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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Call Ngige to order now, Pensioners Union tells Buhari

    The umbrella body of pensioners in the country, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call to order, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and stop him from plunging labour unions in the country into crisis.

    The NUP is accusing the Minister of deliberately trying to factionalise the union, pointing out that as a way of achieving his intention, the Minister is sponsoring his tribal people to create a faction of the pension union.

    The Nation had reported last week that a new pension body known as Federal Parastatal and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria had approached the Ministry of Labour for registration as a pension union, alleging that the NUP has failed its members.

    General Secretary of NUP, Elder Actor Zal said in a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja that the action of those behind the new body was illegal and against the spirit and letters of the nation’s labour laws.

    Zal challenged those behind the new body seeking registration to tell the world where those purported to be affiliates of the new body met and decided to form the union, adding that all sectors mentioned as members were already affiliated to the NUP and have not de-affiliated.

    The statement reads “Our attention has once again been drawn to the renewed efforts by the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige to illegally regroup despite the pensioners resolve to remain in one indivisible union.

    “To achieve this ignoble objectives Dr. Chris Ngige deliberately went shopping for few disgruntled elements within the union from his tribe, organized them and sponsor them with government money including PHCN superannuation fund to the tune of N407 million recently collected by the self-appointed interim president of the ministers pensioners association.

    “We want to alert the general public that the effort of the Hon. Minister is self-serving and is not in the best interest of the country. Furthermore, what the minister is about to do is not only contrary to the existing labour law; it will amount to proliferation of industrial unions.

    “This is what the labour law is actually guiding against.  Section 3(2) of the Trade Union Act clearly settles this matter when it says “no trade union shall be registered to represent workers or employers in a place where there already exists a trade union.

    Read Also: Before we crucify Senator Ngige

    “For this reason, the drafters of the Trade Union Act posited that there should be only one union in each Industry representing the interest of workers in that sector. For example, ASUU in the university, NASU to Non-Academic Staff, NUT for all teachers etc.

    “The Minister’s intention of window shopping for ways to divide our union is not only barbaric and crude, but it is the height of insensitivity of a government appointee. The claim by the Minister that membership of the purported Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association (FEPPAN) is to include, PHCN, Power, Universities, Education, Finance, Banking, Aviation is unthinkable. Suffice it to say these bodies are all affiliates of the NUP and have not renounced their membership to the best of our knowledge.

    “The mooters and hatchers of this idea should tell the world where the meeting to form the Association was held, the invitees to the said meeting where such decision was taken.  It is therefore unthinkable and unimaginable for someone to just wake up and announce his intention to form a union (FEPPAN) and named himself the interim president and another dissident member of NUP as interim secretary general.  Is that how to form a union?  Are these the set of people the Hon. Minister should be hob-nobbing with?

    “The Minister must therefore be called to order before he turns Labour Unions in Nigeria to pre- 1978 era when we had proliferation of Trade Unions. It is on the strength of the above that we call on President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) to call the Hon. Minister to order as his intention to re-group NUP is recipe for factionalization and unwanted crisis in the union which has been enjoying relative peace.”

    The Special Adviser to the Minister could not be reached immediately for his reaction.

  • Court to Buhari, NJC, others: justify Muhammad’s choice as CJN

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Senate and others to justify why it should reject a suit seeking to stop them from appointing and confirming Justice Ibrahim Muhammad as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

    Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order while refusing an ex-parte motion for interim injunctions filed the Board of Incorporated Trustees of Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation.

    Justice Ekwo, in a ruling on Friday, an enrolled copy of which was sighted on Monday, declined to grant all the reliefs sought by the applicant.

    Instead, the judge ordered the defendants to, within seven days after being served, to appear and show cause why the applicants’ reliefs should not be granted.

    The judge said: “None of the prayers made on this motion ex-parte can be granted in the absence of the defendants.

    “The plaintiff is hereby ordered to put the ‘defendants on notice.

    Read Also: Acting CJN to lawyers: judges not poor

    “The defendants are hereby granted seven days, upon being served, to appear and show cause why the application of the plaintiff ought not to be granted.

    “Case adjourned to 13th day of May, 2019 for the defendants to show cause.”

    The plaintiff/applicant had, in its motion ex-parte, prayed the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining the 5th defendant (Buhari) from appointing the 3rd defendant (Justice Muhammad) as the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the motion on notice filed herein.

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the 7th defendant (the Senate President)  from confirming the appointment of the 3rd defendant as the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the motion on notice.”

    Named as defendants in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/420/2019, are the NJC, the Federal Judicial Service Commission of Nigeria (FJSCN), Justice Muhammad, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    In the substantive suit, the plaintiff is praying the court to restrain President Buhari from appointing the Justice Muhammad as the substantive CJN.

    The plaintiff argued that the Acting CJN conducted himself in a manner that reduced the confidence of the public in the integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary.

    It argued that President Buhari lacked the constitutional powers to unilaterally suspend and/or removal a sitting CJN from office, as was done in the case of Onnoghen.

    The plaintiff wants the court to declare that by combined interpretation sections 1(1 )(2), 231(4), 292(1)(a)(i)(b), 153(1)(i), 158(1) and paragraph 21 (a)(b) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, “it is unlawful and undemocratic for the 4th and 5th Defendants (Federal Government and President Buhari), to declare the office of the CJN vacant on January 25, 2019 and consequently appoint and swear in the 3rd Defendant as the acting CJN”.

    It also wants the court to restrain the National Assembly from confirming any appointment of Justice Muhammad as the substantive CJN.

    He is praying the court to declare that Justice Muhammad, who is currently the most senior jurist at the Supreme Court, is unfit to replace the sacked CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    The plaintiff wants the court to declare that Justice Muhammad, having made himself available as a tool that was used in the violation of the Constitution, especially with regards to the “illegal” removal of the former CJN, is therefore not a proper and fit person to be recommended for appointment to head the judiciary.

    It further prayed for: “An order, compelling the 2nd Defendant (FJSC), to select and the 1st Defendant (NJC), to recommend the most qualified Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria that is fit and proper, to the 5th Defendant, for appointment to office of the CJN, and for the confirmation of the 7th Defendant with a two third majority vote”.

    In a supporting affidavit, the plaintiff stated that unless restrained by the court, the Executive arm of government would continue to violate the extant provisions of the Constitution and sanctity of the judiciary.

  • Ramadan: APC urges Nigerians to pray for the country

    In observance of 2019 Ramadan fast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Muslim faithful to use the Holy Month to pray for the peace, security and development of the country.

    Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary gave the charge in a statement on Monday in Abuja while wishing Muslims “Ramadan Kareem”.

    The APC spokesman noted that Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement, sacrifice and increased devotion and worship.

    “We implore the Muslim Ummah to follow and apply the teachings of Islam in our relationship with our neighbours, Muslims and non-Muslims.

    “We should remember and cater for the less-privileged in our midst, stay humble and abstain from all bad deeds.

    “It is our inalienable right as humans to safely go about our daily activities and to live in peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.

    “In our places of worship, educational institutions, socio-political gatherings, markets, social media and all other public spaces, we must resist divisive agents and their equally divisive messages and actions,” Issa-Onilu said.

    He stressed that Muslims must report to security agencies agents of destruction who disguise as ethnic or religious champions to achieve their diabolic, selfish and heinous agenda by exploiting the peoples’ perceived differences.

    He noted that cases of kidnappings, banditry, ethno-religious and resource-fuelled crises and other violent crimes recorded in parts of the country are undoubtedly serious sources of concern.

    Read Also: Kogi 2019: Gunmen kill APC youth leader

    According to him, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is adopting multifaceted approach to permanently tackle conflicts and crimes in party of the country.

    He added that the president had already given marching orders to relevant security services to deal with the security threats and restore normalcy in affected areas.

    “In different fronts of our national life, the Buhari-led APC administration has laid a solid foundation for national development, peace and progress.

    “The result is apparent in our strengthened economy, improved electioneering, refocused value system, waning corruption, social investments, massive infrastructure drive, better standing and influence in the comity of nations,” he said.

    This, the APC spokesman added is in line with the promises contained in the party’s change agenda for Nigerians.

    He stressed that the party is set to consolidate on work done so far and do more as it gears up for the Next Level of its renewed mandate.

    Issa-Onilu further urged Muslim Ummah and indeed Nigerians of other faiths to continue to pray for the country.

    He also urged all faithful to continue to pray for wisdom, good health and safety of the country’s leaders in a collective bid to take the country to its deserved heights.

    NAN

  • My London trip not for compilation of Ministers list – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed the reports that his London trip was to compile the list of persons to be appointed as ministers during his second tenure.

    The president stated this on Sunday in Abuja after a 10-day private visit to London.

    Buhari stated that he did not discuss the issue of the appointment of new cabinet ministers with anybody.

    The president said: “I didn’t discuss with anybody. So, I don’t know how they knew about it. I didn’t discuss it with anybody.’’

    On possibility of introducing fresh approach in the fight against insurgency and banditry, the president acknowledged that the acting Inspector-General of Police was doing his best to curtail the menace.

    “I have just seen the IG, I think he is losing weight; I think he is working very hard,’’ he said.

    The president also declined comment on the kind of people that would constitute his next cabinet.

    NTA

  • London trip not for compilation of ministers –Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed the reports that his London trip was to compile the list of persons to be appointed as ministers during his second tenure.

    The president stated this on Sunday in Abuja after a 10-day private visit to London.

    Buhari stated that he did not discuss the issue of the appointment of new cabinet ministers with anybody.

    The president said: “I didn’t discuss with anybody. So, I don’t know how they knew about it. I didn’t discuss it with anybody.’’

    Read also: Buhari back after 10-day trip to UK

    On possibility of introducing fresh approach in the fight against insurgency and banditry, the president acknowledged that the acting Inspector-General of Police was doing his best to curtail the menace.

    “I have just seen the IG, I think he is losing weight; I think he is working very hard,’’ he said.

    The president also declined comment on the kind of people that would constitute his next cabinet. (NAN)

  • Army warns mischief makers against plot to derail inauguration on May 29

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday warned mischief makers to desist from act capable of derailing the nation’s democracy as the military is prepared to tackle such people headlong.

    The army also alleged that such persons attempted to derail the general elections but failed.

    It added that they are now plotting to derail the inauguration of the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire democratic process.

    The army in a statement signed by its spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said some elements within the country supported by some foreign entity are bent on exploiting the security situation to cause crisis.

    Col Musa said “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern efforts by some unpatriotic individuals, groups and foreign interests determined to cause mischief and exacerbate the security situation in this country in particular and West African Sub-region.

    “These persons and groups are making concerted efforts to further induce ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic supports.

    “Their body language and unguarded utterances seems to be in tandem with above and imply tacit support for the criminals.

    “For example, credible source has shown that some individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are deliberately churning falsehood against the security agencies with a view to set the military against the people and the government.

    Read Also: Army: Foreign interests plotting to scuttle May 29

    “They are also demoralizing troops and security agencies through false accusations and fake news. Therefore, it has become necessary to inform the public and warn such persons and groups to desist as the consequences of their actions would be calamitous to themselves and our great country.

    “Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a safe and successful general elections but were proved wrong, hence they want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country.

    “We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram terrorists group to resurrect.

    “While we have confidence on the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts at sustaining and reinvigorating the MNJTF to continue it’s good work, we would not relent in clearing the visages and remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers.

    “The Nigerian Army is a stakeholder in our national security and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Additionally, we are making this statement because the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, has always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations in order to resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public expect miracles.

    “We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever before, to continue to uphold the constitution and defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.

    “Nigeria is a sovereign country with clearly established judicial system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve differences amicably.”

     

  • South West support for Buhari, wise, progressive – Group

    An Osun State-based social group, Ifesowapo Kajose Society, has saluted the South West geo-political zone for supporting President Muhammadu Buhari, and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to return to power.

    The group described the resolve of the South West to work with other zones to actualize second term in office for Buhari and Osinbajo, as wise and progressive.

    In a statement by its President, Mr. Samuel Jegede, the group said when it is time for South West to provide national leadership for the country the zone will count on other zones for support and to return the goodwill it has established over the years.

    According to him, the six states, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun Ondo and Ekiti that make up the South West have the resources to lead Nigeria.

    Read Also: Again, Reps invite Buhari over insecurity

    However, he cautioned Ogun State out of the six states in the South West to step aside when it is time for the zone to produce the nation’s leader because “it has benefited more than the rest in the past and therefore, as a matter of equity and equality only Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States must have a shot at the presidency.”

    Congratulating Buhari for returning to power in the second term, Jegede advised that he must not allow himself to be distracted from focusing on the myriads of challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, economy, energy among others and must proffer solutions to them without further delay.

    He commended the All Progressives Congress for providing exemplary government and good governance in Osun, Ekiti and Lagos States.

  • Suspects held in abduction of Buhari’s hometown head

    The police in Katsina have arrested suspects connected with the kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar, the district head of Daura, President Muhammadu Buhari’s hometown.

    Special Assistant to the President on Social Media Lauretta Onochie broke the news on her twitter handle yesterday.

    “Police in Katsina State said the suspects in connection with the abduction of Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Uba, who was abducted at his residence, have been arrested,” she tweeted.

    The kidnappers stormed Umar’s Daura residence at 7 pm on Wednesday, shooting sporadically into the air. There was pandemonium.

    Umar had just returned from the mosque where he took part in the evening prayer when the incident happened.

    Umar, who is said to be the father-in-law of President Buhari’s ADC was sitting in front of his home with some people when the gunmen came.

    A witness told the News Agency of Nigeria that the kidnappers came in a Peugeot 406 saloon car.

    After the gunmen left, Daura Council Chairman Mallam Abba Mato and hundreds of sympathisers came to Umar’s residence to discuss the bewildering incident.

    The suspects were seized after members of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) special operation codenamed “Puff Arder” engaged the gangster in a shootout.

    There has been no word on the whereabouts of the district head.

    Police Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Command Gambo Isah, a Superintendent, in a statement, said the bandits, numbering about six, who stormed the Magajin Garin Daura home, took him to an unknown destination.

    Read also: Breaking: District head of Daura Musa Umar kidnapped

    Isah stated that the abductors, however, ran out of luck, when the Commissioner of Police Sanusi Buba, with police patrol teams from Kusada Division intercepted the fleeing hoodlums and engaged them in a gun battle.

    One Inspector Muntari Maikudi attached to Kusada Division sustained a gunshot injury and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina for treatment.

    He said: “IGP Tactical Squad, SARS teams, Police Mobile Force and Counter-terrorism units have already been dispatched to rescue the victim alive and safely to his family. The command enjoins members of the public to always assist the security agencies with timely and actionable intelligence on the activities of these bandits.

    “Be rest assured that the command and indeed other security agencies are on their toes to bring to an end the activities of these bandits.”

    The command has confirmed the killing of 10 persons by bandits, who attacked Gobirawa and Sabawa villages of Safana Local Government Area.

    A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer said a group of bandits riding over 150 motorcycles attacked Gobirawa and Sabawa villages, killing 10 persons. They torched houses and rustled animals.

    He added that Police patrol teams were dispatched to the scene and they engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and chased them out of the villages.

    One Bajaj motorcycle was recovered from the bandits.

     

  • Again, Reps invite Buhari over insecurity

    THe House of Representatives has invited  President Muhammadu Bihari for the second time in a month to address it and the nation on the insecurity challenge across the country and the measures he has in place to address it. The lawmakers, on April 11, gave the President 48 hours to appear before them to address the same issue.

    The President did not turn up and no time was attached to the latest invitation.

    But following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Ahmed Safana (Kaduna) on the need for Federal Government’s intervention on the current killing of innocent persons, destruction of property, armed robbery and kidnappings by armed bandits in Katsina State, the House also urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Katsina State as an immediate step to contain armed banditry.

    The House also advised the Federal Government to deploy the military to areas under attack to assist the police and other security agencies in flushing out criminals operating in Safana/Batsari/Dansamu Federal Constituency of Katsina State.

    Safana argued that the current attacks on various communities within Safana/Batsari/Dansamu Federal Constituency by heavily armed bandits were worsening insecurity in those areas.

    He said: “The recent spate of the attacks on members of my constituency has reached an alarming stage. The perpetrators of this dastardly act continuously kill innocent persons in my constituency and set their homes ablaze while defenceless men and women are abducted to unknown destination.

    “Up to four villages within my constituency are currently under attack in the last 48 hours. They are: Massa Village in Batasari Local Government Area, where five persons have been killed; Alhazawa Village in Safana Local Government Area has been totally displaced. Guzurawa village in Safana Local Government Area also had several persons murdered in cold blood. Just yesterday (Wednesday), Gobirawa village came under attack with 12 dead bodies littering in the bush, while many are still missing.

    “These killings have continued unabated and these bandits seem to be unstoppable with a specific instance at Gobirawa Village in Safana Local Government Area where the bereaved villagers were forced to abandon the bodies during the burial and scamper for safety when they sighted the bandits coming back to launch another offensive.

    “These bandits, who operate at night and in broad daylight on motorbikes, parade sophisticated weapons, including AK47 assault rifles and other weapons against my constituents.

    “Despite persistent cries from the affected communities, security operatives appear not being proactive, especially on security tip-off. Most times, they fail to respond promptly.

    “It should be noted that the fundamental duty of any government is the protection and preservation of lives and property by being responsive in the face of this type of cruelty and atrocity committed against its citizen.

    “It is also the constitutional duty and responsibility of this hallowed chamber to take action whenever these levels of inhuman and brutal attacks are inflicted on any community or group of people.”

    Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau) noted that Nigeria appeared to be like a failed state with the levity with which it handles insecurity.

    Muhammad Monguno (APC, Borno) regretted that Nigeria had always been treating the symptoms rather than the cause of the insecurity challenge.

    He suggested that teeming unemployed youths of the country should be empowered through agriculture to create means of livelihood for them to prevent them from being used for vices.

    The lawmaker also tasked the National Assembly to double the national budget for agriculture.

    Bashir Babale (APC, Kano) urged President Buhari to reappraise the performance of his heads of security agencies from the North, saying they ought to be very concerned about the level of insecurity in the land.

    The House advised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide materials to victims of attacks.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after a voice vote.

  • Return home to face security challenges, PDP tells Buhari

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to end his “private visit” abroad and immediately return home to face the deteriorated security situation in the country.

    The party said it is completely unacceptable for President Buhari to practically abandon his responsibilities, as the Commander-In-Chief to pursue unexplained private matters in foreign lands, while bandits, marauders and insurgents seize the nation; maiming, kidnaping and killing innocent citizens with reckless abandon.

    A statement on Thursday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the President’s inattention has emboldened insurgents and bandits to continue to over-run communities, unleash mayhem and bloodletting on citizens in Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe Taraba, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and other states of the federation, including Mr. President’s home state, Katsina.

    The statement said, While President Buhari wanders abroad, bandits are having a field day, pillaging communities in Katsina state; killing several persons and abducting the District Head of his hometown, Daura, Musa Umar; the father in-law of Mr. President’s security aide.

    “Within this period, marauders invaded communities in Adamawa and killed no fewer that 26 innocent Nigerians; many more have been killed in Borno, Taraba, Benue and Zamfara states, where bandits also reportedly attacked Government Girls Secondary School Moriki, and kidnapped some school girls.

    “While the Buhari administration remains virtually nonchalant, kidnappers have taken over many of our major highways, with hundreds of compatriots held in captivity in forests along Kaduna-Abuja, Taraba-Katsina-Ala and other highways in the country.

    Read Also: BMO to PDP: your claim on N14tr sleaze laughable

    “It is clear that President Buhari has not demonstrated required capacity to control the security situation and now resorts to cheap escapism, particularly in the face of allegations in the public space that certain individuals around his administration are benefitting from the situation.

    “This is in addition to allegations that some of the bandits arrested, in states such as Katsina, are not Nigerians but aliens allegedly imported by the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Niger Republic to assist it in unleashing violence and rigging the 2019 general elections”.

    Urging the police to investigate the foreign link with the insecurity in the country, the main opposition party said the President has completely failed our nation.

    It added that President Buhari’s perceived dereliction to duty was a clear signal that he has been practically overwhelmed, deflated and has nothing to offer.

    “The situation in Nigeria today signposts the terrible condition our nation will face if the presidential mandate is not retrieved at the tribunal to enable competent and uncompromised hands to run the affairs of our country.

    “The PDP therefore calls on President Buhari to immediately return home and use the remaining part of his tenure to seek help instead of wandering abroad under the guise of private visits”, the PDP said.