The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Election sequence: CNPP knocks Buhari over withheld assent

    … Urges NASS to invoke its Veto Powers

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari was ill-advised by the enemies of democracy to withhold assent to the recently passed Electoral Act amendment by the National Assembly.

    It urged the lawmakers to invoke their veto powers and sign the amendment into law in the interest of the country.

    While reacting to the rejection of the amendments to the Electoral Act by the President, the CNPP in a statement by its Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu noted that no sacrifice was too much to save the country and the Nigerian democracy from nose-diving into a one party state.

    According to the CNPP, “those advising the President on the reordered electoral sequence must have deceived him that the amendment was targeted at his reelection.  In any case, is Nigeria not greater than any one man’s ambition?

    “The President should focus on conducting a free and fair election like the previous government, which conducted the election that brought him into office.

    “The truth of the matter is that a President that has done well will be reelected irrespective of the date the presidential election was conducted.

    “Therefore, the unannounced fear of the Presidency that the amendment will adversely affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection is unfounded as the withholding of the President’s assent is not in his interest. The action is strongly portraying Mr. President as one who is not concerned about deepening democracy and has no interest in the credibility of elections after his tenure.

    “We therefore urge the representatives of the people at the National Assembly to immediately invoke their constitutional powers and veto the President’s assent to move the country forward on the path of true democracy”, the CNPP said.

  • Tight security in Damaturu as Buhari visits Yobe

     

    There is heavy security in Damaturu, the state capital awaiting the arrival of the President and Commander –in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari to Yobe State.

    A detachment of security personal including army, police , Civil Defense Corp have been  deployed to strategic locations of the city to quell any breach of law and order during the visit.

    The August 27 Stadium where the president is expected to land from an Air force helicopter enroute Maiduguri International Airport has been taken over security with Armored Personal Carrier Machines mounted at the front of the stadium.

    Read Also: Buhari to meet Dapchi girls’ parents in Yobe

    The entrance of the Yobe State Government House where the president is expected to meet with all stakeholders in the state is also under tight security as the stern looking security operatives subject vehicles and human beings under strict checks before gaining entrance into the government house.

    In another development, schools and commercial activities have been paralysed in Damaturu due to unfavourable security arrangements put in place.

    Though there was no official statement as to whether there was restriction of movement on the streets of Damaturu, instead, the Commissioner for Information in the State Albania Mala Musti had issued a statement calling on the people to come out emass to welcome the President.

    Our correspondent sighted empty streets in Damaturu as many access roads were closed from the central roundabout up to the stadium on Maiduguri road.

  • Benue: Sanction IGP, youths tell Buhari

    The Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), Lagos State chapter, on Wednesday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sanction the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, for defying his order.

    The group made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator and General Secretary in the state, Mr AbdulWaheed Odunuga and Mr Adekunle Aderibigbe.

    Buhari had in Benue on Monday said he was unaware that Idris disregarded his
    directive to relocate to the state after the killing of 73 people on New Year Day.

    The president was reacting to Benue stakeholders’ allegation that the IGP didn’t spend a day in the state, contrary to the president’s order to him on Jan. 9 to immediately move to Benue and restore peace.

    The group said that it was disheartening that the IGP, the number one policeman in the country, had to wait for the directive of the president before addressing crucial mayhem and massacre in Benue.

    “The IGP decided to renege on the oath of his office by taking solace in another state, while some Nigerians were begging for their lives to be saved in the hands of armed herdsmen.

    Read Also: Benue Killings: Buhari summons IG over breach of Presidential order

    “The serving police officers in the troubled region could not have done more than what their role model and leader, Ibrahim Idris, did at that moment.

    “In a war where the commander is hiding, the combatants will either do the same or defy orders,” it said.

    It added that the continuous service of the police boss would amount to bad omen and “symbol of insubordination and unpatriotic personality’’.

    According to it, the situation must be addressed instantly to forestall a situation in a country where security is being entrusted in the hands of those who cannot manage.

    The youth group also recommended that the president should review the profile of superior serving officers for a competent and committed patriotic officer.

    They said that the nation needed officers who would motivate men with passion for oneness, selflessness, dignity and security of the nation in order to boost the current security state.

    The president has queried the IGP and demanded full report of police operations in Benue during the period.

    NAN

  • EU expresses concern over herdsmen, farmers conflicts

    The European Union ( EU ) Heads of Mission on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as escalating and disturbing killings in the conflict involving herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.

    A statement in Abuja by the Media Officer to its delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, urged the Nigerian government to bring perpetrators of violence of any kind to book

    The mission heads, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for visiting the affected states.

    The EU therefore called on the government and stakeholders to engage decisively to promote a constructive dialogue between the feuding parties.

    According to the mission, this should be done to find viable solutions and sustainable economic policies that would permit all to live in peace.

    “As a first step, the perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice. The EU confirms its full support to the Nigerian government and people in their fight against violence in all its forms.

    “The EU also expresses its condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed and injured,” the statement said.

    NAN

  • CPC backs FG increase of excise duty on tobacco, alcoholic products

    The Consumer Protection Council ( CPC ) says it supports the Federal Government’s recent increase in excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

    The Director-General, Mr Babatunde Irukera said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the increase will serve as a measure to reduce the risks of abuse and disease.

    He also applauded the Federal Government’s consideration for consumers in “granting a 90-day moratorium and periodic incremental adjustments to ensure appropriate balance between personal consumer choices and the public interest.

    “I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong leadership in addressing this vital consumer issue in a manner that is consistent with prevailing global practices.”

    Irukera said that though CPC protects the rights of all consumers and their prerogative to make personal lifestyle choices, it, however, encourages responsible consumption in all circumstances.

    He said that of particular concern were products that may potentially have adverse effects or possibly modify behaviour in a fashion that may be harmful or inconvenient to the consumer, or others.

    He said that the policy was the product of consensus pursuant to broad stakeholders’ engagement and was motivated in large part by the Federal Government’s desire to reduce the risks of abuse and disease that may be associated with consumption of these products.

    According to him, the Federal Government’s approach will also foster consumer confidence, provide regulatory clarity and prioritise safety, all of which reinforces the mandate of the council.

    “The council insists that all producers, particularly of the products subject of this revised excise duty must take appropriate steps, including full disclosures to promote responsible consumption, responsive, transparent and accessible consumer complaint resolution mechanisms to protect and satisfy consumers.”

    The Federal Government on Monday increased excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco, with effect from June 4.

    The excise duty rates were spread over a three-year period from 2018 to 2020 in order to moderate the impact on prices of the affected products.

    It is expected that the upward review of the excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco will achieve dual benefits of raising the government revenues.

    It is also expected to reduce the health hazards associated with tobacco-related diseases and alcohol abuse.

    NAN

  • Buhari appoints new rector for Ado-Ekiti Fed Poly

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Dayo Aladebeye as the sixth substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.

    According to the letter appointing Aladebeye dated 1st March, 2018 and signed by Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, the appointment is mwith effect from 23rd February, 2018.

    Oladebeye before his latest appointment was earlier appointed as the Acting Rector on 18th December, 2017 following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Rector, Dr. Theresa Akande.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Mr. Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu, Oladebeye is the first alumnus of the Polytechnic to rise to the position of Rector.

    Oladebeye, 55, graduated from the institution with Distinction in Mechanical Engineering in 1986 and joined the services of the Polytechnic as a Technologist in 1987.

    The new rector holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering rising through the ranks to become a Chief Lecturer, the highest academic appointment in a Polytechnic, in 2007.

    He had at various times served three times as Head of Department, Dean of the School of Engineering and Deputy Rector for four years.

  • Nigeria can afford over 6,000 teachers for Liberia

    The Registrar and Chief Executive, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, (TRCN),  Professor Segun Ajiboye on Tuesday responded to the request made by the Liberian President, George Weah that his country needed over 6000 Nigerian teachers to kick start the education sector of Liberia.

    The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria boss said that Nigeria can afford to give Liberia more than 6,000 qualified professional teachers.

    It would be recalled that during his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, Liberian President George Weah had asked for 6000 or more teachers to jump start the education of the country.

    Ajiboye said the request for Nigerian Teachers to develop the educational sector of Liberia was a marker to the international recognition of the quality that a Nigerian Teacher is made of.

    Read Also: Liberia seeks 6,000 teachers as Buhari, Weah meet in Abuja

    Ajiboye who said the Council has registered 2million qualified and certified professional teachers, said only those certified by the Council shall be processed for such transnational request.

    While fielding questions from newsmen at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, Ajiboye noted that the TRCN has a standing Memorandum of Understanding with the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps consequent upon which no Teacher can be sent out to teach without being qualified, registered and duly licensed by TRCN.

    Ajiboye who noted that TRCN has achieved in the area of Teacher information System (TIS), and School Monitoring Project in Six states added that it was heart-warming that Nigeria Teachers are valued internationally saying the Council will not rest on its oars to ensure that teachers become truly professional to improve their worth.

  • Presidential aspirant visits Falae, canvasses restructuring of 2019

    A presidential aspirant, Dr. Thomas Wilson -Ikubese, has advocated for the restructuring of the country before the 2019 general elections.

    Ikubese, who is a chieftain of the National Conscience Party, NCP, said President Muhammadu Buhari must summon the courage to implement the most critical aspects of restructuring of the country before handing over power in 2019.

    The medical doctor made the remarks when he, as part of his consultations with leaders of thoughts, political blocks and elder statesmen in Nigeria towards his 2019 ambition, visited Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Federal Government, in his Akure residence.

    Ikubese thanked Falae for his steadfastness over the Nigerian project and his various pragmatic contributions towards the emergence of a functional Nigerian state.

    According to him, the 2019 Presidential election will be a watershed in the annals of Nigerian history as it will be more about personalities rather than political parties as Nigerians are tired of the APC and PDP and earnestly seek a credible alternative to take Nigeria out of the woods.

    Ikubese further stated that any  political alliance that throws up a recycled politician as its Presidential Candidate in 2019 would not meet the expectations of Nigerians who now crave for a departure from the status quo and a breath of fresh air to usher in a new altruistic political ideology of putting Nigeria first and making the system work.

    The aspirant also commiserated with Chief Falae on his 2015 kidnap saga and the recent attack on his farm, all of which he described as symptomatic of failed leadership and the need for a restructured state.

    According to Ikubese, “an unrestructured Nigeria, is a nation sitting on a keg of gunpowder”.

    Falae, in his response, thanked Ikubese for blazing the trail in gouty advocacy in Nigeria as his wake up call on Nigerian youths to get involved in altruistic politics is beginning to yield fruits, with more and more youths showing interest in governance.

  • 145 arrested over herdsmen/farmers clashes

    A Presidency source late Sunday night confirmed that at least 145 suspects have since been arrested by the Nigeria Police following herdsmen/farmers clashes in some parts of the country, including Benue, Kaduna and Nasarawa states.

    The arrests occurred between January 2016 and January 2018.

    President Muhammadu Buhari who had given instructions to security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the violence, has been visiting some of the troubled spots and is expected in Benue State.

    The source, who does not want his name in prints, also revealed that out of the number, 124 have been charged to court, while 21 suspects are under investigation and waiting to be charged to court.

    He said “So far, 106 suspects have been arrested and charged to court for prosecution on the following offences; criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance of public peace, assault and mischief.”

    It would be recalled that recently, on March 5, at least 24 persons were killed and 20 others feared missing in two communities in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State following fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen.

    Read Also: How to end herdsmen, farmers clashes, by Obasanjo

    “Early in the year, three suspects with Ak-47 rifles were apprehended by the Police Intelligence Team in Benue, nine members of untrained Civilian JTF/Livestock guards with prohibited firearms were arrested by the military in Arufa, a boundary town between Benue and Taraba with five AK-47 rifles who confessed that they were employed as Livestock guards by a state government on a N150,000 monthly salary.

    “Similarly, 16 suspects were arrested in Gboko LGA and investigations are ongoing, while several members of armed militia and unknown gunmen were killed or apprehended by the police.

    “Other arrests made include that of 6 suspects on January 1, 2018 following the police response to the killings in Akor Village in Guma LGA on December 31, 2017.

    “Exhibits recovered from the suspect include 3 cutlasses, charms and other items. All the suspects were charged to court for culpable homicide. Concerted efforts are being made by the police to apprehend all culprits in the conflict,” the source said.’

    The Nigerian Police, he noted, have had their fair share of attacks while trying to fish out the culprits.

    Quoting a police source, he said “On January 25 this year, two visiting Police Mobile Force (PMF) from 20 and 32 led by their respective unit commanders were ambushed by a group suspected to be pastoralists while they were on patrol at Sati village in Guma LGA of Benue State.

    “During the ambush, one inspector Abdullahi Isiaka was shot and wounded, while one Sergeant Solomon Dung was reported missing.

    “We are doing our job diligently to ensure safety of lives and property in these flashpoint areas. So it is unfair when some people say we are being partial in how we are handling the conflict,” the police source said.

    The Presidency source said that further findings reveal that the Police has lost serval of its officers, while one is still missing in action in the course on restoring peace in the state.

    “About 30 of or colleagues have been killed in the line of duty, while Sergeant Dung is still missing in action,” the source said.

    He said that the disbandment and disarming of the livestock guards and militia groups in the state are ongoing so as to forestall further violence.

    “Early in the year, the IGP team commenced an on-the-spot assessment of situations in Benue with a visit to the flashpoints of the crisis, places such as Logo and Guma LGAs in Benue and Tunga in Awe LGA in Nasarawa State.

    “Security analysts say that one of the root causes of the crisis in Benue has been the implementation of the Anti-Open grazing law by the state government.

    “On January 4, the IGP met with Benue State governor and the state’s religious leaders, traditional rulers, CSOs, and other stakeholders, where the open grazing and establishment of ranches were mooted.”

    It would be recalled that following several clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country, the Federal Government deployed mobile police forces, the army and Air Force to troubled areas.

    Security has also reportedly been beefed up in affected communities in Benue State and in other states affected by herdsmen/farmers clashes.

    To support the Police in restoring peace, he said that Army formations and units in Benue State are maintaining Forward Operating Bases in flash areas covering Guma, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue state in an operation nicknamed Operation Zenda.

    “In the same vein, the Nigerian Army recently deployed troops flashpoints in Nasarawa State, to forestall further attacks in routes where armed herdsmen reportedly use to attack communities in Benue State.

    “Also, recently, the Nigerian Army kicked off Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA, to checkmate the activities of armed bandits and militias in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and its environs.” he said

     

  • Buhari approves new excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages, tobacco

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an amendment to the excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco with effect from Monday, June 4, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has said.

    In a statement in Abuja on Sunday, Adeosun said the president also granted a grace period of 90 days to manufacturers of the products before the commencement of the new duty regime.

    She said the new excise duty rates would spread over a three-year period from 2018 to 2020 in order to moderate the impact on prices of the products.

    The minister said the new duty regime followed all-inclusive stakeholder engagements by the Tariff Technical Committee of the Federal Ministry of Finance with key industry stakeholders.

    According to her, the upward review of the excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco was to raise the government’s fiscal revenues.

    She said that it would also reduce the health hazards associated with tobacco-related diseases and alcohol abuse.

    Adeosun said the new duty rate on tobacco was a combination of the existing ad-valorem base rate and specific rate while the ad-valorem rate was replaced with a specific rate for alcoholic beverages.

    “For alcoholic beverages, the current ad-valorem rate will be replaced with specific rates and spread over three years to moderate the impact on prices.

    “This will curb the discretion in the Unit Cost Analysis for determining the ad-valorem rate and prevent revenue leakages.

    “For tobacco, the government will maintain the current ad-valorem rate of 20 per cent and introduce additional specific rates with the implementation to be spread over a three-year period to also reasonably reduce the impact on prices,’’ Adeosun said.

    She said that under the newly approved excise duty rates for tobacco in addition to the 20 per cent ad-valorem rate, each stick of cigarette will attract one naira specific rate per stick, that is N20 per pack of 20 sticks in 2018,

    She said that tobacco would in 2019 attract duties of two naira  specific rate per stick, that is N40 per pack of 20 sticks in 2019 and N2.90 kobo specific rate per stick, that is N58 per pack of 20 sticks in 2020.

    Adeosun explained that Nigeria’s cumulative specific excise duty rate for tobacco was 23.2 per cent of the price of the most sold brand as against 38.14 per cent in Algeria, 36.52 per cent in South Africa and 30 per cent in Gambia.

    She said also that the new specific excise duty rate for alcoholic beverages cut across beer and stout, wines and spirits for the three years, 2018 to 2020.

    Under the new regime, beer and stout will attract .30k per centilitre  (Cl) in 2018 and 35k  per Cl each in 2019 and 2020.

    Wines will attract N1.25k per Cl in 2018 and N1.50k per Cl each in 2019 and 2020, while N1.50k per Cl was approved for spirits in 2018, N1.75k per Cl in 2019 and N2 per Cl in 2020.

    Adeosun said that the new excise duty regimes were in line with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) directive on the harmonisation of member-states’ legislations on excise duties.

    The ECOWAS Council of Ministers had at its 62nd and 79th Ordinary Sessions in Abuja in May 2009 and December 2017, issued directives on the harmonisation of the ECOWAS Member States’ Legislations on Excise Duties.

    The directives seek to harmonise member-states’ legislations on excise duties of non-oil products and also stipulate the scope of application, rate of taxation, taxable event and amount.

    NAN