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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari congratulates Eze Ikonne on 88th birthday

    Buhari congratulates Eze Ikonne on 88th birthday

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with His Royal Highness, Dr Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba, as he turns 88 years on Jan. 1, 2017.

    A statement issued by Mr Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in Abuja on Saturday, Buhari joined the government and people of Abia, the Abia State Traditional Council and Ohaneze Ndigbo in celebrating the octogenarian.

    The President noted that 42-year reign of the Celebrant had witnessed tremendous improvement in community relations, peace and prosperity of his domain, Aba.

    President Buhari extolled the sterling leadership qualities of the royal father, which had over the years earned him the position of the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo Traditional Rulers, and other numerous recognitions and awards.

    He affirmed that Eze Ikonne’s entrepreneurial spirit and large heartedness in helping the underprivileged made him an exemplar to younger traditional rulers.

    He also acknowledged that the royal father had demonstrated uncommon loyalty, commitment and patriotism in nation building by counselling many governments and mobilising his citizenry for civic duties.

    President Buhari prayed that the almighty God would grant the royal father longer life, good health and more wisdom to serve his people and humanity.

    Dr Ikonne is one of the oldest traditional rulers in the South East and the first to receive staff of office in the old Imo State.

  • ‘Political madness’ in the country must not divide us – Buhari

    ‘Political madness’ in the country must not divide us – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the Nigerian Army to ensure the unity of the country despite what he described as “political madness in the North East, the Niger Delta or in the East” of the country.

    Buhari spoke on Friday night when he was hosted in Abuja by the Army at the Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner and presented with the captured Boko Haram flag.

    While receiving the flag, President Buhari challenged the armed forces on the need to continue to ensure the survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity despite the crisis in parts of the country.

    “All these political madness in the North East, the Niger Delta or in the East should not be allowed to cause division or any form of tension in the country.

    “There are 250 ethnic groups, so keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done, even for your personal reason you must make sure this country remains united and stronger.

    “We will do our best to build the national institutions in the country,” Buhari said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flag was handed over to the President by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor.

  • Army presents Boko Haram flag to Buhari

    Army presents Boko Haram flag to Buhari

    The Nigerian Army on Friday night in Abuja hosted President Muhammadu Buhari to Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner and presented to him the captured Boko Haram flag.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flag was handed over to the President by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor.

    NAN recalls that men of the Operation Lafiya Dole operating in the North East had ‎‎successfully captured ‎the‎ “Camp Zero”, ‎the strongest enclave of Boko Haram terrorists sect, in the Sambisa Forest.‎
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    Irabor, had disclosed that ‎about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.

    While receiving the flag, President Buhari challenged the armed forces on the need to continue to ensure the survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity despite what he described as “”political madness’’ being exhibited in some parts of the country.

    According to him, it is duty bound for the army to ensure the sustenance of peaceful co-existence among the over 250 ethnic groups across the country.

    “We will do our best to build the national institutions in the country.

    “”All these political madness in the North East, the Niger Delta or in the East should not be allowed to cause division or any form of tension in the country.

    ““There are 250 ethnic groups, so keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done, even for your personal reason you must make sure this country remains united and stronger,’’ he said.

    President Buhari, who narrated his early military life in Abeokuta and subsequent redeployment to Zaire (now Congo), said he was almost killed while on duty even before enjoying his first salary as an officer.

    The president, therefore, stated that he was conversant with the problems of the military having spent over 25 years in the service.

    He recalled how his refusal to adhere to an advice from the IMF, World Bank to devalue the naira and increase prices of fuel and flour, as a military Head of State, led to his removal.

    He said: ““I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I was removed and detained for three and half years.

    “As a civilian president I will do my best and I’m telling you all these because you are part of the leadership of this great country and God willing we will remain great.”

    In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai urged the officers and men of the Guards Brigade to always maintain the courage and discipline they are known for in 2017 and beyond.

    He assured that the military would continue their onslaught in the North East, and would not rest in mopping up of the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents.

    Buratai reassured that the Nigerian Army would remain apolitical in carrying out its duties to the nation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the regimental dinner night, which was organized to mark the end of drilling year of the Presidential Brigade of Guards, afforded the officers of the brigade to socialize with their commanders.

    The highlight of the occasion was the ‎inauguration of the PMB (President Muhammadu Buhari) Gymnasium at the Scorpion Mess in W.U. Bassey Cantonment by the President.

    The event also witnessed the presentation of Souvenirs, Scorpion Magazine and Compendium of Guards Brigade as well as the conducts of the band by the President.

    The Commander, Brigade of Guards, Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, delivered the vote of thanks at the occasion which was attended by notable personalities including the representative of Senate President, ‎Sen. Leader, Ali Ndume and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammed Bello.

    Others are the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs‎, the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, Presidential aides among others.(NAN)

  • Dogara @49: I have more confidence in youths – Buhari

    Dogara @49: I have more confidence in youths – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, for always putting Nigeria’s interest above every other thing.

    The President stated this on Sunday in Abuja in a statement to mark the Speaker’s 49th birthday anniversary.

    Buhari, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, noted that he was impressed with Dogara’s rising political career and his leadership style at his relatively young age.

    He added that the Speaker’s performance had reinforced his confidence in the country’s youth.

    “With Dogara’s performance as Speaker, fears that the country’s younger politicians have been pushed into background are unfounded,” the President said.

    He said that his administration would always encourage the younger generation.

    He was also optimistic of closer working relationship with the legislature in order to fast track the implementation of critically important national policies and programmes.

  • God ‘ll give Buhari solution to Nigeria’s problem in 2017- Kumuyi

    God ‘ll give Buhari solution to Nigeria’s problem in 2017- Kumuyi

    The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, on Sunday said that in 2017, God would grant President Muhammad Buhari the solution to the numerous challenges facing the country.

    Kumuyi gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen when he played host to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, who led some members of the Assembly on courtesy visit to the church’s December Convention.

    The cleric said, “We talk of the hours of recession, difficulty, distress and all that, but God is granting us His promises. We are not going to carry over our problems. “We pray and believe that the Lord will answer.

    “As you will see, as we get to the New Year, there is no carryover of our problems. God will give solutions to the problems of our lives, families, communities, the state and our nation.”

    The pastor said that with prayer and faith in God, the country would get out of all its challenges, including the economic recession.

    The founder of the church said that God created ‘’us and wants everything to be sufficient for everybody.’’

    Meanwhile, addressing the congregation of thousands of worshippers, Obasa, urged all Christians to show love to their neighbours, adding that the state was committed to fight unemployment among the youth.

    He said that the newly created Employment Trust Fund would help reduce joblessness by providing soft loan with little interest for enterprising people of Lagos state.

    “We must go beyond religious demarcation and show ourselves that we are brothers and sisters. Let us love one another. We should extend hands of fellowship to our neighbours,” the speaker said.

    Obasa, who urged churches to pray for the state and nation, said that the state was passionate to give good governance and improve the economy of the state for the benefit of all.

    He expressed delight over the warmth reception accorded his team by the leadership of the church.

    NAN reports that the speaker the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mr Muyiwa Jimoh and the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Mr Dayo Saka-Fafunmi were among the team.

    Mrs Funmilayo Tejuosho, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Petitions and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission among others government functionaries also made the list.

    NAN reports that the four-day, nation-wide convention, which started on Dec. 23 and expected to end on Dec. 26, is tagged, “Power for the Present Hour”.

    It is taking place at the Deeper Life Conference Centre (DLCC) KM 42, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.(NAN)

  • Buhari hails troops for capturing Sambisa forest

    Buhari hails troops for capturing Sambisa forest

    President Mohammadu Buhari on Saturday commended the Nigerian troops for capturing Sambisa forest from the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

    The commendation was contained in a goodwill message to the troops, which he personally signed.

    He said he was delighted that the terrorists are on the run and no longer have any place to hide in the forest.

    ” I am delighted at, and most proud of the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army, on receipt of the long-awaited and most gratifying news of the final crushing of Boko Haram terrorists in their last enclave in Sambisa Forest.

    “I want to use this opportunity to commend the determination, courage and resilience of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at finally entering and crushing the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents at “Camp Zero”, which is located deep within the heart of Sambisa Forest.

    “I was told by the Chief of Army Staff that the Camp fell at about 1:35pm on Friday, December 23, and that the terrorists are on the run, and no longer have a place to hide. ”

    Buhari urged the troops to maintain the tempo by pursuing the terrorists in order to bring them to justice.

    The President also called on all Nigerians to cooperate and support the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing useful information that will expose all the terrorists hiding among the populace.

    He said that further efforts should be intensified to locate and free the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity.

    “I also want to congratulate and commend the able leadership of the Nigerian Army in particular and indeed, that of the Armed Forces in general, for making this possible.

    “This, no doubt, will go a long way in improving the security situation not only in the North East, but the country in general. But we must not let our guards down.

    “Once more, congratulations to our troops and all who, in one way or the other, contributed to this most commendable and momentous effort. May the Almighty continue to be with you.

    “I wish you a Merry Christmas and a most rewarding and peaceful Year 2017,” the President said.

  • Buhari orders probe of allegations against govt officials

    Buhari orders probe of allegations against govt officials

    The Presidency on Sunday night disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered investigation of corruption allegations leveled against some top officials of his administration.

    There are recent corrupt allegations against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Presidency also insisted that the President will fight corruption in the country relentlessly.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the presidency has been drawn to a number of reports in the media, in which various accusations of corruption have been levelled against some top officials in the administration.

    “In that regard, President Buhari has instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate the involvement of any top government officials accused of any wrong-doing. If any of them are liable they will not escape prosecution.”

  • Buhari to prevail on Gambian President to hand over power

    Buhari to prevail on Gambian President to hand over power

    Barring any last minute change, President Muhammadu Buhari ‎is scheduled to travel to The Gambia on Tuesday to intervene in the crisis brewing in the country.

    The incumbent President, Yahya Jammeh has rejected the results of the presidential election which he lost to his opponent.

    According to BBC reports, President Buhari will meet with Jammeh in order to prevail on him to hand over to the President-elect, Adama Barrow.

    The BBC reports also revealed that Buhari will be joined by other West Africa leaders to end the political stalemate over the result of the presidential election.

    Jammeh lost the just-concluded election in the country, and conceded the elections to Barrow, a real estate mogul who has never held a political office.

    “I’m calling you to wish you all the best, the Gambian people have spoken and I have no reason to contest the will of Almighty Allah,” Jammeh had said after the election.

    The December 1 vote saw Barrow polling 222,708 votes (43.3%), while Jammeh had 208,487 (39.6%).

    In a dramatic u-turn, Jammeh later rejected the election result, saying: “After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election.

    “I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process. I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission.”

    John Mahama, Ghanaian president who just lost and conceded in the West African country, will also join the African leaders in persuading Jammeh to relinquish power.

    The United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African Countries had all called on Jameh to relinquish power.

  • 2017 Budget will take Nigeria out of the woods, says Buhari

    2017 Budget will take Nigeria out of the woods, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the 2017 Budget proposal he will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday will take Nigeria out of the woods to the path of growth.

    He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the ability of his administration to deliver on its promises.

    The promise was contained in the President’s 2016 Eid-El- Maulud message to the nation he personally signed.

    He said: “As we use the memorable occasion of this celebration to reflect on our current challenges, I urge you not to lose faith in the ability of this administration to make a difference in the lives of our people.

    “The reality of the temporary challenges should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us; rather it should remind us of why we need to stay together, fight together and succeed together.

    “We all share a vision of a better Nigeria, and we will all share in the responsibility of building the country of our dreams.

    “As we look forward to 2017 with hope and huge expectations, let me assure you that with collective dedication and hard work, we will overcome the mountain of economic difficulties, and return our country to the path of prosperity.

    “The 2017 Budget proposals which I will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday, will contain measures that we are confident will get the nation out of its economic woods.” He stated

    He said that the Eid-El- Maulud celebration is offering another opportunity for Nigerians to pause and reflect on the current realities before the nation.

    The President wished all Muslims a happy and memorable celebration, which marks the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

    According to him, the nation has gained immensely through the Prophet’s teachings, particularly on peaceful living, tolerance, sobriety, generosity, sacrifice and honesty, and wisdom.

    “The universal truths of the Prophet’s values remain unchanged. Against all odds, we have used these pillars of strength in securing a just and fair society, and our efforts are beginning to yield dividends in curbing terrorism, militancy, corruption and other crimes that devalue our humanity,” he said.

     

  • Madagali blasts was desperate act by terrorists, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday expressed his condolences to the families of victims of the twin bomb blasts in the town of Madagali, Adamawa State which claimed many lives and injured several others on Friday.

    The President also condoled with the Government and people of the state over the unfortunate incident, assuring them that they are not alone as the rest of the nation mourns the grave loss with them.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “Putting an end to this senseless loss of innocent lives remains a top priority of this administration”

    “Over the past few weeks, the Nigerian military have made significant advancements in an offensive aimed at slamming the final nail in the coffin of Boko Haram.

    “This latest attack is obviously an act of desperation, but the Nigerian military will neither be distracted nor relent,” he added.

    He also urged Nigerians to be more vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest security and law enforcement agency.

    “The battle against terrorism is a joint effort involving all citizens, both government and governed. Together, Nigerians can and will defeat the evil that is Boko Haram,” he said.

    The President prayed that God will comfort the bereaved families in a way that only He can, while wishing the injured speedy recovery.