The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • ASUU president tasks FG on pro- poor policies

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU ) on Thursday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to come up with policies that would stimulate economic growth for the benefit of poor people during his next four-year tenure.

    The National President of the union, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Buhari polled 15,191,847 votes to defeat his closest rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party in the presidential poll conducted on Feb. 23.

    Atiku polled 11,262,978 to lose the election with a margin of 3,928,869 votes.

    The ASUU president urged President Buhari to get down to work and ensure that his administration comes up with pro people policies that will be majorly tailored around key sectors such education, health, transportation and employment.

    “We must have a Nigeria that is liveable in the sense that what some people have been taking for granted must now be seen to engage the attention of any government that cares for the masses especially the under-previledged.

    “That is why we as a union, are calling for free education at all levels because we know that Nigeria as a country can afford it.

    “There is provision for it in our 1999 constitution as ammended.

    “For us to look towards a future that we can all be proud of, we must task government to be more pro-active in matters concerning the poor masses ” Ogunyemi said.

    The unionist also urged the president to put issues concerning the recent Memorandum of Action (MoA) it signed with his union in the front burner.

    “This government signed a MoA with us and we will insist on it. That is not negotiable.

    “Government is a continuum. Now that they are still in the saddle, that makes it more imperative for them to implement the MoA to the latter,” he said.

    NAN reports that areas of agreement include funding for revitalsation of public universities and the issue of Earned Academic Allowances, issue of University Staff Schools and the exemption offered by the government regarding the issue of
    Treasury Single Account, among others.

  • Buhari’s victory well deserved, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for their victory at the 2019 presidential election, saying that it was a victory well deserved.

    Governor Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the victory was not just a confirmation of the people’s love for President Buhari but an attestation that Nigerians were happy with the progress the Federal Government has made in the last four years.

    The Governor said: “Let me join millions of our loyal party faithful in the State and across the country to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo for their resounding victory at last Saturday’s polls.

    ‘This is indeed a historic moment because Nigerians have used their votes to show Mr. President that they are happy with the progress the country has made on several sectors of the polity.

    “This is a victory for democracy; it is a victory for good governance and a clear statement from Nigerians that they are ready to move to the next level with President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    Read Also: Ambode: polls peaceful, best so far in Nigeria

    He expressed confidence the Buhari-led administration would consolidate on the achievements of the last four years and justify the renewal of his mandate by millions of Nigerians at the polls.

    “This is a threshold of our political history. I urge Nigerians to rally round the Federal Government and support the drive to take the nation to the next level,” Ambode said.

    He also commended Lagosians for coming out in thousands and for being peaceful and orderly throughout the period of the elections.

    Besides, the Governor congratulated candidates of the party in the National Assembly elections who emerged victorious, saying that with APC in the majority in both chambers, President Buhari would get the needed support from the legislative arm of government to transform Nigeria for good.

  • Ogun APC rally: Police arrest six suspects

    Six persons suspected to be among those who mobbed President Muhammadu Buhari during the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) mega rally in Ogun State have been arrested, the police said on Wednesday.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Command Wednesday evening and signed by spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP).

    According to Oyeyemi, Olaoye Tunde, 43, Bashiru Alli, 40, Ayoola Muyiwa, 50, Yakubu Wahab, 28, Opeyemi Omiyefa, 31, and Akeem Biliaminu, 38, had since been arrested and were being prosecuted before a Chief Magistrates’ Court II, Isabo in Abeokuta.

    Oyeyemi said: “The ugly incident of Monday February 11 during the APC Presidential campaign has been viewed with all seriousness, as any act of that nature under any guise will not be tolerated

    “For the information of the public,  six amongst the hoodlums namely:- Olaoye Tunde, 40, Ayoola Muyiwa, 50, Yakubu Wahab, 28, Opeyemi Omiyefa, 31, and Akeem Biliaminu, 38, who partook in that incident have since been arrested and were currently being prosecuted at Chief Magistrate Court II Isabo Abeokuta.

    Read Also: Buhari defeats Atiku in Ogun

    The command is using this opportunity to warn anybody who might have the intention of fomenting any form of trouble to stay clear of Ogun State as such person or group will be decisively dealt with according to the law of the land.”

    He said Police Commissioner Ahmed Illiyasu praised the people of the state for conducting themselves well during the elections, adding that the peaceful conduct of the exercise showed high level of political maturity, tolerance and enlightenment on the part of the people.

    “On our part as an institution saddled with the responsibility of protecting life and property, we wish to reiterate our commitment to provision of adequate security before, during and after the remaining elections coming up on March 9.

    “Since another round of campaign has commenced, the command hereby appeals to the actors in the field of politics to play the game in accordance with laid down rules and regulations as any act of violence, thuggery and hooliganism will not be tolerated.”

     

  • Obasanjo keeps mum over Buhari’s reelection

    As congratulatory messages continued to pour in from within and outside the country over the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has kept mum over the development.

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in the early hours of Wednesday declared Buhari winner of the Saturday’s presidential polls.

    Prominent and well-meaning Nigerians as well as international leaders have since been commending and congratulating Buhari over his victory in the election, widely adjudged as peaceful and credible.

    Obasanjo, who had been quite vocal in the build-p to the election has, however, appears to have suddenly gone into hiding by keeping silent since the result was announced.

    Telephone calls made to Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, by the correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) were not picked while text messages sent to him for reaction were neither acknowledged nor replied.

    Read Also: Obasanjo casts vote in Abeokuta

    NAN recalls that Obasanjo, had severally castigated Buhari, and openly campaigned against him few months to the election.

    The former president also endorsed and adopted Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the major opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whom he had once accused and condemned over corruption claims.

    He had also told Nigerians that God would not forgive him (Obasanjo) if he ever supported Atiku to be president.

    He, however, later changed political gear to ensure that Buhari was not re-elected.

    The presidency has however repeatedly asked Nigerians to ignore Mr Obasanjo, saying Mr Buhari’s performance in office was enough to earn him re-election.

    From the results announced by INEC, Buhari had defeated Atiku in Obasanjo’s polling unit in Abeokuta and also scored a total of 15,191,847 to defeat Atiku, his closest rival who scored 11,262,978 votes.

    NAN

  • Edo agog as Shaibu leads Buhari’s victory celebration

    Chieftains and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trooped to the streets in Benin City, on Wednesday, to celebrate the victory of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the party in the February 23 presidential election.

    The entourage was led by the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who expressed appreciation to Edo people for the improvement in the showing at the polls, and said that the state government appreciates them for their faith in the party.

    He added that the state government is even more reinvigorated to deliver on its promise to the people, noting that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government will continue to prioritise the interest of the people over all else in the state.

    The deputy governor led the supporters on behalf of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is in Abuja on official assignment, through different parts of Benin City, including Oba Market, Kings Square, Airport Road, to celebrate and thank Edo people for supporting the re-election bid of the president.

    Notable dignitaries in the entourage were chairman of the party in the state, Barr. Anselm Ojezua; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Representative-elect, Ovia Federal Constituency, Dennis Idahosa, Youth Leader, Edo APC, Valentine Asuen, among others.

    The result of the presidential election in the state released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), showed that the APC secured 267,842 votes while the PDP polled 275,691. The party’s performance is an improvement from the previous presidential election in the state.

    Read Also: Senator Urhoghide re-elected in Edo

    Earlier, in a congratulatory message to the President, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said: “I salute the renewed resolve of Nigerians to cast their ballot for uprightness and honesty, exemplified by your leadership and for endorsing the people-centred programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under your guidance.”

    He explained that another four years of president Buhari’s leadership “will provide the much-desired impetus for good governance, the ongoing war on corruption, completion of ongoing infrastructural projects and boost our new image in the comity of nations.”

     

  • What Buhari should do in second term, by Nigerians

    Nigerians have set agenda for the newly re-elected President Muhammadu Buhari for the next four years.

    They pointed out Buhari should concentrate on economic growth, job opportunities and end violence as well as mass killings across the nation.

    Reacting to the All Progressive Congress Party (APC) official twitter on what Buhari should do, social media users using #BuhariShould said the President should take Nigeria to the next level as he promised.

    Here are some of the responses:-

    @abiola_onikoyi

    Youths need more empowerment programme even if it equity funding. When youths are self -employed, rate of unemployment will be greatly reduced.  Help #youwin5000winners get their business grants or equity funding, we wish to work, but we need funds.  #BuhariShould

     

    @ihsanjibril

    #BuhariShould please address the killings in Nigeria and do something about the economy. There is so much poverty.

    @paipa24

    #BuhariShould improve on infrastructure and power supply to enable our economy attract foreign investors to improve our employment rate under his admin. #NextLevel @APCNigeria @MBuhari

    @Qozeem20

    #BuhariShould make electricity supply the highest in Nigeria history it will also help the economy, create more jobs, find a way of eradicating insurgency.

    @malsky007

    #BuhariShould address the nation more frequently and carry people along. All he has to provide leadership within his party. 2 many intra-party crisis @Abkr_Maikudi

    @MBuhari Now that you have won, we want you to reshuffle your cabinet those not performing ministers should not go back we don’t need them. #BuhariShould

     

  • Nigerian/Canadian filmmaker congratulates Buhari

    Canadian/Nigerian award winning filmmaker and chief executive officer (CEO) of Tabic Records Label Pascal Atuma has sent congratulatory message to the President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election for another four-year term.

    He calls for unity amongst Nigerians irrespective of party or tribal lines.

    Speaking from his base in Toronto, Canada, Atuma said: “First of all I must congratulate the President on his re-election. It is my strong hope that the trust given to the President by all Nigerians will be a source of inspiration for him to deliver the goals set as he works towards developing national unity, the economy, promoting transparency, and ensuring the welfare and security of the people of our country.

    Read Also: Wild jubilation in Edo over Buhari’s victory

    He also congratulated the ex-governor of  Abia State, Chief  Orji Uzor Kalu on his election to the Senate to represent Abia North Senatorial District. He said Chief Kalu has shown and demonstrated the never give up spirit of students that passed through Government College, Umuahia where the new senator acquired his high school education.

    Atuma also congratulated Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District and Hon. Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo of Ikwuano Umuahia Constituency House of Representatives member on their re-election.

    Pascal calls on all the newly elected to support Nollywood and the entertainment industry for the interest and benefit of all Nigerians.

     

  • Video: Wild jubilation over Buhari’s victory in Benin

  • Buhari condemns attacks in Sokoto, Kaduna

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the families of the victims of the latest bandits’ attacks in Sokoto and the inter-communal conflict in Kaduna State.

    He warned that mass murder of innocent people by criminals would be met with full force.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said: “The death of one innocent Nigerian is no less important than the death of a hundred.

    “It is a matter of time before these murderous gangs of criminals meet their Waterloo.”

    Read Also: Okorocha congratulates Buhari, berates Ohaneze

    He added: “The criminals cannot be lucky always because the law will ultimately catch up with them and deliver justice ruthlessly.”

    “Let no group of outlaws doubt the will and resolve of my administration to confront criminals who have no iota of regard for the sanctity of life.”

    He also reassured Nigerians that their security remained a top priority of his government.

    The President said: “Our security personnel are being trained, retrained, motivated and provided with essential equipment in order to improve their capacity to respond to our security challenges.”

    He prayed that God Almighty would grant rest to the souls of the unfortunate victims of the killings in Sokoto and Kaduna States.

     

  • Eyengho demands cancellation of Warri Fed. Constituency poll

    The All Progressives’ Congress (APC) candidate for Warri Federal constituency Alex Eyengho has called for the “outright cancellation” of the elections in the entire area.

    Demanding that he be declared winner, he alleged the votes awarded to the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Thomas Ereyitomi were fraudulent.

    Speaking during a press conference in Warri on Wednesday, Eyengho described the electioneering process as “rogued and crooked” as well as trailed with all manner of electoral malpractices, including ballot box stuffing, vote buying among others.

    “In the riverine areas, particularly in Warri North and Warri South West, there were life-threatening intimidation and violence.

    “Before the election started, some group of youths from the bush invaded the community, Ijaghala in Ugborodo, and attacked people. The INEC officials out of fear scampered for safety.

    “It was after my calls to the Army headquarters that they (INEC officials) returned hours later.

    Read Also: Three killed, 20 injured in Warri

    “In other places it was worse. Most of the votes counted were not recorded by the card readers. It is only accredited votes that should be counted,” he recounted.

    Eyengho also fingered INEC’s staff, ad-hoc staff and security agencies as the marred exercise.

    Congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari for his victory in the presidential polls, he stated it shows the President “is a man of the people and not a tiny cabal”.

    Assuring constituents he will employ all legal and peaceful means to regain his stolen mandate, he thanked them for their support throughout the exercise.

    Responding to reports that his defeat is as a result of his failure to campaign in the area, the APC candidate recalled “vicious lies, propaganda and de-marketing” his campaign suffered in the build up to the elections.

    He stated that he campaigned in all three council areas of the federal constituency, including visiting the traditional rulers.

    “It is preposterous and laughable. It is there for the electorates to see. They demonstrated that right by giving me the physical votes,” the APC candidate added.

    The PDP candidate was declared winner, Tuesday, having a total of 152, 874 votes, against Eyengho’s 18, 443.