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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Cabinet: Group advises President

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to avoid any pressure to appoint a former Oyo State governor as minister in his cabinet.

    The group, the Oyo State APC Reformers, comprising former political appointees across the 33 local governments of the state, including chairmen, commissioners, lawmakers and others, also counselled President Buhari against giving the ex-governor any sensitive position in the federal government.

    In a press statement jointly signed by its Acting Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Ramon, and the Public Relations Officer, Engr Dipo Fawole, the group said: “90 per cent of the members of this body were elected and political appointees under the former governor and they have knowledge of how retrogressive, deceitful, anti-people  and self-centred the former governor was.

    Read Also: Group holds skills seminar for youths

    “Returning him to power in any other capacity will be setting the party and the Federal Government against the interest of the people of Oyo State.”

    The group commended the security initiative of the South West governors and their request for the creation of state police.

     

  • Buhari congratulates Oyetola on Supreme Court victory

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State on the Supreme Court judgement that affirmed his victory in the state’s governorship election of September 2018.

    The President, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said: “The decision of the apex court lays to rest the tussle over the governorship of Osun State and removes all encumbrances on the path of the governor from fully delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state.”

    Read Also: Oyetola has acquitted himself well, says Oluwo

    He commended the government and people of Osun for allowing the rule of law to run its entire course, urging them as well as security agencies to sustain the peace.

    He called on the victorious governor and the ruling All Progressives Congress to be magnanimous in victory and make concrete moves towards inclusive governance as may be necessary.

    President Buhari also expressed the Federal Government’s continued willingness to partner with the state government to better the lots of the people.

  • Why Buhari reappointed Mustapha, Kyari, 11 others

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari shocked lobbyists on Friday by reappointing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

    It was learnt that the President returned the two leaders to his inner team in order to ensure continuity.

    Buhari was also said to have used the appointments to demonstrate that he cannot be stampeded by anybody or group.

    The President was said to be angered by isolated protests against Kyari and his nephew, Mamman Daura over cabinet appointments.

    In two separate statements by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari had approved the reappointment of Mustapha, Kyari and 11 personal aides.

    The 11 aides are Mohammed Sarki Abba (Senior Special Assistant to the President (Household and Social Events); Ya’u Shehu Darazo (Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties); Dr. Suhayb Sanusi Rafindadi (Personal Physician to the President); Amb. Lawal A. Kazaure (State Chief of Protocol); Sabiu Yusuf – Special Assistant (Office of the President); Saley Yuguda – Special Assistant (House Keeping).

    Others are Ahmed Muhammed Mayo-Special Assistant (Finance & Administration); Mohammed Hamisu Sani – Special Assistant (Special Duties); Friday Bethel – Personal Assistant (General Duties); Sunday Aghaeze – Personal Assistant (State Photographer); and Bayo Omoboriowo – Personal Assistant (Presidential Photographer).

    Investigation revealed that there had been issues within the kitchen cabinet of the President and outside on the choice of aides and cabinet members.

    Although the President kept mum on his direction, he was overwhelmed and bemused by agitations over his personal aides and ministerial nominees.

    A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “In all honesty, the reappointment of Mustapha, Kyari and all other aides was informed by the need for continuity. He felt it is not easy having a new Chief of Staff managing his schedule.

    “He is appreciative of their loyalty, especially when he had medical challenges. Despite insinuations, he decided to sustain the bond between him and his aides.

    “There was no single leak on his health status until the President himself opened up after recovery.

    “A few names were recommended to replace Kyari but the President weighed all options and it was difficult to understand why he should drop Kyari whose sense of duty and commitment he appreciates.

    Read Also: Buhari decries attacks in Katsina

    “Security reports on some of these recommended nominees were unfavourable. One of the nominees was actually linked with slush funds traced to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha and his family.”

    Findings however revealed that sponsored demonstrations against Kyari and his nephew actually made Buhari to do what a source described as “damning the consequences.”

    Another source added: “The President has shown that he cannot be stampeded by anybody or group. He was shocked by the isolated protests against Kyari and his nephew, Mallam Mamman Daura, in Abuja and Kaduna.

    “Security reports indicated that some desperate office seekers were behind the protests. The President felt the protests were personalised and he was not ready to condone the desperation.

    “From the feelers at hand, the protests actually triggered the reappointment of Kyari. The President decided to be his own man rather than being intimidated by outside forces.

    “Buhari has a peculiar fixation as a leader with a military background. He detests being forced or intimidated to take a decision on any issue or appointment.

    “I think those who bankrolled the protests got it wrong because Buhari was angry with their desperation. Heckling at Daura’s residence in Kaduna by the protesters weighed heavily in favour of Kyari.

    “As at the time Buhari went to Saudi Arabia, a former Minister was among the leading favourites to succeed Kyari.

    “While in Saudi Arabia, a respected influential person in the power corridors even whispered to the ex-minister not to decline being the Chief of Staff if offered by the President.

    “We do not know whether or not the ex-minister refused to accept to be the Chief of Staff and Buhari took advantage to retain Kyari.”

    But a source admitted that Daura and powerful kitchen cabinet members (the Cabal) played a major role in the retention of Kyari and the 11 aides.

    The government source said: “Those who wanted drastic changes in Buhari’s strategic aides actually wanted to dismantle the kitchen cabinet of the President, whose arrowhead is Daura. All over the world, it is always difficult to tamper with any power cabal.

    “The truth is that the President has absolute faith in the judgment of his nephew because when it was rough for him, only Daura was the last man standing. It was Daura who recommended Kyari for the job. To drop the Chief of Staff will be a slight on Daura.

    “The retention of Kyari has deepened the bond between the President and Daura.”

    Asked what will change, the source added: “I think the President will pay more interest to the conduct and activities of these aides around him.”

  • Culture on display as Ondo honours Abiola

    THE 2019 June 12 celebration in Ondo State was a departure from the past. In place of the expected regular public lectures to discuss issues relating to the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election presumably won by the frontline businessman, the late Chief MKO Abiola, Ondo State opted for a stage drama to drive home the message of the election, globally reputed to be the fairest in the political history of the country.

    Unlike the conventional style of hosting lectures or symposia, the Ondo State government employed the vehicle of popular theatre to  recreate the unforgettable moments of June 12 with its concomitant hopes, betrayals, dictatorship, tragedies and unfathomable cycle of man’s inhumanity to man.

    The special stage drama presentation, entitled JUNE 12: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES, traces Nigeria’s struggle for democracy from the military coup that toppled the democratically elected government of President Shehu Sagari  in January 1984 by a military cabal led by General Muhammadu Buhari.

    Using music, mime, costumes and mind blowing narrative techniques, the play reminds us of a sad past and uncertain future.

    With an A-list cast that included popular Nollywood acts like Toyin Adegbola, Ebun Oloyede, Taiwo Ibikunle, Potable and a host of others, nothing less was expected. For more than three hours, the crowd that gathered inside the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, were left in awe of the politics and intrigues of the June 12, 1993 election.

    Joined by the state cultural troupe, the cast did justice to the theme. A giant canoe on the stage (painted in the colour of Nigerian flag), depicted the country, as each successive leader struggled to row the canoe in the troubled waters of corruption, nepotism, violence and division among the ethnic nationalities.

    The drama opened with beautiful drumming, followed by enchanting choruses that soon dovetailed into acrobatic dancing steps that left the crowd asking for more. From the opening stage, it was a matter of you missing an action if you wink. The drama also exposed the roles played by the various actors in the struggle to the attainment of the current democratic dispensation.

    And expectedly, the guests, which included the state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, commissioners and other top bureaucrats, were left on the edges of their seats till the curtains were drawn. But importantly, the images left on the minds of the crowd by the drama left everlasting impressions which no lecture could.

    Even the young ones, who were not born when the stories being presented took place, now has better understanding of the tragic events that set the country on the brink of a precipice between 1993 and 1999.

    For the younger generation, it was a great opportunity to know and understand the undercurrents that led to the annulment of the election and the roles played by all the groups and individuals, including the popular National Democratic Coalition, better known as NADECO.

    To drive home the points embedded in the drama, a three-man panellist, which included journalist and social commentator, Lanre Arogundade, and Oba Adedokun Abolarin,  the Orangun of Oke-Ila were unanimous in their commendations for the state for using drama to drive home an important aspect of the nation’s history.

    They explained that the drama captured and chronicled the series of events and activities that gave birth to the democracy Nigerians are enjoying today, and advised that the drama be packaged into a documentary to further educate Nigerians and future generations on the roles played by the individual heroes of the June 12 struggle.

  • Buhari decries attacks in Katsina

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed immediate reinforcement of the security architecture in the state, and prosecution of all those involved in the conflict that triggered violence and loss of lives in Katsina State on Wednesday.

    He gave the directive following a brief on the incidents.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also warned herdsmen and communities to stop taking the law into their hands by resorting to violence at every provocation.

    He said the herdsmen returning from the South due to the rainy season must respect the boundaries of farmers and villagers, while the communities must refrain from attacking herdsmen.

    The President commiserated with families that lost loved ones in the attacks from herdsmen, assuring the state that the security structure will be further strengthened to avoid unnecessary violence between herdsmen and communities.

    Read Also: Breaking: Buhari re-appoints Boss Mustapha, Abba Kyari as SGF, COS

    President Buhari, who commended the State Government for providing logistic support to security outfits to carry out their operations of protecting innocent citizens, said the Federal Government will continue to create enabling environment for citizens to go about their businesses without fear of harassments or violence.

    He directed security outfits in the state and all parts of the country to work towards preventive, rather than reactionary measures; strengthen inter-agency intelligence sharing and deploy updated security platforms; and ensure partnership and harmonious relationship with community leaders and members for local intelligence.

  • Breaking: Buhari re-appoints Boss Mustapha, Abba Kyari as SGF, COS

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Mr Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Malam Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff (COS) to the President.

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

    According to him, both appointments take effect from May 29, 2019.

  • Nine Nigerians killed in Libya migrant detention centre airstrike

    Nine Nigerians were among those killed during an airstrike on a migration detention centre in Tripoli, Libya, it was learnt.

    Forty-four people were killed in the unfortunate incident that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday condemned the airstrike and described it as “inhuman, wicked and callous attack on helpless and defenceless people”.

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condoled with the families of the nine Nigerians involved.

    In a statement, she said it was disheartening that nine Nigerians have been identified as victims in the unfortunate incident.

    According to Abdurahman Balogun, the commission’s media aide, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said it was regrettable that migrants survived a treacherous journey only to be killed in someone else’s war in Libya.

    She said it was painful that the affected Nigerians, who were due to be airlifted back to Nigeria, were cut down in their prime.

    The NIDCOM boss reiterated calls for Nigerians especially the youths to shun movement into hostile countries, and if they must travel, go legally with a legitimate mission to those countries.

    Read Also: Nigerian ‘human trafficker’ held in Libya

    Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa prayed for the repose of the souls of all that died in the airstrike and sent condolence message to the families of the victims Noting that over 13.000 migrants had been brought home so far from Libya, she thanked the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), National Emeergency Agency (NEMA) and other international agencies involved in the evacuation of the migrants, while she called on the UN to hasten up in the protection of other detention centres from such attacks.

    The statement reads: “At least 44 people were reportedly killed including nine Nigerians at a detention center in Tajoura, east of Tripoli in Libya, Wednesday morning through an airstrike attack.

    “It was learnt that some of those killed had been profiled to leave the country in the coming days. “In addition to those killed, IOM said that more than 180 others staying in the same detention center were registered to return to their home countries through the U.N. agency’s voluntary migrant return program, which helps arrange their documents and transport.”

  • Our strategies working, say Service chiefs

    After about a three hour parley with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, service chiefs say their strategy is working. They told reporters that they are in not in a hurry to change strategy.

    The service chiefs told reporters that the meeting was “all about the security of Nigerians and Nigeria”. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, maintained that the strategies being adopted against security challenges in the country are working.

    When asked the outcome of the meeting, he said: “The message coming out of that meeting is that the Armed forces of Nigeria and other security forces will continue to work much harder to ensure that every Nigerian is secure and the territorial integrity of Nigeria is not undermined by anybody.”

    Read Also: Buhari tells Service chiefs to wake up

    Asked if the service chiefs are considering to change their tactics, he said: “I think the strategy has already been changed and from what we are seeing, the current strategy is working.

    “What we are going to do is to ensure that all hands are on deck and every Nigerian equally has a role to play by passing relevant intelligence to us.

    “So far the strategy that we have on ground is really working and that is the one we will continue to pursue.”

    Others at the meeting were: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; Inspector-General (IG) Mohammed Adamu; National Security Adviser Maj.Gen. Babagana Monguno; National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ahmed Abubakar and Department for State Service (DSS) Director-General Yusuf Bichi.

  • Outrage over deadline on cattle settlement project

    Governors were calling for calm on Thursday, following the anger that trailed a 30-day ultimatum issued by some youths in the North, who said the Federal Government should implement the controversial cattle settlement policy before July 3.

    The Northern Governors’ Forum called for calm but the Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged its members residing outside the Southeast to defend themselves.

    Besides, some legal giants dismissed the ultimatum as illegal and of no consequence.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, attacked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for dissociating himself from the policy.

    Suleiman threatened that the hitherto unknown group will resort to a line of action after the expiration of the ultimatum on July 3. He did not specify the action, but the CNG also threatened to expel all non-northerners in the North if the president failed to do its bidding.

    In a communique, the group criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his Islamisation and Fulanisation remarks.

    Part of the communique reads: “Accordingly, we remind the nation that so long as the Fulani would not be allowed to enjoy their citizens’ right of living and flourishing in any part of this country, including the South, no one should also expect us to allow any southerner to enjoy the same in northern Nigeria.”

    But, the 19 Northern state governors cautioned the group to refrain from provocative comments following the suspension of the implementation of the controversial cattle settlement policy.

    The governors urged the CNG to engage stakeholders on a better way forward.

    President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the implementation of the multi-billion naira Ruga project aimed at ending incessant herders/farmers’ clashes following public outcry.

    NGF Chairman and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong called for total restraint by the coalition.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the governor also urged the coalition to allow the government handle the matter, assuring it that the government will come out with a solution that will be beneficial to all.

    Read Also: Why Buhari suspended cattle settlement project

    The statement reads: “With the ensuing development following the announcement of the suspension of the Rug: resettlement initiative by the Federal Government yesterday, it has become pertinent for me as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum to make clarifications on the true position in order to calm nerves.

    “We have acknowledged the varied responses that have been coming in throughout the hours after the announcement of the suspension, which we see as part of the beauty of democracy which allows citizens to participate in shaping and moderating the functions of government with regards to matters of public interest.

    “Meanwhile we urge all stakeholders and all shades of interested parties, especially from the North, to remain calm and air their views democratically and decently while allowing the government chance to handle the matter.

    “In the meantime, we are happy to announce that we are reaching out in engagement with major stakeholders in the matter, particularly in the North, after receiving the position of the leadership of the Coalition of Northern Groups with the hope of getting the public to fully understand the whole concept and the wisdom behind the decision by the government.

    “We acknowledge here the Coalition’s concerns and, in particular, its decency in urging the northern people to remain civil and resist the temptation to be drawn into anything untoward.

    “We are reassured that the leadership of the Coalition is genuinely and responsibly concerned with the betterment of the whole nation and with the well-being of the Northern region and people, in particular, and that it will continue to work for calm and understanding.

    “We assure everyone that at the end of the day, what is coming out of the suspension would tum out to be more beneficial and in the best interest of the whole nation. We are working on a complete package that comes with multi sectoral and multidimensional benefits that would serve the interest of all both in the short and long terms.

    “We once again urge for understanding and cooperation from all.”

    Ohanaeze warns

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo issued on Thursday a fresh call to the Igbo to be ready to defend themselves wherever they are.

    In a statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Chief John Nnia Nwodo, said: “My attention has been drawn to a broadcast by Abdul Azeez Suleman, speaking for a Coalition of Northern Groups in which he had the audacity to give the Federal Government an ultimatum of 30 days to rescind its decision on the suspension of its Ruga settlements policy. Abdul went further to threaten the expulsion of southerners resident in the North at the expiration of his dateline if the Federal Government does not rescind its suspension decision.

    “This irresponsible, unlawful and provocative outburst reminds me of the quit notice from Northern Youths two years ago.

    “Ohanaeze insists that the Ruga policy is an Islamisation and Fulanisation policy. It is a violation of our constitution and Supreme Court decisions on the Land Use Act. Its suspension without cancelation leaves the Federal Government still in violation of our laws.

    “The threat to evict law abiding Nigerians from their places of abode in Northern Nigeria is treasonable and obviously like the gun trotting herdsmen will go unnoticed by our federally-controlled law enforcement agencies. Let Abdul, the Federal Government and others like them take notice that Ohanaeze has no objections to all Igbo in the North returning home so long as all Northerners in the East leave the East and we dismantle the federal structure imposed on us by the military and return to autonomous federating units.

    “The nepotism exhibited by this Federal Government, her duplicity of standards in law enforcement, her undisguised Fulanisation policy is repugnant to rule of law and good governance. We will no longer tolerate any further threats from these Northern war mongers.

    “After all, who should be the aggrieved under the circumstance?  The millipede that has been marched is whimpering, but the person that marched it is complaining that his foot has been soiled.

    “The South that is bearing the yoke of oppression from cattle herders are trying their best to co-exist with their aggressors, yet it is the aggressors that are threatening further mayhem. This cannot be. I call on all Igbo to be ready to defend themselves; enough of these threats!”

  • Just in: Buhari, service chiefs meet over insecurity

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed doors with Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which dwelled on the security situations in the country, lasted for about three hours.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Sadiq Abubakar, maintained that the strategies being adopted against security challenges in the country are working.

    When asked the outcome of the meeting, he said: “The meeting is all about the security of Nigerians and Nigeria. And the message coming out of that meeting is that the Armed forces of Nigeria and other security forces will continue to work much harder to ensure that every Nigerian is secure and the territorial integrity of Nigeria is not undermined by anybody.

    Read Also; Buhari to launch campaign on open defecation

    Asked if the service chiefs are considering to change their tactics, he said, “I think the strategy has already been changed and from what we are seeing, the current strategy is working.

    “What we are going to do is to ensure that all hands are on deck and every Nigerian equally has a role to play by passing relevant intelligence to us.

    “So far the strategy that we have on ground is really working and that is the one we will continue to pursue.” he said

    Among those at the meeting included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

    Also at the meeting was the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.