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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Obasanjo playing politics with letter to Buhari, says Tinubu 

    Obasanjo playing politics with letter to Buhari, says Tinubu 

    The recent open letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo  to President Muhammadu Buhari to decline seeking reelection next year is all politics, National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, declared yesterday.

    Tinubu told reporters in Owerri,Imo State ,that Obasanjo could have conveyed his opinion to Buhari privately.

    The former Lagos State governor, in company with the pioneer National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, was in the Imo State capital on his way to Awka, Anambra State, to attend the funeral of Second Republic Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

    He also said the APC would respond at the appropriate time to the emergence of the Coalition for Nigeria being promoted by Obasanjo.

    Tinubu said  Obasanjo ought to have exploited a better way of communicating his observations about the Buhari  administration other than his open letter if  he was not politically motivated.

    He said: ” I think Obasanjo was playing politics with his public letter. That’s all I see.

    “He could have used other means; he met him (Buhari) in the AU (Africa Union) too.

    “He has a way of discussing privately, but the letter is being responded to by the government.

    “Obasanjo wrote it about the government. It is a very good awareness on his part and they are both (Obasanjo and Buhari) from the same background.

    “I believe that is the doctrine of military officers (retired) because he has unrestricted access to the President, either through the Council of State or by any other means that he needs to see the current president privately and he was his junior in the army.”

    The APC leader then said jokingly that the letter was not written to him.

    In the Coalition for Nigeria, Tinubu said it was still too early to respond to the development,

    The APC, he said, would  respond to the emergence of the coalition  at the “appropriate time ” .

    His words:  “The appropriate time is not now for response on the Coalition Movement but we are in a democracy.

    “We are in a country that is a signatory to the Charter of the United Nation  which guarantees free movement, free association and free speech.”

    On the reason for his visit, he said: “The governor (Rochas Okorocha)  is a very good friend and the government that is here is our government, the APC government.

    “We are here to pay final respect to the gentleman and nationalist, Alex  Ekwueme.”

  • We are determined to build robust tax system – Adeosun

    We are determined to build robust tax system – Adeosun

    Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said Federal Government was committed to implementing any policy that would boost the country’s tax system and ensure ease of doing business.

    Adeosun said this on Friday in Abuja while receiving a Progress Report by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee on tax law reforms.

    She said that the government was laying emphasis on tax because it was the only reliable source of revenue to achieve its developmental goals.

    “I want to underscore that this government led by Muhammadu Buhari, came in at a time when oil price was as low as 28 dollars per barrel.

    “This led us in search of a revenue base that is sustainable, predictable and can deliver development and succour to the masses.

    “One of the functions of the tax system, which many people overlook, is that it is the most reliable tool for government to use to redistribute wealth from rich to poor.

    “Many of the programmes we are undertaking will do exactly that, whether it is fixing our roads, or our social interventions like N5, 000 Conditional Cash Transfer to the poorest.

    “There is also the N30, 000 to some of our unemployed graduates or the school feeding programme.

    “These are all methods of redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor and that is one of the functions of a good tax system,” she said.

    Adeosun reiterated government’s willingness to take the recommendations of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, which she explained, would not only boost revenue but also improve ease of tax payment.

    She said that the recommendations would be submitted to the Economic Management Team, National Economic Council, Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for ratification.

    Earlier, Mr Taiwo Ayedele, Vice President of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, had said that the committee identified the tax laws that were obsolete and making the country’s tax system inefficient.

    He said that the committee recommended that Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Customs Excise and Tariff, Personal Income Tax, Pension Contribution, Industrial Development Income Tax Relief and Tertiary Education Trust Fund be reviewed.

    “The proposed changes to the tax laws are expected to increase government revenue, simplify paying taxes and doing business and promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

    “It will also remove obsolete, ambiguous and contradictory provisions in the law and protect most vulnerable persons in the society,” Ayodele said.

     

  • We will respond to Obasanjo’s Coalition Movement at the right time – Tinubu

    We will respond to Obasanjo’s Coalition Movement at the right time – Tinubu

    ….Obasanjo playing politics with letter to Buhari 

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress ( APC )  and former governor of Lagos State,  Bola Tinubu, yesterday said that the party will respond to the Coalition Movement launched by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the “appropriate time “.

    He accused Obasanjo of playing politics with his open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, where he accused him of (Buhari) of non performance.

    Tinubu who made a stop over in Owerri, the Imo State capital on his way to Anambra State for the burial ceremony of late former Vice President in the company of another APC leader, Chief Bisi Akande, insisted that Obasanjo could have exploited other better ways of communicating his observations about the Buhari’s administration other than open letter if not politically motivated. 

    According to the APC leader, who jocularly said that the letter was not written to him, “Obasanjo wrote it about the government. It is a very good awareness on his part and they are both from the same background. I believe that is the doctrine  of Military Officers (retired) because he has unrestricted access to the President, either through the Council of State or by any other means that he need to see the current President privately and he was his junior in the Army.  So I think Obasanjo was playing politics with his public letter that’s all I see. He could have used other means,  he met him in the AU too he has a way of discussing privately but the letter is being responded to by the government”.

    Also responding to the former launching of Obasanjo’s Coalition Movement, in the brief interview with journalists at the Imo State Government House,  Tinubu,  said that it is still too early to respond to the development, 

    He said, “the appropriate time is not now for response on the Coalition Movement but we are in a democracy, we are in a country that is a signatory to the Charter of the United Nation which guarantees free movement, free association and free speech”.

    On the reason for his visit, he stated that, “the governor is a very good friend and the government that is here is our government, the APC government. We are here to pay final  respect to the gentleman and Nationalist, Alex  Ekwueme”.

  • IGP warns state govts, CPs against arming militia, vigilante groups

    IGP warns state govts, CPs against arming militia, vigilante groups

    …Maintains killing is due to communal clash

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has warned state governments and Commissioners of Police against equipping militia and vigilante groups with prohibited firearms.

    The Police Chief also directed Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands to monitor the activities of state governments as the country enters into a political era. 

    He disclosed this on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during the monthly meeting with Commissioners of Police and other senior officers.

    He said: “Everybody is aware we are entering a tedious and serious period in this country. The political issues are coming up to the fore and I believe as officers, we must gear up in our various locations and responsibilities to ensure that we ensure law and order all over Nigeria. 

    “As police officers, we know our duties. We know some issues that must be considered very seriously because we are coming into a political arena.

    “Commands should be very conversant with arming of militia men or vigilante because before a vigilante group is established by a government, there must be a bylaw which must be passed by the House of Assembly.

    “It is the responsibility of the Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands to study the bylaw and see how it conforms with the constitution and other laws of this country but where through the connivance of some Police officers,  you have a command arming militia men under several leus, I think our officers have to brace up to face these challenges.

    He further said: “No government in this country has the responsibility to approve some prohibited firearms to any Nigerian under any guise.

    “I think it is the responsibility of CPs of Commands to put a close watch to the activities of some of these governments that are arming individuals which is against the laws of this country.

    “All of us are aware of these prohibited firearms, you cannot give approval for any individual to own a pistol or AK47 Rifles. These are prohibited weapons and only the government has the authority to give that approval. 

    “I call on CPs of  various Commands to closely watch the abuse of authority at various levels”,  the IGP said.

    On the killings in Nasarawa and Benue State and the effect of his relocation as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, the IG said the killings have reduced drastically.

    He also maintained that the clashes were communal.

    According to him: “To be frank, I relocated to Benue for about eight days and when I came back,  I left the DIG Operations there. I must say that the incidences in Benue State and Nasarawa State have reduced drastically”.

    On the killing in Gboko, he said: “We had an attack on some travellers in Gboko town, in Benue State where seven fulani people were murdered.

    “Seven of them were travelling from Taraba to Kogi State,  they stopped in Gboko and the youths there, seeing that they were fulani, pounced on them, killed and roasted them.

    “We are investigating that issue now. Our monitoring team have been dispatched to Benue and some arrest have been made in that regard.”

    On the clash being a communal clash, the IGP said : “This issue like I said from the beginning, is communal clash. These are clashes occurring between two members of the community and like I stated in both states, as Nigerians,  we should learn to live together and tolerant of each other.

    “I addressed traditional rulers recently in Port Harcourt and I think they have a lot to do to bring peace and harmony within their community.

    “This country needs leaders that can unite the communities not leaders that create divisions and I think it is high time leaders answer their names and be among those that will bring peace and stability all over the country”, he said.

  • Don lauds Buhari’s choice as AU anti-corruption champion

    Don lauds Buhari’s choice as AU anti-corruption champion

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice as the African Union (AU) anti-corruption champion has brought corruption to the front burner as a major problem facing the continent, Dr Olawale Lawal, has said.

    He told the News  on Thursday in Lagos that corruption was a major stumbling block to Africa’s development.

    Lawal, a Diplomacy and Foreign Policy lecturer at the Lagos State University, Ojo, said it was appropriate for the AU to take anti-corruption as its theme for the 54th summit.

    “It is not unusual for international organisations to build their summits around certain themes.

    “The choice of our own President Muhammadu Buhari to champion the continent’s anti-corruption drive is also auspicious, considering his anti-corruption credentials.

    “This is an indication that African leaders now understand that corruption is a major stumbling block to development on the continent and are willing to address it, ” he said.

    The lecturer advised African leaders to translate their resolutions into actions that would further earn them good reputation in the international community.

    Read Also: Electorate should determine Buhari’s eligibility not Obasanjo – Minister

    “Many of the past AU resolutions, especially as it concerns economic policies, were not implemented, but this should be different.

    “African leaders should develop capacity and appropriate laws to tackle issues of corruption in their various countries, and corrupt people in leadership positions should be sanctioned.

    “This will go a long way towards stemming the tide of retrogression, and it will build confidence in most of the countries of the western world,” he said.

    Lawal said that Nigeria, as an important AU member country, should spearhead the right policies and programmes aimed at steady growth and sustainable development.

    “Nigeria has the capacity to influence the direction of the AU due to its huge financial commitment to the organisation.

    “With our president now at the forefront of anti-corruption on the continent, we should strive to improve our institutions so they can effectively tackle corruption at home.

    “This will go a long way to justify the choice of President Buhari, and also to encourage other African leaders to show more commitment in developing their countries and tackling corruption,” he said.

    NAN

  • Buhari hails Super Eagles for defeating Sudan

    Buhari hails Super Eagles for defeating Sudan

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria on their victory over Sudan in the semi-final of the 2018 Championship of African Nations ( CHAN ) in Marrakesh, Morocco.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina,  joined millions of football loving Nigerians in celebrating the spectacular performance of the team which qualified them for the final on Sunday with Morocco.

    Having keenly followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament with delight, the President commended their hardwork, dedication, discipline and indomitable spirit, which are truly worthy of emulation.

    President Buhari urged the players and the coaching crew to remain focused and determined as they go for Gold in the final match on Sunday.

    Hr assured them of the unflinching support, goodwill and prayers of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they soar to victory.

  • FG defends provisions of 2018 budget

    FG defends provisions of 2018 budget

    Mr Ben Akabueze, the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (BOF), has defended some provisions of the 2018 budget considered frivolous.

    Akabueze defended the provisions of the budget at a dialogue session with the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The session was organised to enhance the understanding of stakeholders on issues and reform efforts regarding the 2018 budget.

    On the N308 million voted for the procurement of riot control equipment for 37 state police commands, including the FCT,  Akabueze said “this provision works out as less than N10 million per state command, I am not sure what is suspicious here’’.

    “Is it that there are no riots that need to be controlled or that an average of under N10 million per state police command is excessive expenditure on these items?’’

    He said that there were generalisations of items on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform which made it impossible to really specify what the items were.

    He added that henceforth, such clarifications would be made to avoid labeling of such items as frivolous.

    “There is N1.1 billion for cleaning and fumigation services for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    “We are not shy to admit that for ONSA because all over the world, matters of national security are treated with some degree of confidentiality,” explained Akabueze.

    He also defended the N2.2 billion for Social Media Mining Suite.

    “The Department of State Service (DSS) may have plans to implement some security protocols to curtail the spread of fake news which may threaten national security.

    “But the DSS has assured us that the intention is not to hinder freedom of speech or information,’’ said Akabueze.

    Regarding the N4.9 billion billed for annual maintenance of mechanical/electrical equipment in the Presidential Villa, Akabueze said the villa was quite an expansive complex, which comprised several offices, residences and other relevant support facilities.

    He, however, said that since the budget was still in the appropriation stage, amendments could be made to items that are not national priorities.

    “We, however, still welcome public evaluations of the items in the budget because ultimately, the budget must be toward what people deem as national priorities.

    “If there are any items in the budget that you think ought not to be there or be a priority at this time, they should be flagged and identified to us and we would engage.

    “The budget is still in progress and it is still possible to make amendments where there is superior logic.’’

    The 2018 budget which was put at N8.612 trillion and presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on Nov. 7, 2017 was tagged “Budget of Consolidation.’’

     

  • Benue killings: Buhari tackles Senate over allegation of inaction

    Benue killings: Buhari tackles Senate over allegation of inaction

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday tackled the Senate over the accusation of the upper chamber that Presidency has not done much to deal with issues arising from the January 1st killings in Benue State.

    President Buhari in letter to the Senate said that it was incorrect for the Senate to infer that nothing has been done especially when the police are strenuously working to apprehend the perpetrators of heartless killings.

    President Buhari’s letter was in response to Senate’s letter to him where the chamber detailed its resolutions on the killings and the way out of the recurring development.

    The Presidential letter dated 25 January, 2018 and addressed to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki is entitled  “Re: Report on the review of security infrastructure of Nigeria on the emergency visit to Benue State.”

    The letter was read to Senators by Saraki in plenary yesterday.

    Herdsmen suspected to be Fulani had, on January 1st, 2018, swooped on two communities in Benue State, Guma and Logo and massacred over 73 people.

    Many others suffered varied degrees of wounds while some were still missing.

    The President said in the strongly worded letter that on Tuesday, 9th of January, at a session with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, the governor was duly informed of police arrest of some suspects involved in the killings.

    He noted in addition, that the governor was also informed that the police have been instructed to speed up trial of the suspects as well as to give wide publicity of the police efforts.

    “To infer therefore that nothing has been done, is incorrect. The police are strenuously working to apprehend the rest of the culprits of these heartless killings,” Buhari said.

    President Buhari informed the Senate that the federal government is initiating measures to address the Benue killings and other security challenges to alleviate the consequence of the attacks and forestall reoccurrence.

    He said that the Senate resolution itemised in the letter to him, would be taken into consideration and “I’m instructing all relevant Ministries Departments Agencies (MDAs) to factor them in their work.”

    As part of measures to address the worsening  President Buhari said that on December 19, 2017, while receiving the report of the committee that was set up to review the technical and administrative structure of the Nigeria Intelligent Agency ( NIA ), he underscored the need to review the entire national security architecture.

    The President said that the measure was in line with his promised in his inaugural address on the 29th May 2015.

    He said that action was being initiated to receive maximum cooperation from the Senate in line with paragraph three of the Senate resolutions which sought collaboration in addressing security challenges.

    The letter read in part: “I thank you for your letter referenced NASS/8S/R/01/33 dated 18th January 2018 and carefully studied the resolutions and comments there in.

    “As I briefed you and the RT. Hon. Speaker when we met, several courses of action have been taken prior to the senate resolution.

    “You may recall that I told you of the following steps taken as soon as the information came in to me about the Benue killings.

    “One, on Thursday 4th January, I sent the minister of interior and the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of operations for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

    “Two, on Friday 5th January, the inspector-general of police briefed me verbally on the latest situation, calm had then been restored.

    “Three, on Monday 8th, the minister of Interior met with the following, governors of Adamawa, Kaduna, Niger, Benue Taraba and Nasarawa together with the DG of the State Security Services, Inspector-General of police, CG Civil Defence, minister of agriculture and rural development and police commissioner of the six aforementioned states.

    “After the meeting I instructed the Minister of Interior to brief you on the information gathered so far and steps taken.

    “On Tuesday, 9th of January, I had a long session with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State during which I informed him of police arrest of some suspects with Kalashnikovs. In addition, I told him that I have instructed IGP to speed up trial and prosecution of the suspects and give wide publicity of the police efforts.

    “At the request of the Governor, a meeting was held in the Presidential Villa on 15th January with a wide cross-section of Benue personages where frank and open discussions were held and everybody in the meeting appreciated the complexity and difficulties of this farmers-herders strife. I assured all and sundry of my commitment to ensure that justice is expeditiously done.

    “To infer therefore that nothing has been done, is incorrect. The police are strenuously working to apprehend the rest of the culprits of these heartless killings.

    “Furthermore, I have instructed the IGP to relocate to Benue State and redeploy forces to the most sensitive towns.

    “The Federal Government is initiating measures to address these and other security challenges, alleviate the consequence of these attacks and forestall reoccurrence. The Senate resolution itemised in your letter would be taken into consideration and I am instructing all relevant MDAs to factor them in their work.

    “On December 19 to be precise, while receiving the report of the committee that was set up to review the technical and administrative structure of the Nigeria Intelligent Agency (NIA), I underscored the need to review the entire national security architecture as I promised in my inaugural address on the 29th May 2015,

    “Action is being initiated to receive maximum cooperation from the senate in line with paragraph three of the senate resolutions.”

  • President Buhari to inaugurate CHIPS in Lafia

    President Buhari to inaugurate CHIPS in Lafia

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency ( NPHCDA ) says President Muhammadu Buhari will inaugurate the Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) programme in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    A statement issued by Mr Saadu Salahu, Head, Public Relations Unit of NPHCDA, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the president would inaugurate the programme on Feb. 6.

    Salahu said the inauguration of the programme was a major part of activities lined up for the official working visit of the President to the state.

    CHIPS is one of the initiatives of Buhari’s administration and a critical component of Primary Health Care (PHC) Revitalisation programme, particularly in addressing challenges of human resources for health in the rural areas.

    Salahu quoted Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director, NPHCDA, as saying that the overall aim of CHIPS Programme is to improve access and equitable coverage to essential health services.

    He said such essential health services include maternal, new born and child survival, among others.

    Salahu added that other objectives of the programme include addressing barriers to demand for primary health care services, ensuring supply of integrated PHC interventions.

    According to him, the programme also aim to link the health workforce at health centres in rural communities to the households and tackle delays in decision to seek care, accessing care and receiving adequate healthcare.

    Read Also: Killings threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty, says Buhari

    The News  reports that an average of 10 women per ward who posses minimum of elementary or secondary school education would be identified to participate in the programme.

    The identified women would be trained on basic health services such as provision of first aid, motivational talks, and promotion of hygiene and environmental sanitation in the community.

    The women would also conduct a house-to-house visit with the aim of improving ante-natal and other health services.

    According to Salahu, the programme will change the landscape of primary health care system.

    The agency would visit remote areas where people lack access to health care, the spokesman said.

    He disclosed that the trained women would not replace Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) and Juniors Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW) as the case may be.

    “What NPHCDA observed was that a lot of those who serve under CHEWs and JCHEWs are now resident in the health facilities and they don’t do extension work like it was originally planned,” Salahu said.

    NAN

  • Buhari presides over FEC meeting

    Buhari presides over FEC meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) meeting.

    PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER FE MEETING. 0B. R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari during the FEC Meeting held at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 31 2018.
    PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER FEC MEETING. 4. R-L; Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of State Mines and Steel, Alhaji Bwar Buhari, NSA Major General Babagana Mongonu and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi during the FEC Meeting held at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 31 2018.
    PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER FE MEETING. 6 L-R; Minister ofTelecommunications Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Defence, Brig General Mansur Dan ALI, Minister of Power, Works and House, Babatunde Fashola and SSAP Mallam Shehu Garba during the FEC Meeting held at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 31 2018.
    PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER FE MEETING. R-L; Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, NSA Major General Babagana Mongonu, Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, SGF Mr Boss Mustapha during the FEC Meeting held at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 31 2018.