it compulsory for Oyegun and all NWC members to resign at least 30 days prior to the date of nomination or party primary for the office he or she is seeking to contest.

    The omnibus provisions of the APC Constitution say:  “Provided  always  that  in  pursuit  of  all  the  provisions  herein  contained  in  this Constitution, the following shall ensure that:

    1. No person shall be eligible to contest for any Party position, or be nominated by the Party to be its candidate at any election, if the person is not a member of the Party.
    2. All nominations into elective offices shall be supported by a specified number of  nominators from the relevant Constituencies as may be prescribed or provided for in the Party’s Electoral Guidelines.

    iii.  Any Party office holder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of  nomination or Party primary for the Office he or she  is seeking to contest.

    A member of the NWC said: “Oyegun has been cuddling the report like a baby; we have no access to it even though we ought to be aware of the contents before the NEC meeting on Monday.”

  • Don’t contest second term as President – Christian group to Buhari

    The leadership of the United Christian Leaders Eagle Eyes Forum, a Christian body that endorsed presented President Muhammadu Buhari for the presidency in 2015 and presented him with a copy of the Holy Bible has asked the president to forget about his second term bid as him as his party has taken the nation several steps back.

    Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, National Chairman of the group, Pastor Habu Aminchi said the President has failed to deliver on all the promises it made to them that led to their endorsing him in 2015 for the Presidency.

    Pastor Aminchi who was accused of collecting money from the APC in 2015 to endorse the President Buhari said it was unfortunate that three years after assuming office, President Buhari has failed to fulfill the promises he made to Nigerians.

    While accusing the President of exhibiting act of despotism, tribalism and nepotism, he said the President has refused to adhere to the principles of federal character that allow equal opportunities for all irrespective of religion and tribe, pointing out that minority Christians in the north has suffer d so many loses with President Buhari abetting and pampering perpetrators of genocide that is going on in the north central part of the country.

    While asking Nigerians to reject the Buhari led APC government as well as the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, Pastor Habu said Nigerians must come together to put in place a government that will be acceptable to the Nigerian people.

    He said: “APC as a party have also failed Nigeria as they have failed to fulfill the promises they make to Nigerians. Instead of a positive change, all we see is a negative change. All we see within the party is disunity, confusion, contention and everyone is after his or her selfish interest.

    “The only thing they are good at is blaming the past administration which everyone already know failed and we were voted out. They should stop hiding behind the mask of blaming PDP for their incompetence to bring solution to Nigerian problem.

    “It is also a shame that there is no state in Nigeria that the party is not fighting among themselves. If they cannot coordinate themselves, how can they coordinate Nigeria. I am saying that PDP and APC have failed Nigeria and we can’t allow them to rule us again.

    “In 2015, Nigerians were looking for a savior to bring them out of hardship and APC promised us a bright future under the change mantra if elected. But after Nigerians trusted them enough to give them the mantle of leadership, they have turned things for the worse.

    “It is clear that they have nothing good and tangible to offer this country. They have turned the glory of our dear nation to shame. Instead of us to shine as the heart of this great continent, we have been relegated to the lowest rank.

    “Buhari has failed this country. APC has failed this country. The evidence of their failure can be seen on our economy, security system, roads, Labour market etc. all around us, there is evidence of their selfishness, greediness and oppression as they have become tyrants instead of leaders.

    “They have changed the true meaning of democracy and have injured our dear nation badly and if we don’t collect this country from their hands come 2019, they will kill it completely.

    “We admonish each and everyone to actively participate in the political process so as to wrest power from  the old brigade politicians who have ran out of ideas. They should not mortgage their future for peanuts they get from the old politicians who have taken this country several steps backwards.

    “So we advise every Nigerian to empower him or herself with the right weapon which is their pvc so that we can send these selfish, greedy failed and unproductive government packing.

    “We equally implore President Buhari to abandon his second term bid to continue as Nigerian President because he has failed Nigerians. He should not listen to those sycophants around him who will not tell him the truth that Nigerians, especially the masses are grossly disenchanted with his government that has exhibited high sense of incompetence.”

     

  • Southwest youths laud Buhari for achievements in govt.

    The Southwest Youth Movement (SWYM) comprising six states in the region, on Friday lauded the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for its achievements.

    Mr Temitope Ogunlade, the Chairman of SWYM, made the commendation at a news conference in Abuja.

    Ogunlade said the group had monitored the programmes of the Buhari administration since inception in 2015 and found them to be beneficial to the people.

    “Nigerians have found it so good in terms of developmental drive and collaborative efforts between federal and state governments.

    “The president Buhari-led administration has demonstrated a single minded commitment to upgrade and develop the nation’s transport infrastructure, such as road and railway networks across the six geo-political zones,’’ he said.

    Ogunlade said it was under the administration that Ministry of Power, Works and Housing got unprecedented budget releases to ensure the rehabilitation of decayed infrastructure.

    Read Also: As Buhari navigates APC through the storm

    He said under Buhari, the Social Safety Net, the largest programme in the history of Nigeria and N-Power employed millions of youths and paid them N30,000 each as monthly allowance.

    Also, the administration is feeding millions of primary school children under the Home Grown School Feeding Programme in over 8,587 schools across 19 states and in addition employs thousands of cooks, he said.

    Ogunlade said Buhari recently approved the establishment of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to curb the challenges of unemployment and scarcity of petroleum products.

    He said under the circumstance, Nigerians ought to support the president to continue with his good work.

    NAN