The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Don’t blame Buhari for Nation’s infrastructure deficit – Lai Mohammed

    Don’t blame Buhari for Nation’s infrastructure deficit – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration should not be blamed for the infrastructural deficit in the country.

    The Minister stated this on Monday when he featured alongside other guests on the Nigeria Television Authority programme, “Good Morning Nigeria” which focussed on Nigeria at 57.

    Mohammed said that the administration was investing massively on roads, power, housing, Railway and other critical infrastructure, not leaving out the social well being of the citizens.

    He, however, observed that because of the level of decay and abandonment of the infrastructure by the previous administration, the efforts of government might not manifest immediately.

    Specifically, Mohammed said that the government was working on the 220-kilometre Enugu to Port Harbour express way as well as other major road networks in the South East.

    He said that work was  ongoing on the Kano to Maiduguri road and the Lagos Ibadan express way to mention but a few.

    “We do not get to the situation where we get into overnight and we should not expect to get out of it overnight

    “If you look at what the government inherited and where we are today it is clear that the government has remained focused and the solutions proferred to our challenges are working.

    “When we came in, the economy was over dependent on oil and today the recovery is being driven by agriculture, mining creative industry and manufacturing which means our diversification programme is working.

    “It has never happened in the history of the country that a government will spend N1.2 trillion in capital expenditure like the Administration did and we are seeing the positive results have helped us to get out of recession.” he said

    The Minister further explained that, “in 2015 the past administration spent only N18 billion on roads but in 2016/2017 circle this government spent N260 billion on roads and bridges.

    “The last administration spent only N5 billion on power, this administration has spent over N90 billion on power: In housing the last administration spent N8 billion while we have spent N70 billio.”

    The minister said that many contractors had been recalled to the roads projects they abandoned during the previous administration resulting in creating of over 17000 direct jobs and 15000 indirect jobs from roads.

    On power, the Minister said that when the administration came in May 2015, only 2690 megawatts was generated but today the country is generating over 7000 megawatts.

    He said inflation had been coming down, and the government had revived 12 fertiliser blending companies to boost agriculture.

    He urged Nigerians to judge the Administration in contest of what it inherited from previous Administration and where the country is today.

    On the clamour for restructuring, the Minister said that the issue has many sides and the focal point must be Constitution amendment through the National Assembly.

    “Restructuring means different thing to different people and that is why we have the debate that is going on now to collate the various ideas of Nigerians as to what restructuring means in order to know what exactly  to do.

    “To some. restructuring means going back to the former three of four regions, to some it means creation of additional states as was proposed in the 2014 Confab

    “To some, restructuring means resource control, to some it means devolution of more power to states while to some it means state police

    “Let us collate and aggregate what Nigerians mean by restructuring and of course we still need to go back to National Assembly if we want to effect any change in the constitution,” he said.

    Sen. Ahmed Lawan, the Senate Majority Leader who was also a guest on the programme said the diversification policy of the administration was yielding desired output especially in the area of agriculture.

    “It is creating wealth and generating employment and we should continue to support the government on this,” he said.

    Speaking on restructuring, the Senator noted that it was wrong for any group to result into blackmail and complaint about marginalisation to drive home any agitation.

    Another guest, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe said the clamour on marginalisation was about privileged selected few who would continue to manipulate the system and millions of Nigerians to gain undue advantage.

    “The elite of the country should stop creating problems in the country.

    “All the talks about restructuring is just about the elites positioning themselves for the 2019 elections, they do not really care about the welfare of Nigerians,”he said.

    Odafe, however, underscored the need for government to invest in infrastructure, particularly roads across the country which he described as “death trap”

    Hon. Shonibare Ololade, the Chairman, Conference of Legislative Aides on the other hands advised the government to look into power sharing and resource allocation in addressing the clamour for restructuring.

    Specifically he said the government should look into the issues of zoning of political offices, equitable distribution of resources and transition from recycling the old generation of politicians.

    NAN

  • DG VON commends Buhari’s pro-people governance

    DG VON commends Buhari’s pro-people governance

    Chief Osita Okechukwu, the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria ( VON ) and a stalwart of the All Progressive Congress ( APC ) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s  pro-people style of governance.

    Okechukwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday, that the president’s Independence anniversary address was a grand statement.

    He said it was to reiterate APC’s commitment toward repositioning the country for socio-political and economic growth.

    The DG noted that the President, in the last two years, had concentrated in ensuring that workers and pensioners in the country were well catered for at every level of governance.

    Okechukwu also said that the President had evolved a bottom-up approach to governance, describing it as people-centered and welfarist in nature.

    He said that it was heartwarming that Mr President had assured Nigerians of much better and progressive days ahead as his administration entered the second half in office.

    “Mr President, within the last two years, released additional support of N1.64 trillion to states and local governments as part of measures to stabilise the polity.

    “This was used in paying salaries owed workers for over 12 months and accrued unpaid pensions for many years.

    “Mr President could have used the said money to build over 1,000 kilometres of asphalted roads which would be highly visible to all.

    ‘’But he decided to use it to uplift the plight of workers at rural areas, who owe school fees, house rent, electricity and food stuff bills.

    “This shows a fatherly heart; people-centered thinking and programme of President Buhari meant to touch the lives and livelihood of millions of Nigerian workers and families, notwithstanding the level of government,’’ he said.

    He also commended the Federal Government’s N500 billion Special Intervention Programmes.

    Okechukwu said the programmes via Home-Grown School Feeding; N-Power; Conditional Cash Transfer; Family Homes Fund; Social Housing Scheme and providing loans to traders and artisans were designed to up-lift poor Nigerians from poverty.

    He, however, called on state governments and generality of Nigerians to take advantage of the current Federal Government-led revolution in agriculture to be empowered and engaged.

    “Agriculture is making the anticipated impact in the economy and lives of those that had shown interest in the Federal Government’s agricultural programmes.

    “I will like all states in the country, especially the states within the South-East, to use the agro-allied opportunities and loan schemes judiciously to create jobs for the youth and check unemployment in the zone.’’

  • Agitations: Buhari disappointed at leaders of communities

    Agitations: Buhari disappointed at leaders of communities

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed disappointment at leaders of communities where agitations have sprout in the country in recent times.

    The President made this known on Sunday in his Independence Day message to the nation.

    According to him, those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict which the country went through.

    The message reads in full:

    My dear Nigerians,

    October 1st remains a special date for all Nigerians as this marks the day when we attained one of the most precious of human desires — freedom.

    Over the years the country has gone through trials and tribulations, but October 1st is always a day for celebrations.

    It is a day for thanks giving, reflection and re-dedication.

    It is also a day for remembrance. We should remind ourselves of the recent journey from 1999 – 2015, when our country happily returned to democratic rule.

    However, in spite of oil prices being an average of $100 per barrel and about 2.1m barrels a day, that great piece of luck was squandered and the country’s social and physical infrastructure neglected.

    We were left with no savings and huge infrastructure deficit.

    The APC Government’s Campaign rallying cry to restore security, re-balance the economy and fight corruption was not all rhetoric.

    The country must first be secured. The economy must be re-balanced so that we do not depend on oil alone. We must fight corruption which is Nigeria’s Number One Enemy. Our Administration is tackling these tasks in earnest.

    In the past two years, Nigeria has recorded appreciable gains in political freedom. A political Party at the Centre losing elections of State Governor, National Assembly seat and even State Assemblies to the opposition parties is new to Nigeria. Added to these are complete freedom to associate, to hold and disseminate opinions. Such developments clearly attest to the country’s growing political development. But like all freedoms, this is open to abuse.

    Recent calls on re-structuring, quite proper in a legitimate debate, has let in highly irresponsible groups to call for dismemberment of the country. We can not and we will not allow such advocacy.

    As a young Army Officer, I took part from the beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2million lives, resulting in fearful destruction and untold suffering. Those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict which we went through.

    I am very disappointed that responsible leaders of these communities do not warn their hot-headed youths what the country went through. Those who were there should tell those who were not there, the consequences of such folly.

    At all events, proper dialogue and any desired constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National and State Assemblies. These are the proper and legal fora for National debate, not some lop-sided, un-democratic body with pre-determined set of objectives.

    Government is keeping up the momentum of dialogue with stakeholders in the Niger Delta to keep the peace. We intend to address genuine grievances of the communities.

    Government is grateful to the responsible leadership of those communities and will pursue lasting peace in the Niger Delta.

    SECURITY

    On security, Nigerians must be grateful to our gallant Armed Forces for rolling back the frontiers of Boko Haram’s terrorism, defeating them and reducing them to cowardly attacks on soft and vulnerable targets.

    Nigeria is grateful to its neighbours and the international community for the collective efforts to defeat this world-wide menace of terrorism.

    Not even the most organized and most equipped police and security forces in the world can escape the menace of modern day terrorism, as we have seen in recent years in Europe and other parts of the world.

    But we are not letting up. Our Armed Forces in an effort to enhance the operational capability of troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE have established Mobile Strike Teams in the North East. These will ensure the final push to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram.

    In addition, through targeted air strikes most of the leadership and identified logistics bases and routes of the insurgents have been neutralized. The Armed Forces have established a Naval presence in the Lake Chad Basin as part of the coordinated military efforts to curtail the movements or re-emergence of the sect in the area.

    Government is working round the clock to ensure release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as other persons in Boko Haram captivity. Government will continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies to fight not only terrorism, but kidnapping, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers violence and to ensure peace, stability and security in our country.

    ECONOMY

    With respect to the economy, the Government has remained pro-active in its diversification policy. The Federal Government’s agricultural Anchor Borrowers Programme, which I launched in November 2015, has been an outstanding success with:

    · N43.92 billion released through the CBN and 13 participating institutions,

    · 200,000 small holder farmers from 29 states of the federation benefitting,

    · 233,000 hectares of farmland cultivating eight commodities, namely Rice, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, soya-beans, Poultry, Cassava and Groundnuts, in addition to fish farming.

    These initiatives have been undertaken in close collaboration with the states. I wish to commend the efforts of the Governors of Kebbi, Lagos, Ebonyi and Jigawa States for their support to the rice and fertilizer revolutions.

    Equally commendable are contributions of the Governors of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Benue, Ogun, Kaduna and Plateau States for their support for the Presidential initiative for palm oil, rubber, cashew, cassava, potatoes and other crops.

    With the abundance of rainfall last year and this year, agriculture has enjoyed Divine intervention.

    Since December last year, this Administration has produced over 7 million 50Kg bags of fertilizer. Eleven blending plants with a capacity of 2.1 million metric tons have been reactivated. We have saved $150 million in foreign exchange and N60 billion in subsidy. Fertilizer prices have dropped from N13,000 per 50Kg bag to N5,500.

    Furthermore, a new presidential initiative is starting with each state of the Federation creating a minimum of 10,000 jobs for unemployed youths, again with the aid of CBN’s development finance initiatives.

    Power remains a huge problem. As of September 12th, production of power reached an all — time high of 7,001 Megawatts. Government is increasing its investment, clearing up the operational and financial log jam bedeviling the industry. We hope to reach 10,000 Megawatts by 2020.

    Key priorities include better energy mix through solar and Hydro technologies. I am glad to say that after many years of limbo, Mambilla Power Project has taken off.

    Elsewhere in the economy the special window created for manufacturers, investors and exporters, foreign exchange requirements has proved very effective. Since April, about $7 billion has come through this window alone. The main effect of these policies is improved confidence in the economy and better investment sentiments.

    The country has recorded 7 consecutive months of lower inflation, Naira rate is beginning to stabilize, appreciating from N525 per $1 in February this year to N360 today. Broad-based economic growth is leading us out of recession.

    Furthermore, in order to stabilize the polity, the Federal Government gave additional support to states in the form of:

    · State Excess Crude Account loans,

    · Budget Support Facility,

    · Stabilization Fund Release

    to states and local governments as follows:

    · N200 billion in 2015

    · N441 billion in 2016

    · N1 trillion in 2017

    Altogether totaling N1.642 trillion.

    This was done to enable states to pay outstanding salaries, pensions and small business suppliers who had been all but crippled over the years.

    In addition, the Government’s current N500 billion Special Intervention Programme is targeting groups through;

    · Home Grown School Feeding Programme,

    · N-Power Job creation to provide loans to small-scale traders and artisans,

    · Conditional Cash Transfer,

    · Family Homes Fund and

    · Social Housing Scheme.

    CORRUPTION

    Fellow Nigerians,

    We are fully aware that fighting corruption was never going to be a straightforward task. We expected corrupt elements to use any weapon to fight back, mainly judicial obstruction and political diversion. But we are determined to eradicate corruption from our body politic.

    In this fight, the Government has:

    · Empowered teams of prosecutors,

    · Assembled detailed databases,

    · Accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.

    The Administration’s new institutional reforms include:

    · Enforcing Treasury Single Account,

    · Whistle-Blowers Policy,

    · Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System.

    We have signed multi-lateral cooperation agreements on criminal matters with friendly countries. There are signs of increasing cooperation from the Judiciary. Recently the Chief Justice of Nigeria directed Heads of all our Courts of first instance and Appeal to accelerate hearings of corruption cases and dismiss any judicial officers found to have been compromised.

    Justice Salami has just been appointed to chair the Judiciary’s anti-graft committee. Government expects a lot from this Committee.

    I commend the National Assembly for refocusing on its oversight committees. They should, in addition, ensure swift passage of enabling corruption laws. But fighting corruption is a bottom to top operation. I call on all Nigerians to combat corruption at every turn. By not asking for and refusing to accept a bribe, by reporting unethical practices or by blowing a whistle, together we can beat corruption. The government for its part will work for accountability at all levels – Federal, State and Local Governments. CHANGE will then be real.

    As we enter the second half of our term of office, we intend to accelerate progress and intensify our resolve to fix the country’s challenges and problems.

    Thank you and a happy holiday to all of you.

    God bless our country

  • Osinbajo endorses ACP endowment fund for growth

    Osinbajo endorses ACP endowment fund for growth

    The Vice-President, Prof.  Yemi Osinbajo, has endorsed the establishment an endowment fund for the African, Caribbean and Pacific ( ACP ) group.

    He described the initiative as timely to put members on the path of sustainable growth and development.

    The vice-president spoke in Abuja on Thursday when he received an ACP delegation, comprising its Chairman, Amb. Amadou Diop, the Secretary General, Dr Patrick Gomes, among others.

    “Setting up of an endowment fund like the one proposed will, in a way, guarantee an independent ACP.

    “Because if our development partners continue to give us the kind of support that they are giving now, they will definitely want to determine our course of development in the future,’’ he said.

    The vice-president pledged Nigeria’s unalloyed support for ACP, especially in its agenda on climate change and others, and urged member-nations to remain united in pursuit of the organisation’s objectives.

    “Nigeria remains firmly in support of the ACP because we have benefited so much from the organisation.

    “But I also want to emphasise the need for us to stay together.

    “The ACP has the potential to achieve a lot, especially in the focal areas of climate change, security and economic emancipation,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo, however, emphasised the need for the group to review existing international regulations as it strove to address challenges of terrorism and armed conflicts within ACP member-nations.

    He commended the leadership of ACP for the work done so far and promised to convey the group’s message to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In separate remarks, Gomes and Diop commended the role played by Nigeria in advancing the cause of ACP  on the African continent and the world.

    They solicited Nigeria’s support in the actualisation of ACP objectives, especially in the establishment of the fund.

    “The key of Africa and the region is Nigeria hence the respect accorded the country by the ACP,’’ Gomes said.

    The vice-president also received Mohamed Al Oraby, a special envoy of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

    The envoy who delivered a special letter from the Egyptian president, sought Nigeria’s support for Egypt’s candidate, Ms Moushira Khattab, in the November 2017 election for the Director-General of UNESCO.

  • ‘Nigeria needs $142bn to meet NDC’s target’

    ‘Nigeria needs $142bn to meet NDC’s target’

    The Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions’ ( NDC ) ambition under Climate Change Accord will cost estimated 142 billion dollars,  to meet the 2030 target.

    Minister of State for Environment Ibrahim Jibril disclosed this at the UN while presenting Nigeria’s progress report on climate change goal under the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The NDC is a binding agreement, which spelt out the actions a country intends to take to address climate change – both in terms of adaptation and mitigation – when it ratifies the Paris Agreement.

    The Minister said: “The delivery of our NDC will require a fundamental re-orientation of financial flows within the economy.

    “It is estimated that Nigeria will require around 142 billion dollars , translating to about 10 billion dollars per annum to meet her NDC target by 2030,” he said.

    He said Nigeria had recognised that climate change presented one of the greatest challenges of the world today.

    “In the midst of this vulnerability, an opportunity resides for Nigerian economy to grow in a manner that is climate resilient and empowers people whilst meeting its energy deficiency.

    “One of the innovative means of exploring this opportunity is through the issuance of green bonds, which has gained recognition as means of raising finance for climate friendly purposes.

    “Accordingly, the Federal Government has advance plans to issue a program of N150 billion in green bonds over the next few months.

    “This is with a pilot issue of N12.384 billion in the third quarter of 2017 and the balance over the course of the budget year.

    “Collaboration between Ministry of Environment and Finance continues to pull together the institutional partners necessary to achieve what would be Nigeria and Africa’s first sovereign green bond and the worlds third.”

    Jibril said Nigeria was partnering with the Lake Chad basin countries to address the challenges of drying up of the lake which will have adverse consequences on  the people and the ecosystem.

    “Equally, actions to fast track the environmental clean-up of the Niger Delta beginning with Ogoniland are undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions taken by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration.

    “The President’s action has now breathed new life into a four-year report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which hitherto had experienced a series of false starts since it was published on Aug. 4, 2011.”

    The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said Nigeria’s progress towards localising the SDGs was with an emphasis on ensuring implementation across all levels of government.

    “Specifically, the Ministry incorporated and ensured policy linkages between the SDGs and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a four-year medium term development plan launched on April 5, 2017.

    “The plan is aimed at ensuring sustained and inclusive growth; building a globally competitive and diversified Nigerian economy, investing in our people and building strong governance institutions to drive change.”

    Additionally, specific programmes and projects aimed at achieving the SDGS have been integrated into the 2017 National Budget, and will be included in future budgeting frameworks, she said.

  • Don’t treat IPOB, MASSOB, others with kid gloves – Islamic leaders

    Don’t treat IPOB, MASSOB, others with kid gloves – Islamic leaders

    Islamic leaders in the country have warned the Federal Government not to treat the current agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ) and the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB ) with levity.

    The Islamic leaders also urged the President Muhammadu Buhari government to tackle other security problems in the country headlong.

    They spoke this at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at this commemoration of this year new Islamic calendar (Hijra).

    Pioneer Grand Khadi, Kwara state Sha’aria Court of Appeal Justice Abdulkadir Orire (rtd) said “the issues of IPOB and MASSOB in the South East must be seriously attended to before they degenerated to undesirable and uncontrollerable levels.

    “Insecurity is the greatest impediment to industrialisation and growth of other investments which have contributed greatly to unemployment of our youths. To ameliorate the situation, there is the need to swiftly confront the Boko Haram insurgents headlong, bring back the remaining Chibok girls and others from captivity. Likewise, the Niger Delta militants and kidnappers should not treated with kid gloves.

    “The military and para-military forces should be fortified and motivated to enhance adequate security of the lives and property of all Nigerians and others resident in Nigeria.”

    The former grand khadi who is also the Sarkin Malamai of Ilorin decried the rampant incidents of ritual killings in many parts of the country.

    Justice Orire added that “the menace of killing, selling and buying of human beings for ritual purposes are very rampant nowadays. This act is highly ungodly, un-Islamic, barbaric and sinful.”

    Corroborating him, current Grand Khadi of the state, Justice Muhammad Abdulkadir frowned at the growing cases of cultism and other anti-social behaviours in Ilorin and its environs.

    Justice Abdulkadir urged Islamic preachers and teachers to preach against “these obnoxious acts to ensure peace and harmony that the Ilorin community is known for.

    Said he: “Our children are involved in series of nefarious activities such as cultism, killing of innocent people and kidnapping among other. Some scholars are engaged in using human beings for ritual purposes all in attempt to get riches by all means. All these are seriously against the teachings of Islam and what Ilorin and its environs are known for.

    “We also call on government to set necessary machinery in motion for the protection of lives through regular surveillance of the community particularly at night to ward off the night marauders, who hide under the cloak of darkness to perpetrate evil acts.”

  • Pensioners seek quick end to frequent verification, commend PTAD

    Pensioners seek quick end to frequent verification, commend PTAD

    The Nigerian Union of Pensioners ( NUP ) has called on the federal government ensure that the ongoing verification of pensioners by the Pension Transitional Directorate ( PTAD ) is concluded in record time to bring an end to frequent verification exercise by the government.

    The union also alleged that some powerful individuals are blocking its request to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to intimate him of the problems facing pensioners in the country.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Federal Civil Service branch of the union, its Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Adeniyi Okunade said continues verification has put the members through endless agonies, but commended PTAD for its effort to simplify the process and create a permanent data base for pensioners in the country.

    Comrade Okunade said it is the wish of all pensioners in the country to see that the constant verification exercise is concluded in good times so that those who have not been paid for many years can be paid.

    While accusing some unnamed persons of blocking their meeting with the President to tell him about the challenges pensioner in the country face, he said, “we have some challenges, but we are not resting on our oars. We are fighting hard to make sure that our rights are given to us, to make sure that all arrears are paid, like the 33 per cent arrears. We want to see that verifications are concluded in good time, so that those who have not been paid for many years can be paid, and that they will not take their entitlement in the grave.

    “We have written to (Buhari). As soon as he was elected, we wrote to him that we wanted to hold a meeting with him, but some people have been blocking our way and we have not been able to see him. But we have used the media to draw his attention and to let the world know our plight. Thank god, he had set up a committee now to solve the problems of pensioners. The PTAD Executive Secretary is the secretary of that committee. He wants them to let him know all the problems of pensioners – all the outstanding arrears and how much it is. He has asked them to give him a total package. We trust that he will do something about it.”

    Okunade said pensioners have received assurances that the ongoing verification exercise will be the last as the PTAD has said it is working on a data base for pensioners, saying “I think they are assuring us that this is going to be the last one. And we want to thank them that this ongoing verification is the best so far. They have made a very good arrangement. We thank PTAD and the government. We hope that it will be the last. They said they will get a data base where everybody who gets into the data base will be permanently recorded and will continue to earn his pension until he dies.”

    Also speaking, the chairman of the NUP federal civil service branch, Sunday Omezi lamented that that many of the pensioners have died while waiting for their pension, saying only a quick conclusion of the verification exercise will bring respite to the pensioners some of whom he said have been removed from the payroll since 2010.

    He said, “What I want federal government to do is to pay us our arrears. We have some members whose names have been removed from the payroll since 2010. So, what we want government to do now is to look into their case and pay them. most of us are dying on a daily basis. And those people that have died cannot collect anything. That is why we are appealing to the federal government to hasten the verification exercise they are doing so that they can pay us so that we will not receive our pension in the grave.”

  • Buhari means well for South-East, says Ikisikpo

    Buhari means well for South-East, says Ikisikpo

    Former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mr. Clever Ikisipo, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari was passionate about developing the South-East and the South-South.

    Insisting that Buhari loved the geopolitical zones, Ikisikpo advised the people of the zones to forego their grievances and deep-seated suspicions to enable them benefit from the policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

    Speaking to the Nation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Ikisikpo said Buhari was only interested in ensuring that peace reigned in the country adding that his push for peace and unity should not be misconstrued as hatred to a particular region.

    He said: “I call on all well meaning Nigerians especially the people of the South-South and South-East to give the PMB led government a chance and massively support the Change Agenda.

    “The people of this two regions will benefit a lot if they shelve outside their grievances and whatever suspicions they harbor and allow government policies and programmes mature”.

    He flayed persons criticizing Buhari’s speech at the just-concluded 72nd United Nations General Assembly saying the President’s speech was strategic.
    Ikisikpo said the speech was strategic for the international community grappling with security threats and for developing nations struggling to get looted funds repatriated to enable them fast track infrastructural development and economic growth.

    “Indeed, while we earnestly await the cooperation of the international community with the Buhari-led administration, all hands must be ready at home to help actualise the change agenda. The unity of Nigeria is important if we must maintain our giant status in Africa and pride of place in the world”, he said.

    He said the President was taking required steps to implement all the suggestions he made to the international community at home.

    He said: “The appealed to the UN to expand and consolidate on her peace and security roles in the globe, at home Buhari is practising peace by curbing insurgency and secessionist threats.

    “The President called on the UN to double her efforts on humanitarian crisis world over, at home is not turning blind eyes to Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) in the North-East and the Army/IPOB clashes in the South-East and Militancy in the Niger-Delta.

    “Hence he dispatched five northern Governors to the south on peace tour. The President is much interested in a restructured UN, at home the ruling party has set up a restructuring committee to address growing agitations in the country”.

  • NANS applauds JAMB over N5bn remittance to FG

    NANS applauds JAMB over N5bn remittance to FG

    The National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS ) has commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) for remitting the sum of N5 billion to the coffers of the Federal Government.

    NANS’ President, Mr Chinonso Obasi, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said such remittance from JAMB within a short period under the leadership of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede showed a great deal of probity.

    Obasi said that he was in support of the Federal Government’s move to probe the former administrations of JAMB and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ).

    He urged the Federal Government to extend the probe to other agencies.

    The Federal Executive Council, FEC, presided by President Muhammadu Buhari recently ordered the probe of past heads of JAMB and NIMASA over poor remittances in the past.

    The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, told the FEC that JAMB for the first time remitted N5 billion to the government with a balance of N3 billion still to be remitted.

    She said it was a big difference when compared to maximum N3 million per annum remitted in the past.

    Obasi said that the remittance of such amount from a non-focal revenue generating agency of government underscored the importance of transparency in the administration and management of government business.

    “The development is highly commendable and all heads of Federal Government agencies and parastatals should emulate the registrar of JAMB.

    “I urge President Buhari to beam his eagle eyes on all other agencies of the Federal Government to ensure that all loopholes that encourage corrupt practices are prevented and blocked.

    “Corruption is evil and the worst thing that can happen to a country in dire need of financial resources for development.

    “I wonder why any right thinking person would choose to abuse public trust bestowed on him by engaging in corrupt practices, stealing public funds that can used in addressing other development challenges,’’ he said.

    Obasi called on Nigerians occupying public offices to endeavour to be responsible and patriotic in the management of government businesses.

    He reiterated his call for the inclusion of the association in anti-corruption fight in order to stamp out the scourge and channel resources to critical needs of national development.

    He said that the association would reach out to Federal Government agencies with a view to fostering interaction and building leadership capacity for Nigerian students.

  • Peace, unity germane to Nigeria’s progress – Osinbajo

    Peace, unity germane to Nigeria’s progress – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advised Nigerians against breaking the bond of unity and peace existing in the country.

    Osinbajo gave the advice in Uyo on Saturday at a grand ceremony organised by the Akwa Ibom government to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.

    The vice president, who is on a two-day working visit to the state, urged the people to resist attempts by any group trying to push them to destroy the existing peace in the country.

    “Peace is the foundation of enduring prosperity and for peace to reign everywhere in Nigeria, all of us as Nigerians must make necessary sacrifices.

    “We are in a situation where we must take seriously the admonition to love one another.

    “Whatever complaints we may have must not be an excuse to subvert the social order,” Osinbajo said.

    He assured Nigerians that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is ever ready to listen to all genuine complaints from any group.

    “The Buhari government is prepared to engage and listen patiently to all sections of the country.

    “But you as individuals also have a major role to play.

    “Citizens everywhere should not sit idle when misguided elements choose to recklessly destroy the common bond of brotherhood and friendship that has put us together for decades,” Osinbajo said.

    The vice president, who was the special guest of honour at the event, praised Gov. Udom Emmanuel for his visionary leadership in the state.

    He descibed Akwa Ibom as a state with great history, which creation 30 years ago started with the agitation by Ibibio State Union for the creation of COR state.

    He stated that Akwa Ibom is one of the fastest growing states in the country.

    He assured that the Federal Government would support the state to develop the Ibaka seaport.

    “Provisions have been made in the current budget of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) for the development of the Ibaka  Deep Seaport,” he said.

    Earlier, Gov. Emmanuel had expressed appreciation to former military President Ibrahim Babangida for creating Akwa Ibom State on Sept. 23, 1987.

    Emmanuel also acknowledged the efforts made by the former governors of the state made to lay a solid foundation laid for its growth.

    “The bush paths had become highways, our villages had turned into metropolis, I am here to consolidate on the achievements of all the past leaders,” Emmanuel said.

    He said that the creation of the state was  a divine plan.

    Emmanuel, therefore, urged the people of Akwa Ibom to unite for the development of the state irrespective of  their ethnic and political differences.

    Speaking on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, the Ekiti Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, congratulated the Akwa Ibom people for the unity among them.

    He also congratulated Gov. Emmanuel for the laudable projects he initiated toward the economic development of the state.

    Fayose said that the governor deserved a second term.

    In his speech on behalf of National Assembly members from Akwa Ibom, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the strength of Nigeria depended on its large population.

    “We in the National Assembly will not support division, we stand for one Nigeria. We will not support disintegration,” Akpabio said.

    Akpabio, who is the immediate past governor of the state, said that the Akwa Ibom people were praying that the will of God to be done in Nigeria.

    He commended Gov. Emmanuel for laying foundation for the industrialisation of the state.

    Speaking on behalf of former governors of Akwa Ibom, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), noted that a lot of positive things had happened in Akwa Ibom since its creation.

    Nkanga, who was the third military administrator and first indigenous governor, called on the Federal Government to restructure Nigeria based on true federalism.

    He lauded Gov. Emmanuel for putting in place structures aimed at speeding up industrialisation of the state.

    Many dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the former governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah were at the event.