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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari assures Commonwealth scribe on credible polls

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said that no effort will be spared to ensure the general elections starting from Saturday are credible.

    According to him, people have more confidence in a government elected in free and fair polls than one that wangles its way into office through artifice and subterfuge.

    Buhari made the remark when the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after attending the signing of the Peace Accord at the International Conference Centre.

    He said: “One Nigeria is non-negotiable. Over two million people died in the civil war we fought, and when people elect their own government through a free and fair process, they have more confidence in such government.

    Read Also: Buhari: I will recover $16b Obasanjo govt power cash

    “We will not spare any effort to organise credible polls, and people should come out and vote for their choices.”

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, expressed pleasure that the Commonwealth was showing keen interest in the Nigerian election.

    He appreciated him for coming all the way to be a part of what would engender free and fair polls.

    The Secretary-General described Nigeria as “a treasured member of the Commonwealth family,” saying signing of the Peace Accord would lead to better voter turnout, “as they would have seen the commitment to peace by all the main actors.”

    She commended what she described as President Buhari’s “calmness and good humour,” even as the polls approach, stressing: “When Nigeria is healthy, vibrant and strong, the whole of Africa is strengthened.”

    Rt. Hon. Scotland also lauded “the energetic way” the President has pursued issues of security and anti-corruption, pledging that the Commonwealth stands ready to assist Nigeria at all times.

  • I’m running for the Senate on my achievements, says Ndoma-Egba

    The Senatorial candidate for the Central Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, says he would be running on his achievements and not promises.

    Addressing reporters in Ikom local government area after a round of campaigns, he said recorded a lot of achievements during the time he was in the Senate and would do more if returns.

    He said the feedback from the people during the campaign was favorable as the came out in large numbers to show support.

    The former Senate Leader expressed confidence that the APC would sweep the elections in the state.

    Read Also: Buhari’s achievements real, impactful – Minister

    He was also confident that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections in Cross River State.

    He said in the entire time the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was in power, the state had never had it so good in terms of appointments and recognition despite not supporting him at the polls.

    Ndoma-Egba, the immediate past chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said under the PDP the state had lost Bakassi, as well as its oil wells among others.

    “Come Saturday, Cross Riverians would troop out enmasse to show appreciation to Buhari. He will win convincingly. Under PDP Cross River lost Bakassi, oil wells and many others. You can go on with the litany of losses. Cross Riverians are tired of these losses and need something new and APC offers this,” he said

    He urged the security agencies should live up their duties and also be to non-partisan.

    Ndoma-Egba expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections in Cross River State.

  • ‘We support the CJN’s suspension’

    The Convener, Associate Prof. Bolarinwa Bolaji, said this at a press conference issued by the group in Abuja on Wednesday.

    “We are solidly in support of the Buhari led administration in the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” the professor stated.

    “If we may refer to what President Muhammadu Buhari observed during his Presidential electioneering campaign in 2015, he expressed concerns that corruption was the cankerworm that ate into its fabrics, the economy of Nigeria.

    “It is on this premise that we support President Buhari led government on the drastic step taken so far on the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.  This no doubt is a giant stride in the fight against corruption.”

    “The President should be aware that there is no due process in fighting corruption but available process.

    Read Also: Nigerians back Buhari on suspension of CJN

    “To us, majority of our legal luminaries in Nigeria are not ready to cooperate with Mr. President in the fight against corruption, probably because they are benefitting from the evil act. No wonder some of them wanted to let heaven loose when Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen was suspended.

    “The people who put us in this mess must not be allowed to come back to power. They obviously have nothing to offer. They have been tested but have been found wanting.”

    The group wholly endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC), condemning the previous administrations on “corrupt practices, thereby adversely affecting our infrastructure, education and social values.”

    Bolaji also cited a TV interview with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, who confirmed that eight out of their sixteen years they governed Nigeria, contractors collected huge amount of money to work in the Power Sector.

    “He said that the entire amount collected went down the drain as none of the contractors executed any project.

    “He also explained that in most cases, hundred percent of contract sum were paid without any performance.  He concluded that till today, nobody asked questions.  We can now see from where the problem on economy emanated.

    Pro-Acad suggested that the President should set up tribunal in the six geopolitical zones in the country and membership to comprise retired justices with impeccable track records while in service with the task of handling corruption cases in their respectful zones.

  • ‘Buhari doing more with less revenue’

    An advocacy group, the Delta Rescue Mission for Buhari (DRM4PMB) has declared President Muhammadu Buhari is doing more for Nigeria with less revenue than those before him.

    DRM4PMB, in a statement by its Director-general and state coordinator, Martins Mukoro on Tuesday, urged Nigerians not to succumb to the plots of the opposition candidates.

    The statement listed 19 achievements of the federal government, in terms of increased revenue, as well as execution and completion of projects, corruption is fighting back to cripple the nation’s economy.

    Commending Nigerians who have remained committed to the reelection of the Buhari, the group noted history has recorded him as the only President with his “integrity” intact and without a trace of corruption allegations.

    Advising voters to “beware” of the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the group recalled his promise “to sell the NNPC to his friends, even if he is killed in the process.”

    It added: “PMB is doing more with less revenue than his predecessors put together did with more revenue.

    Read Also: Wike receives Buhari in Port Harcourt

    “He has plugged looting holes and those who will not change their ways are standing trials.”

    Some of the achievements stated include the remittance of about N2 trillion against N50 billion by the Nigerian Customs; N4 trillion against N2 trillion by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) all to the national treasury; end to random fuel scarcity; employment of 500, 000 graduates through the N-Power scheme, among others.

  • Egbeyemi campaigns for Buhari in market

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, on Tuesday stormed the Bisi Market in Ado Ekiti to campaign for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Egbeyemi, during the market campaign, also canvassed support for all the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for federal and state legislative seats in the February 16 and March 2 elections respectively.

    He was joined at the market outreach by former Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu and other party stalwarts.

    The Deputy Governor, who built the market during his tenure as Ado Ekiti Local Government Chairman, said residents have much to gain if they vote for APC candidates at all levels.

    According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Odunayo Ogunmola, Egbeyemi particularly called on Igbo traders to cast their votes for Buhari and APC National Assembly candidates on Saturday at all the polling units in the area.

    Read Also: Ekiti has no plan to ban okada business – Egbeyemi

    He also urged the electorate to vote for the APC House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, Mr. Olusola Fatoba; House of Assembly candidate for Ado Constituency 1; Oluwatoyin Lucas and House of Assembly candidate for Ado Constituency 2, Mrs. Adekemi Famuagun-Balogun.

    Egbeyemi described the candidates as loyal, tested, trusted and competent to contribute to law enactment that would bring better life to the electorate.

    The deputy governor enjoined all residents of Ogbon Ado and Ogbon Oba areas within the vicinity of the market to troop out en masse and vote APC to continue to enjoy good governance at state and federal levels.

    Egbeyemi stressed that although he won his unit and ward at last year’s governorship poll, he was not satisfied with the total number of votes recorded.

    Describing general elections as “family vote,” Egbeyemi urged all registered voters, especially the traders to vote overwhelmingly this time around for the APC.

    Massive votes for the APC, according to him, would afford the state government to make demands for federal appointments and projects that would be beneficial to the people.

     

  • Buhari assures polls’ll be free, fair

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday visited Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State where he assured that he is all out for free, fair and credible elections starting on Saturday.

    He spoke at a meeting with traditional rulers at the secretariat complexes of the Councils of Traditional Rulers of the two states.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said: “I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC knows my stand on this.

    “Nigerians are assured of free and fair elections. Under this leadership, nobody will be allowed to intimidate other citizens. Nobody will be allowed to snatch ballot boxes and run with them. I will make sure that the votes count.” he said

    President Buhari commended the introduction of the Permanent Voters Card, PVC and Card Reader, and urged the nation to embrace the technology, arguing that without it, the sixteen years of misrule by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP would not have been brought to an end.

    “In 16 years, the PDP thought nobody could remove them from office. The introduction of the PVC and Card Reader made sure that our votes counted in 2015 and the votes of Nigerians will count in 2019,” he stressed.

    Read Also: Buhari sure of victory, says Ashafa

    On the issue of security, the President repeated his commitment to ensure the protection of lives, property and the territorial integrity of the nation, while urging the traditional rulers to play their part as expected of them.

    “The question of security begins with you,” the President told the royal fathers, even as he commended them for calming down the restive situation in the Niger Delta.

    “Through you, we have been able to persuade the militants to change their attitudes. I congratulate you on the roles you played that stabilized the security and the economy of the country,” he said.

    Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, at the reception commended President Buhari for his statesmanship and love for the country.

    On his part, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State called for a peaceful conduct of the elections.

    The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Alfred Diette-Spiff, who commended the President for the appointment of citizens of Bayelsa into key positions and the infrastructure projects being put in place, added that the state deserved more.

    His counterpart in Rivers State, Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja, King Jaja of Opobo, while calling for free and fair elections, also appealed to the President to ensure that security agents remained non-partisan throughout the exercise.

  • AFAR: technology critical to forensic accounting research

    Technology is a key component of forensic accounting research and ongoing fight against graft in the country, a group, the Association of Forensic Accounting Research (AFAR), has said.

    Its global President, Dr Godwin Oyedokun, who spoke on the sidelines of the group’s Intensive Training and Induction ceremony at Airport Hotel, Lagos at the weekend, commended ongoing efforts by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s current onslaught against corruption but urged the president to do more.

    According to him, corruption is a cultural virus which has eaten deeply into the fabrics of the nation.

    He said: “Corruption is a cultural thing. In my family for instance, you can’t buy any obscene thing and expect they will celebrate you. No. The first question they will ask is: Where did you get the money to buy it? That is one culture. There are other families that if you do not have material things, nobody reckons with you. That is another culture.

    “But to be candid, this administration is trying its best to fight corruption but its best is still not good enough. Without giving my personal opinion, when you listen to people talk outside, they commend the anti-graft war, they say it is good, but it is one way. I will be doing disservice to the nation to say it is total. It is not total. It must be holistic.”

    He said the group comprises people who want to conduct accounting investigation in a forensic manner, stressing that its aim are first to prevent fraud, detect and deter. He said it was better to prevent fraud from taking place than taking remedial measures, adding that funds must have got missing after the fraud had been perpetrated.

    On the place of technology in fraud prevention and forensic research, he said: “When you say forensic examination, you can’t do it with the mundane things people are using in Nigeria. The key thing is technology. There is a special session on this during this two-day training. In order to conduct research on forensics, you have to dig down and to do that, you need technology. So we have many data mining technology that will get into your system, give it command and you will be able to analyse such.”

    He said no fewer than 300 members was inducted on the occasion, adding that  to conduct effective forensic investigation, there’s need to have investigative mind.

    He recalled that when before now, there was nothing like forensic investigation but said the stolen mandate of Rauf Aregbesola in Ousn State was restored courtesy of forensic investigation and analysis. He said in the past, forensic experts were imported into the country to look into the books of organisation such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and others, adding that members of AFAR now have to competence to do the job, stressing that there was no longer any need to waste foreign exchange hiring foreigners to investigate what local professionals could do better.

    AFAR inducted 150 fellows members, 10 associate members and six patrons while it also launched its first journal, the print version and unveiled a book on forensic accounting research development. There was also an award of meritorious service to deserving Nigerian

  • Solid mineral miners to mobilize 5 million votes for Buhari

    Solid mineral miners, processors, traders, quarry operators, workers and sand dredgers in the country on Tuesday promised to mobilize five million votes for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming election.

    Speaking while on a visit to the campaign office of the APC Women and Youth Campaign organization, led by the wife of the President Aisha Buhari, the group said they have mobilized resources from among themselves to carryout support programmes for the re-election of the president.

    Converter of the group, Alhaji Saleh Abu Katsina also formally announced the endorsement of President Buhari by the group saying a road map for the growth and development of the Nigeria mining industry was develop by the Buhari government to deepen reforms, attract local and foreign investors and collaborate with network of stakeholders to build an enabling mining environment.

    Read Also: Group endorses Buhari

    He said President Buhari also establishment an artisanal and small scale financing support fund for the mining industry in which N5 Billion has been made available with bank of industry at five percent interest rate.

    He said the government also “Set up equipment leasing and hire purchase under which mining and processing equipment is accessible to artisanal and small scale miners.

    “Introduce National Gold Purchase scheme to promote the production, aggregation and refining of Nigeria Gold Purchase through the CBN under the Federal Government Gold Reserve Treasury Scheme.

    “Funding has improved tremendously in the last three years and this includes the release of (i) 30 Billion Naira intervention fund for exploration project (ii) A 150 Million dollar World Bank loan was secured for funding of the man diver programme.”

    Responding on behalf of the wife of the president, General Buba Marwa, promised to deliver the group’s positions to the appropriate quarter.

  • ‘How NAFDAC paid about N4billion debt in one year’

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) paid off an outstanding debt of about N4 billion and cleared over 6,000 applications within 12 months, its Director General Prof. (Mrs.) Mojisola Adeyeye has stated.

    She said the agency achieved the feat due to the spirit of transparency and accountability of the current administration.

    Between November 2017 and November 2018, the agency embarked on restructuring, which covered all the key departments to clear off all the mess inherited by Adeyeye, who was appointed on November 3, 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Adeyeye, who took over from Professor Paul Orhii as Director General of NAFDAC, is Professor of Pharmaceutics and Manufacturing for 21 years at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, United States of America.

    Speaking at a one-day interactive meeting with stakeholders from South West Zone on NAFDAC Regulated Products at House of Chiefs,Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, Adeyeye on Tuesday reiterated commitment of the agency to continue to strengthen its regulatory framework to enhance the efficiency and improve its service delivery  to all its stakeholders.

    Read Also: NAFDAC seizes N60m fake drugs

    The NAFDAC, who said the agency has a statutory responsibility to safeguard public health, stressed it had imbibed best international practices and aligned with global regulatory standards.

    She urged all stakeholders to adhere to agency’s laws and regulations.

    “We are appealing to the industry to support NAFDAC by adhering to the Agency’s laws and regulations.

    “These are enforced to ensure that operations and activities are in line with NAFDAC’s extant laws and regulations. Self-audit and regular reviews of product information and labels are encouraged.

    “Companies should ensure that they remain a robust system, which allows for effective monitoring and control of their products that are already in trade.

    “This is necessary for effective intervention in the event of unexpected product defects, which may necessitate immediate product recall.

    “The responsibility of ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of regulated products does not lie solely with NAFDAC but with all stakeholders.”

  • Group endorses Buhari

    The Buhari Agricultural Revolution Network (BARN) has declared its endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, ahead of the Presidential election on Saturday February 16th, and announced their plans to cultivate one million hectares of land across the country by 2021 in a bid to complement the government’s food security initiatives.

    The President of the Network, Dr. Yakubu Ugwolawo, said this at the Network’s national office during its National Consultative Meeting in Abuja.

    BARN, boasting of over six million members across the 36 states and the FCT,  has been charged to mobilize as many Nigerians as possible to vote for the President during the February 16th polls.

    “Consequent upon the foregoing, delegates representing over 6 million members have unanimously resolved to endorse the candidate of President Buhari and his Vice Prof. Osinbajo,” the Network President stated.

    Read Also: Buhari warns against election violence

    “The re-election of President Buhari will ensure consolidation on the foundation being laid to effectively place the country on the positive path of growth and development never witnessed before in the past.

    “The Buhari presidency has built confidence in the minds of agricultural communities across the country and it calls for enhanced investment in agriculture by local and foreign entrepreneurs.”

    Ugwolawo applauded the efforts of President Buhari in executing the Federal Government’s Green Alternative Programme (GAP) in the past three and a half years, describing it as the most impacting compared to previous years.

    He maintained that President Buhari has, through the Green Initiative, renewed the hopes of over 80% of Nigerians who depend on agriculture as their means of livelihood.

    “Agriculture has been elevated to a profitable venture, and it has become a catalyst to the national economic development, while also serving as a huge employer of labor to the country,” Ugwolawo stated in a press release.

    “The Buhari administration, in prioritizing agriculture beyond lip service, has achieved what the previous administrations failed to achieve.”