The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Ex-lawmaker, area councils advocate bailout funds for LGCs

    Mr Tanko Abari, a former Member in the House of Representatives, and some area council chairmen in the FCT have advocated for bail-out funds for local government councils in the country.

    They spoke through separate interviews while fielding questions from newsmen at the maiden Town-hall meeting organised by Bwari Area Council to mark one year of office.

    Abari said that the special intervention grant would enable the distress councils address none payment of salaries and possibly execute some development projects.

    He decried “huge debts’’ incurred by past council administrations, noting that such burden hinder growth at the grassroots level.

    Abari, who represented Abuja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also regretted paucity of funds to cause economic hardship for local government administration.

    He recalled that the Federal Government recently gave bailout funds to some state governors that had challenge with payment of salaries.

    According to him, past administrations could not pay their staff salaries in the six area councils that make up the FCT.

    Abari said: “Now that backlog is still been faced by some of the area council administration, because of that there is need for President Muhammadu Buhari to give them bailout funds.

    “The FCT Minister should equally do same because he is our governor, to enable council Chairmen settle salary debts and pay contractors.”

    He commended the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr Musa Dikko, for initiating the forum, describing it as apt.

    The ex-legislator said that the bailout would promote community growth if the fund was granted the area councils.

    In separate interviews, Mr Abdullahi Candido, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, said the quest for bail-out fund was key because the monthly allocation granted area councils was inadequate.

    He said that the bail-out fund was expected because the impact of the nation’s economic situation was mostly felt by people at the grassroots level.

    Candido said: “The people will not be willing to listen to stories and lamentation. So what is supposed to be done by the Federal Government is to augment efforts of area councils.

    “We are facing consequences of no funding and even the when the fund comes it is always inadequate to tackle infrastructural problems.

    “If the FCT Administration can intervene by granting bailout funds to us, it will help to relief us of backlog of debt been owed by past leadership of the councils.’’

    On his part, Mr Abdullahi Galadima, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, disclosed that the various council chairmen had appealed to the FCT Minister for the fund in the past.

    He identified inability to pay council staff their salaries up to date to be major challenge that impedes development at the area councils.

    Galadima said:“We will pay the workers their due salary if the bailout fund is given to us, most times we go extra mile just to make them happy.

    “We had complained and have also channeled our complaints on the need for bailout fund to the FCT Minister; I believe he is working towards it.”

  • Call for Buhari’s resignation unnecessary – ACF

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has dismissed calls for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari due to his health condition.
    The forum said the call for Mr. President’s resignation was unconstitutional and misplaced.
    ACF in its reaction to a statement credited to the Co-convener of Bring Back Our Girls group (BBOG), Aisha Yusuf, calling on President Buhari to resign, said the call was unnecessary.
    According to a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, ACF said, Nigerians should pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, rather than intimidating him or calling for his resignation.
    According to the statement, “Nigeria is practising a presidential system of government as contained in the 1999 constitution (as amended). President Buhari has done what is constitutionally required of him to do by his letter to the leadership of the National Assembly. The Vice President is now Acting President, performing the duties of Mr. President.
    “In other countries, when their President fall sick or become incapacitated while in office, the citizens encourage him through prayers and good wishes, rather than intimidation or calling for his resignation.
    “We can draw a lesson from such countries and wish President Buhari well for the progress of our country.
    “The call by Aisha Yusuf co-convener of BBOG for President Buhari to resign is therefore unnecessary, misplaced and not in tune with the provisions of our 1999 constitution,” the forum stated.

  • Nigeria 146th to endorse Paris Climate Agreement – UN

    The UN says Nigeria is the 146th country to endorse the Paris Climate Change agreement as the country presented its endorsement on Tuesday.

    Mr Santiago Villalpando, Chief of the Treaty Section of the UN, stated this at the presentation of the Climate Change Endorsement instrument by Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

    The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Paris climate change agreement entered into force on Nov. 4, 2016, with 197 parties.

    NAN also reports that by presenting its endorsement to the UN, Nigeria has deposited its instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the depository.

    Villalpando, at the historic event in New York, commended Nigeria for taking the bold decision and for its commitment to implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

    Speaking with NAN after the presentation, Bande said Nigeria had always lived up to its commitment to the UN and other international obligations.

    “This presentation of the Climate Change Endorsement is our living up to our commitment.

    “We have ratified this agreement and President Muhammadu Buhari has signed it and we have deposited the instrument.

    “This is to underline our commitment to the agreement in Paris and this is important for the world.

    “Climate change is really important, there’s no doubt about it and we are glad that we have become the 146th member of the UN to ratify it.

    “So this is good for Nigeria,” the Permanent Representative said.

    He assured the UN and the international community that Nigeria would fulfill its own part of the agreement but called on other countries to live u to their own commitments.

    “We operate within the commitment of the agreement and we also expect others to do the same.

    “It is important and that is why it took a long time to agree to but we have passed it now. It is just to begin to act within the agreement

    “Nigeria has always shown commitment to international obligations, there’s no question about that. Even through our difficult period, we’re still a very reliable member of the international community,” Bande said.

    NAN reports that the presentation of Nigeria’s Climate Change Endorsement was witnessed by the Deputy Ambassador, Samson Itegboje, Mr Alex Ajayi Minister and Mrs Eunice Umezurike, First Secretary.

    Buhari had signed the Paris Agreement on Sept. 22, 2016 on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly, saying it “demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to a global effort to reverse the effects of the negative trend”.

    By signing the agreement, Buhari committed Nigeria to reducing “Green House Gas Emissions unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 45 per cent” in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions.

    The president had also signed the instrument of ratification of the agreement on March 28, making the country one of those that had ratified the agreement.

  • Outgoing permanent secretary tasks civil servants on diligence

    Outgoing permanent secretary tasks civil servants on diligence

    Mr. Yemi Adelakun, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has advised civil servants to be diligent in the discharge of their duties.

    Adelakun, who was retiring from office, gave the advise at the occasion of his send off on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The former permanent secretary, who was also celebrating his 60th birthday, said their diligence would boost service delivery and ensure development of the country.

    According to him, civil servants should always endeavour to put in their best under any circumstance.

    “It is not easy to be a civil servant as the salary is not friendly and meagre.

    “Give your job the best you can, be honest and pray for God’s guidance while carrying out your responsibility.

    “Civil service is a reservoir of knowledge and that knowledge should be used for the growth of the nation,” he said.

    He attributed the success of his career to the favour and mercy of God, and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve as a Permanent Secretary.

    He also thanked his colleagues for their collaboration and cooperation while in office.

    Adelakun, who was popularly called Baba Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Scheme, thanked the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winfred Oyo-Ita for creating a good working environment for him.

    He added that she created a mutual working relationship with him, describing her as a boss that is not bossy.

    Earlier, Oyo-Ita in her address described Adelakun as hardworking, committed, humble and honest, saying “he is a goal getter.”

    “He is always on top of his game and he brings positive feedback on any assignment given to him.

    “He is also very respectful, always ready to teach and advise his subordinates and those are qualities of a good leader.

    “I pray that your later days will be more glorious and greater,” she said.

    Mrs. Yemi Esan, Permanent Secretary, Career Management, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, also described Adelakun as friendly and reliable.

    Esan prayed that God will preserve him and prosper him in his future endeavours.

     

  • UITH to promote healthcare for elderly people

    UITH to promote healthcare for elderly people

    Prof. Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), says the hospital’s Geriatric Clinic would focus majorly on sound healthcare for elderly people.

    Olatinwo said this at the inauguration of the clinic under the Family Medicine Department of the hospital on Tuesday in Ilorin.

    He assured that the clinic would strive to promote elder’s wellbeing by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in adults.

    The CMD explained that the creation of the geriatric unit was in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the presidential order mandated that all teaching hospitals in the country must make the care of the elders a top priority.

    Dr Sam Alabi, the Head of Department of Family Medicine, UITH, commended the management for establishing the clinic.

    He expressed optimism that the clinic would live up to the standards it had been established to achieve.

    Alabi informed the audience that people from 40 years upwards are entitled to this privilege.

    According to him, the clinic will run every Thursday after which it will commence full operations everyday once fully established.

    The Head of Nursing Department, Mrs. Elizabeth Aina, appealed to the elderly to endeavour to visit the clinic for their health needs.

    Aina said that it was a unique opportunity to have such a facility at the hospital.

    While expressing gratitude to the management for the initiative, she appealed to philanthropists to help the hospital to achieve the clinic’s goal. 

     

  • NNPC to resume oil exploration in Chad Basin in six weeks

    NNPC to resume oil exploration in Chad Basin in six weeks

    The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru says oil exploration activities in the Chad Basin will resume in six weeks time.

    Baru made this known in a statement issued by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu.

    Baru said the resumption of oil exploration activities became necessary following improved security in the North East.

    The NNPC boss said this when he visited Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno State and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi in Maiduguri.

    “We have been discussing with military authorities in the area and they have assured us of improved security.

    “Once they give us the green light, we would resume operations in the area within six weeks,” Baru, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, said.

    Baru informed the governor that NNPC was keen on increasing its production from 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) to three million bpd as well as increasing its oil and gas reserves, a target that necessitated exploring for more oil within and across some of the nation’s inland basins.

    He commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and Shettima for restoring peace, reconstructing and rehabilitating the region, adding that the Corporation was ready to provide support in that regard.

    Baru appealed to the Shehu of Borno to prevail on his people to show oil exploration activities resumes.

    Highlight of the visit was the presentation of relief materials by Baru to the Shehu for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    Responding, Shettima said the insurgency had taken a huge toll on the North-East region leading to the loss of more than 9.6 billion dollars, with Borno state alone losing 5.6 billion dollars.

    “We need your support in our reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, so that when the history of the new Borno is written, NNPC’s name will be written in gold,” he said.

    Shettima said while international donour agencies and good-spirited organisations like the NNPC were keen on helping the IDPs, the state’s ultimate target was to resettle the IDPs in their various communities.

    Also speaking, the Shehu of Borno commended the NNPC for identifying with the Borno people and expressed happiness over the prevailing peace across the state and the entire North East.

     

  • Ghost workers: Sokoto recovers N278m from LG payrolls – Tambuwal

    Ghost workers: Sokoto recovers N278m from LG payrolls – Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Government says it has recovered over N278 million paid to ghost workers on the payrolls of local governments in the past four months.

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal disclosed this on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Gwadabawa Local Government Area.

    Tambuwal said the money was paid to the ghost workers’ bank accounts but was not claimed from the various banks.

    “This was sequel to the centralisation of the payment of the salaries of workers of the local governments.

    “About two weeks ago, some banks alerted the Commissioner of Local Governments about the existence of the unclaimed money,” the governor said.

    He said the recent verification of council staff was aimed at ascertaining genuine workers.

    “The exercise was not aimed at witch hunting anyone but to ascertain the actual workforce and monthly wage bill of the local governments,” Tambuwal said.

    He said many farmers in the state were defaulting in repayment of agricultural loans obtained from commercial banks and assured the banks of the government’s support in recovering the money.

    “The money belongs to the Central Bank of Nigeria and we will support any action to recover it.

    “This is to enable other farmers to benefit from the gesture as the money is not a bonanza.’’

    Tambuwal called on the people to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari as well as for sustained peace and unity of Nigeria.

    Also speaking, Sen. Ibrahim Gobir (APC-Sokoto) and Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, called on party members to obtain their permanent voter cards.

  • Kebbi governor seeks prayer for Buhari

    Kebbi governor seeks prayer for Buhari

    Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has urged clerics to offer special prayers for good health for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He made the call at the launch of an appeal fund ahead of the Muslim Ramadan fast by the Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’ikamatu Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Birnin Kebbi.

    The governor also urged clerics to sustain prayers for peace, unity and economic advancement of the country.

    A statement by the Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Mu’azu Dakingari, on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi said the governor donated N5 million, a Coaster Bus and Hilux Van to the group.

    The governor, who also attended the foundation of the Tijjaniya Islamiyya Mosque and school in Jega Local Government Area of the state, reaffirmed his resolve to uplift religious education and pledged financial support to religious groups.

    The leader of the Tijjaniya movement, Khalifah Ahmadu Tijjani, performed the foundation laying for the Mosque and school. (NAN)

  • Cleric urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari

    Cleric urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari

    Rev. Soji Adeniyi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lokoja, has appealed to Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari,as he traveled out of the country on health ground.

    ‎Adeniyi made the appeal on Sunday in Lokoja, his sermon entitled, “The need to always pray for a nation.”

    The cleric said there was a need for the people to always seek the face of God for their leaders and country.

    The Reverend, who prayed for the quick recovery of Buhari, said he would triumph over the sickness and return in good health to continue his duty to the nation.

    He advised people who form the habit of wishing their fellow human death to eschew such attitude, adding that it was against the scripture.

    Adeniyi, however, urged leaders to always have the fear of God in their actions toward the led and make it a duty to serve the people.

    He expressed the hope that Nigeria would soon be ranked among great nations of the world. (NAN)

  • Sokoto creates 27,000 jobs in agric sector, says Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Government says it has created no fewer than 27,166 jobs in the agricultural sector in the last two years.

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said this on Wednesday in Sokoto at the opening of a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on Climate Change Adaptation and Agri-business Support, organised in collaboration with the State Office of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

    “In the period under consideration, we have supported more than 33,000 people, through the promotion of improved crop production techniques, para-veterinary clinics as well as women and youth off-farm activities.

    “Similarly, we have created, through our community-based agric and rural development initiatives, 27,166 jobs via different interventions in sustainable agriculture, community infrastructure, rural enterprise development, among others,’’ he said.

    The governor said that his administration was fully committed to the development of agriculture, with a view to enhancing food security, eradicating poverty and boosting employment opportunities, especially among the youth.

    “The state government will continue to honour and fulfil all financial obligations entered into with IFAD and other donor agencies, so that the people of the state can continue to enjoy its maximum benefit,’’ Tambuwal said.

    In his goodwill message, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, represented by the North West Regional Director, Mr Adeyemi Ayoyeyi, said that the Federal Government was determined to develop the agricultural sector.

    “The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, was resolute in its vision of promoting agricultural production in Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government was implementing programmes aimed at attracting the youth to agricultural practices across the value chain.

    “The ministry, in collaboration with IFAD and other partners, has developed and implemented the climate change adaptation and agri-business support programme.

    “This is to fast-track climate change mitigation and stimulate smart agriculture in the country,’’ Ogbeh said.