The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • No nation can survive on grand corruption – Osinbajo insists

    Buhari has reversed corruption trend, puts Nigeria on right path

     

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday reiterated that no nation could survive on a “grand corruption” such as was visited on Nigeria in the past, but added that it was a good thing that the trend has been reversed by the present government at the centre.

    Osinbajo said Nigeria is now on the right path to recovery with the launch and implementation of the deadeconomic recovery and growth plan, pursuit of peace in the Niger Delta and diversification of  the economy.

    He spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the 4th edition of the Ogun State Investors’ Forum with the theme: Consolidating the Gains: Accelerating Growth.

    He explained that the nation’s problem  was not its  dependence on precarious single commodity but corruption which ensured that the proceeds of the commodity were cornered by very few people.

    Osinbajo hailed the initiative of the Ogun State government regarding the Investors forum and preached a sub-regional economic summit among Ogun, Lagos and Benin Republic towards leveraging on the economy of proximity of both Lagos and Benin Republic to the state.

    According to him, policies of the Federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari were targeted at improving the potential of states notwithstanding political leanings.

    He noted that a total of N1.91 trillion Naira has been released to state in form of Paris Club refund and budget support facilities.

    “We have launched and implemented a comprehensive economy recovery and growth plan, we pursued peace in the Niger Delta, we focused on improving our business environment, we scaled up our investment in agriculture and infrastructure and aggressively worked at expanding Nigeria revenue base.

    “Perhaps most importantly, we have reversed the grand corruption in public finance and impunity which attended the conduct of public business especially in the past five years.

    “The main reason for Nigeria’s growth is not just a matter of our relying heavily on a single commodity, it is the fact that proceeds of that single commodity were regularly hijacked consistently by a few.

    “In the so called strategic contract with NPDC, the promoters of those companies made away with about $3billion, almost a tenth of our reserves at a point.

    “At the moment, we are in the course of getting the $3 billion to built roads; the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, the second Niger bridge, the Enugu-Port Hacourt road, the East West road, the Sagamu-Benin-Ore road, the Kano Maiduguri road, the Abuja-Lafia road, the Akwanga-Keffi road plus the Lagos-Abeokuta road.

    “It is important for us to understand that our country’s problems must be analyzed on the perspective of what our real issues are, we can’t talk about the Nigeria economy without the plight that was caused years ago by people simply stealing the resources of this country.

    “In one single transaction, the sum of 100 billion Naira and $289 million in cash were released three weeks to the 2015 elections. That money was essentially embezzled.

    “When you consider that in 2014 when the price of oil was at an average of $110 a barrel, only 99 billion Naira was spent on power, works and housing; agriculture and transportation got 14 and 15 billion Naira respectively.

    “So,  the total spent on capital in 2014 on those areas have mentioned was just N153 and over N150 billion was released and shared in three days, this is the enormity of what we are talking about.

    “There’s no country in the world that can survive on grand corruption and that is what we are talking about and that is why it is important for the Federal Governments under President Muhammad Buhari to reverse that grand corruption,” he said.

    Also, former President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, expressed the confidence that with rule of law and accountability, Nigeria would navigate out of her economic doldrums.

    Calderon who delivered the keynote address at the Investors Forum, said  knowledge from research had shown that the economy of nations without rule of law and accountability would only remain stagnant at 0% or be crawling only at 1%.

    The ex- President explained that the economy of a country could grow for as much as 34% where rule of law and accountability regardless of its geographical location, culture, leadership ability or even the natural resources.

    He cited Singapore as a nation that does not have much national resources but remained one of the best economies in the world because of rule of law and accountability.

    “It is important to have a country that is rules by law and not by man,” he said.

    The Ministers of Finance and Agricultural and Rural Development, Kemi Adeosun and Audu Ogbeh in their separate remarks, said Nigeria has the capacity to grow its GDP at 7% by being focused.

    Ogbeh who rued the 9% interest rate being charged farmers by the Central Bank of Nigeria for being prohibitive, said 5-7% would be more reasonable.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, while delivering his speech said his administration is poised to bequeathing a lasting legacy and provides a model of development that is impactful and sustainable for the state.

    Amosun who highlighted his achievements in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, security and investment said this is the time to support his administration the more, now that is winding up.

  • Buhari okays $15 billon loan negotiation for Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail project

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved negotiation for $15 billion loan for the completion of work on the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail project.

    This was disclosed to State House correspondents by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, after a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He also said that the President has approved negotiations of funds for the execution of Lagos – Calabar rail project to ensure its speedy completion.

    He said “Don’t forget that the Lagos-Calabar is yet to start because of funds; the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri is yet to start because of funds, but the President has approved that we negotiate for funds.

    “We are almost concluding negotiations for the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri. We are looking at the cost – is in the neighbourhood of between 14 and 15 billion dollars.’’

    He explained that a lot of progress is being made in the area of revamping rail transportation network across the country.

    According to him, the laying of tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route would commence next month, stressing that the project would provide a lot of job opportunities to Nigerians.

    He said “If the rain doesn’t start early we will start laying tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route in April and hopefully we believe we can complete it in December or January and open it up for passengers and business and we expect about 6, 000,000 tons of cargo out of the 30,000,000 tons of cargo that we have between Lagos and Kano.

    “In terms of job creation, you can be rest assured that it will be in thousands,” he added.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/buhari-approves-negotiations-for-15bn-loans-to-finance-rail-projects

    He said that the Itakpe – Warri rail project was being reconstructed as he hoped  that it would be inaugurated by August.

    He said: “The tracks were already there but they were vandalised so we are rebuilding those tracks and then building new stations.

    “We are also reconstructing a yard that was abandoned. All things being equal, the place should be ready soon, we gave them May as completion period but let’s say by August we should be commissioning.’’ he added

    The Minister reassured that adequate security had been taken to guarantee safety of passengers aboard rail transportation in the country.

    “There are policemen in all the coaches that ply our routes. So if the passengers are attacked by armed robbers, they will report while they take action,” he said.

     

  • Buhari, Sambo meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with former Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    The meeting lasted for about 25 minutes at the President’s office.
    At the end of the meeting, Sambo told State House correspondents that his meeting with President Buhari was private.

    Read Also: CSO asks Buhari to reinstate ex-NIA boss

    Sambo had in May 2017, also met in closed door meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo while acting as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Buhari congratulates Putin on re-election

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended “sincere congratulations” to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on his victory in the recent presidential election in the country.

    In a letter on behalf of himself, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President said Putin’s success for the fourth time in the election is a clear testimony of the confidence Russians have in his leadership.

    Read Also: Buhari extols Late Senator Wakil’s dedication

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, also urged his Russian counterpart to see the victory as a base to continue to promote international peace and stability.

    President Buhari assured President Putin of “Nigeria’s commitment to a stronger and mutually beneficial relation with the Russian Federation under your watch.”

    He said he looked forward to continue working with the Russian leader “to strengthen our defence, trade and technical partnerships as well as promotion of private sector participation in all sectors of our economies.”

  • AfCFTA: MAN urges FG to examine trade conditions

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN ), has urged the Federal Government to renegotiate trade conditions that will impede economic growth in its review of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) Agreement.

    The MAN President, Dr Frank Jacob, gave the advice in an interview with the News men on Tuesday in Lagos.

    According to him, MAN is apprehensive that the Rules of Origin in the AfCFTA cannot be adequately enforced to guard against influx of European Union ( EU ) goods into the Nigerian market.

    The Rules of origin are used to determine the country of origin of a product for purposes of international trade.

    The News men reports that the AfCFTA is part of Africa’s plan to promote Intra and Inter-regional trade, economic cooperation and partnership on the continent by 2063.

    AfCFTA seeks to make Africa the largest free trade area, improve its economies and strengthen its position in global trade.

    “We are afraid that the Rules of Origin cannot be adequately enforced because goods from the EU can find their way into one of the African countries that have bilateral agreement with the EU.

    “When the goods get into the African country, they can repackage them, change the label from Made in Europe to that of the African country.

    “That same goods will surely find its way to Nigeria which is the main target market for the EU,” Jacob said.

    Jacob also noted that the market access of the agreement was a concern to manufacturers, as it leaves low protection to locally produced goods.

    “The agreement says that 90 per cent of the tariff plan would be liberalised, leaving only 10 per cent to protect manufacturers, and that 10 per cent is too low.

    “That means the rest of the 90 per cent is open, duty free, people can import.

    Read Also:  FEC okays agreement on African Free Trade in Kigali

    “What we are saying is that the 10 per cent is too small, even at the current Common External Tariff ( CET ) regime, we enjoy more than 10 per cent.

    “How can they now expect us to accept only 10 per cent as the only protected tariff line. That is an area that is of great concern to us,” Jacob said.

    He noted that the AfCFTA would impede the growth of the manufacturing sector, lead to dearth of many businesses, increase the country’s unemployment rate, and incapacitate local technological advancement.

    The MAN boss commended President Muhammadu Buhari for canceling his scheduled trip to Kigali, Rwanda, to sign the framework agreement for establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Buhari on March 18, canceled his scheduled visit to Rwanda to attend an Extra-Ordinary Summit of the African Union on March 21.

    The President was to sign the framework agreement for establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area during the Summit that would host leaders of African countries.

    According to a statement from the Presidency, the trip was canceled to allow for more consultations with stakeholders in Nigeria over the trade agreement.

    It would be recalled that the Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC ) and the Organised Private Sector ( OPS ) had kicked against AfCFTA.

    NAN

  • ‘Recall Boroh or we’ll resume militancy’

    A coalition of nine militant groups in Niger Delta, yesterday, gave President Muhammadu Buhari an ultimatum to recall the sacked Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh.

    The groups, under the auspices of the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA), said they would resume hostilities, if Buhari refused to recall Gen. Boroh.

    RNDA’s Leader ‘General’ Johnmark Ezonbi sent an electronic mail to some journalists in Bayelsa.

    Ezonbi alleged that nothing tangible had been recorded in Niger Delta since All Progressives Congress (APC) came to power in the centre.

    He said it was curious that Buhari sacked Boroh, despite his efforts at setting a template for the smooth operation of the Amnesty Office.

    The ex-militant said their striking units would begin “Operation Zero Oil”,  a coordinated destruction of major pipelines after expiration of the four-week ultimatum.

    Ezonbi said: “I want to warn that any intruder into our planned action in four weeks’ time if the Federal Government failed to reinstate Gen. Paul Boroh would be severely dealt  with without mercy. Our attack will make security agencies in the creek very small.

    “We are fully ready to take on anybody as we have the instrumentality of warfare that will make the biggest military might to marvel at our coordinated attacks. We are ready to dirty our rivers and creeks with our oil; it is better we spill it than allow government use it to develop other parts of the country.

    “We are not unmindful of the roles played by self-styled leaders of the APC in the Southsouth by sponsoring falsehood against the person and office of Boroh for his blunt refusal to grease their palms to the detriment of the Amnesty Programme meant strictly for ex-militants and agitators.

    “We have always known those leaders to be anti-Niger Delta since the coming on board of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government as the latter kicked against the establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.”

    Ezonbi said Boroh made efforts to put the programme on track with regular training of ex-militants and payment of monthly stipends without delay.

    He said: “The RNDA declares Prof. Charles Dokubo unfit for the job because of his age. He has long lost touch with happenings in the creeks.

    “The Federal Government will hear from us at the expiration of the four-week ultimatum as no single stone will be left unturned as the Buhari-led administration prefers to go back to the recession period where Boroh played a major role by visiting the creeks with other stakeholders to prevail on the ‘boys’ to drop their arms and embrace peace.”

  • CSO asks Buhari to reinstate ex-NIA boss

    …says cabals plotted his dismissal for opposing diversion of recovered $44m

     

    A group called Coalition of Civil Society for Justice and equity has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reinstate the former Director General (DG) of  the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Dauda into service.

    Dauda, whose dismissal was reportedly approved by the  President was a career Ambassador to the Republic of Chad, before been appointed as the Acting Director General of NIA.

    But in a statement by the executive convener of the group, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, he said some cabals plotted his removal for refusing the sharing of $44 million recovered from Osborn apartment in Lagos.

    It could be recalled that the ex-DG last month appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Safety over $44 million missing from the NIA.

    According to Prince: “We learnt that, some powerful Nigerians attempted to share the recovered $44m which Mr Dauda objected to, and instead, he protected the funds for the government hence the gang up against him.

    He said, “Available record shows that, Mr Mohammed Dauda is due for retirement in September, 2018, having served the organization for 35 years. Within this period, he was never queried by the organization for any wrongdoing. He is a professional intelligence officer whose short acting era rejuvenated the intelligence gathering that improved our national security.

    “He was framed and tried by a committee headed by Babagana Kingibe whose secretary was Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, a retired Deputy Director with the NIA, a position short of the full status of a Director as stipulates by the NIA rule, was recommended and appointed as the current DG of the NIA, while Mr Mohammed was dismissed from service.

    “This is the highest level of victimization and persecution on the surface of the earth, peculiarly, this can only happen in Nigeria,” he remarked.

    The group however called on “President Muhammadu Buhari, to as a matter of urgency recall Mr. Mohammad Dauda back to service while those involved in the quagmire ridiculing the image of Nigeria should be prosecuted immediately in order to rebuild Nigeria’s image before the International community.

    “Mr President is reminded that this matter borders on National Security which must not be toyed with, as his oppositions are waiting patiently to use it as a campaign massage against his re-election bid if he so seek to, in theming his administration as incompetent.” The group said.

  • Buhari warns truck drivers against highway parking

    …..rolls-out sanction for offenders

    President Muhammadu Buhari has warned truck drivers to stay away from roadside parking on Federal highways and establish private parking lots to avoid congestion and ease vehicular mobility across the country.

    The President gave the warning at a public enlightenment forum, organized by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing (FMPWH), on Monday in Abuja.

    The event was organized by the ministry to orientate the public and other stakeholders on recent developments in the road sector such as weigh bridges, road signage and return of the toll gates among others.

    Buhari said this became imperative to ensure huge investments in the road sector; especially capital projects raised from 15 per cent to 30 per cent achieve desired impacts as well as prevent overloading of heavy duty vehicles.

    He acknowledged the importance of good roads to achieving the economic recovery growth plan.

    His words: “The eradication of overloading on our highways will promote competitiveness in business and reduce high maintenance cost of heavy duty vehicles. I implore all vehicle fleet operators and tanker drivers to stop parking their vehicles on the federal highways, as these often causes roads to be congested and gridlocks.

    “The highways should be free at all times for safe and confortable movement of vehicles. Fleet owners should endeavor to create private parking lots for their fleets at designated locations.”

    The President emphasized that the federal government is increasing investments and resuscitating the rail sector to reduce stress on the federal road networks.

    Speaking on the restriction on weights and axle load of heavy duty goods vehicles, the President noted that the approval was to increase lifespan of the federal road networks. He noted that the new regulation is also applicable within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region.

    The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Boss Mustapha, urged the stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to enhance implementation of the existing policies and complement of other sectors.

    Earlier, the Minister, FMPWH, Babatunde Fashola lauded importance of the road projects to improving socio-economic development of the people and optimizing inherent opportunities.

    He cited instance of the Trans-Sahara highway project connecting Nigeria to Chad, Niger Republic, Tunisia, Mali and Algeria; the Lagos-Abidjan highway which runs through the Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana and the road project connecting the country to Cameroun, from Enugu through Abakaliki, Ogoja, Ikot and Ifun.

    He said the existing treaty obligations on permitted weights and axle load of heavy duty goods is such that should be obeyed.

    According to him, the treaty within the West African sub region regulates, “the amount of loads any goods vehicle can put on an axle and by extension, the amount of loads that is put on road pavement within ECOWAS region and beyond.”

    “Our compliance with this regulation will open a massive door of opportunity and prosperity of cross border trade to Nigerians who are engaged in road transport business.”

    The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, in his remarks expressed excitements over the road projects stressing that it would reduce the rate of strike actions from labour unions. He decried poor inclusive planning by previous administrations.

    Director of Highway, FMPWH, Engr. Chukwunike Uzor, explained need for truck drivers to maintain the permissible axle load for their vehicles.

    “The maximum tons for six axles vehicle is 51 tons. For the normal six axles is 18 tons. So we are not only worried about the total weight of what you are carrying but you have ensure you distribute it well,” he said.

    At the weigh bridges station, he explained that the excess goods will be offloaded while the offender pays fine of 1 million above the legal limit.

    “It graduates like that to the maximum fine of about 10 million. So I don’t know what you are carrying that if they fine you 10 million, you will still make a profit. We are not doing it to make revenue for government but to make the infrastructure last,” he added.

  • Oyegun: Ekiti governorship poll, a must win for APC

    Assures aspirants of credible primary

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has declared that the July 14 governorship election is a “must-win” for his party.
    He also assured all aspirants interested in the party’s ticket that a credible, free, fair and transparent primary election will be conducted to choose the flag bearer.
    Oyegun stressed that the Muhammadu Buhari Administration would not compromise the integrity of the ballot box despite the party’s quest to regain the governorship seat in Ekiti.
    The party leader promised that the APC structure in the entire country will mobilize all available resources to assist members in Ekiti to win the forthcoming governorship poll.
    Oyegun spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Monday during a one-day official visit to Ekiti State to flag off the membership mobilization drive into the party.
    The APC National Chairman registered new members at the state secretariat along Ajilosun in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
    He was joined by some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) including the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso.
    Oyegun and his team made a stopover at the state secretariat where thousands of party members mobilized by governorship aspirants had waited to receive the team.
    The train later moved to Eagle Hall along Ikere Road where another crowd of party faithful had gathered.
    The National Chairman, Ekiti State APC Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, State Working Committee members and governorship aspirants sauntered into the hall at about 1.15 pm to a rapturous ovation by party supporters.

    Read Also: APC moves to reconcile Buhari, Saraki, others

    Oyegun said the flag-off of nationwide registration of new party members was brought to Ekiti to show the readiness of the APC to win the forthcoming governorship poll in the Southwest state.
    He said: “We did not choose Ekiti to flag off this event (new membership drive) by accident. Ekiti is facing an important election that will happen in this nation.
    “God has put it in our hand, God has put it on your laps and God has chosen Ekiti to be a major factor in the politics of this country in July 2018.
    “We in the National Executive have decided that the coming election in Ekiti is one we will work as hard as possible. No stone will be left unturned; it is a must-win election.
    “As you know, the Muhammadu Buhari Administration will not compromise with offering voters a level playing field, the Buhari Administration will not compromise on having a free and fair election.
    “It means whether we are in power at the federal level or not, we must all work hard to deserve the victory that belongs to us.”
    Oyegun also reeled out some guidelines to ensure that aspirants and their supporters conduct themselves with decorum and ensure that the party organizes a transparent primary.
    He said further: “The aspirants should not campaign as if there is no tomorrow, don’t campaign with enmity because there should be no discord in the party and anybody that wants to fly the party flag must sign an undertaking to maintain decorum.
    “We at the national headquarters, having guaranteed a free and fairprimary, because there cannot be peace without justice, will guarantee a free and fair primary.
    “We must not have bad losers, all aspirants must collapse their structures into the person that is chosen at the primary. There must be no division and factionalisation in the party.
    “No officer (in the state exco) should join the campaign bandwagon of any aspirant whatever position you hold. The moment you do that, you have factionalised the party.”
    Speaking on the issue of rumour to impose a candidate, Oyegun said: “I want to assure that in Ekiti State, we will have free, fair and credible primary. We will provide security at the primary, it will be an open event and will be covered and recorded on television from the beginning to the end.
    “There will be proper identification of delegates to prevent impersonation. Once the delegate list is out, every aspirant that pays the prescribe fee will be given the delegates list.
    “At the voting point, party chairmen of the local government (chapters) and wards will stand at a distance away but they will ensure that those that will vote are bona fide delegates and anybody found impersonating will be handed over to the Police.
    “A formidable group of (APC) governors will be mobilized who will superintend, guide and ensure that the election is totally free and fair.
    “Finally, as far as Ekiti governorship election is concerned, we are going to mobilise the entire country, the entire APC structure to ensure that you (Ekiti APC) are not alone and that all resources you need for the election are made available to you.
    “At the end of July, Ekiti will be APC.” Governorship aspirants who present include Chief Segun Oni, Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mr. Kola Alabi, Mr. Victor Kolade, Dr. Bayo Orire, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Captain Sunday Adebomi, Dr. Mojisola Kolade, Chief Diran Adesua, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, Senator Ayo Arise, Dr. Wole Oluleye and Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi.

  • Police prevent bloody clash among Buhari, Fayose supporters in Ekiti

    A timely intervention by the Police and other security agencies prevented what would have been a bloody clash among youths supporting President Muhammadu Buhari and those rooting for Governor Ayo Fayose on Saturday.

    The Buhari supporters who are beneficiaries of the Npower scheme had gathered at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for walk to mark one year of the empowerment programme in the state.

    Some youths believed to have been mobilised from the Government House stormed the place singing the praises of Fayose and his ‘anointed’ candidate, Deputy Governor,  Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    As the Npower beneficiaries displayed banners hailing Buhari for empowering them through the scheme, Fayose’s supporters displayed various placards hailing the governor and proclaiming support for Olusola ahead of the governorship poll.

    Tension mounted as youths on both sides exchanged words. The pro-Buhari youths described the action of pro-Fayose youths as “provocative.”

    But policemen and other security agents quickly intervened and dispersed the pro-Fayose youths and protected the pro-Buhari youths to the venue of their celebration at AB Hotel, along Olora Road.

    The scenario is seen as a dress rehearsal towards the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti expected to be a fierce battle between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Justifying their action, a pro-Fayose youth, Ajibade Segun, said: “A few months ago, Governor, Fayose invited us to the Government House and promised those of us who are NPower beneficiaries in Ekiti that we would get permanent employment from the state government. This is why we are happy and we are now coming out to campaign for the Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola. We are are here supporting the continuity agenda of his Excellency Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose and supporting Olusola Eleka for governor in July 14.

    “To the president we are saying that we don’t want just a temporary relief in the name of Npower from massive unemployment in Nigeria, we want permanent employment. We also want the number of beneficiaries of the Npower in Ekiti to be more than what we have presently. But most importantly, we want a permanent job like the governor has promised to give a good number of us, ” he said.

    A pro-Buhari youth and N-Power beneficiary, Adeosun Peter, said: “I want the people of Nigeria to know that we are not campaigning for Fayose or Olusola. It is Buhari that we know because he is the one who is feeding us. We have the banners bearing the image of Buhari and we are thanking him for this gesture.

    “N30,000 for each of the beneficiaries every month is not a small money. In twelve months , we know what that money amounts to. The beneficiaries of N-power in Ekiti in  this first tranche are 3,400, and 8,337 will benefit in the second tranche, those of us here now are more than 3,000 that have come for accreditation today.

    “Buhari is our benefactor. We are standing for Buhari. We are thanking Buhari for what he has done and we also want him to make the job permanent.”