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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • No more road closure for Buhari’s mega rally, says Lagos

    Lagos State Government has reversed itself over the closure of 18 routes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally to canvass votes for President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.

    The rally holds at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere with the state initially declaring some roads will be closed to ensure easy passage for Buhari and his entourage.

    But the government said there would be no more road closure, urging Lagosians to go about their normal businesses on Saturday during the rally.

    It, however, declared residents should expect an increased presence of traffic personnel at Surulere and adjoining streets because of the mega rally.

    Many Lagosians have expressed apprehensions the proposed closures would lead to a complete lockdown of the nation’s commercial nerve.

    Commissioner for Transportation Ladi Lawanson gave the clarification in chat with reporters at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa on Friday.

    Also present at the briefing were: General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Mr Wale Musa and the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hyginus Omeje.

    Lawanson said the earlier statement announcing diversion and road closure had been reversed, adding that residents were free to go about their businesses.

    He said the state government was reversing its earlier position in conjunction with federal operatives and the APC to ensure minimal discomfort and minimal disruptions of businesses.

    The commissioner, who is also a member of the transport sub-committee for the Presidential visit and the APC rally, said “Lagosians have been very apprehensive that there will be traffic gridlock and we got a lot of feedbacks that we intend to grind Lagos to a halt.

    “People are apprehensive; they think we are going to shut down Lagos; they think movement would be restricted and they are bracing themselves for what they anticipate would be the hardship that would be visited on them by the president’s visit and our own activities.

    “I repeat there will be between zero to the barest minimum amount of disruptions to the normal movement that Lagosians undertake on a Saturday like today.

    Read Also: Nigeria Airways ex-workers stage rally for Buhari’s reelection

    “So, there will not be any road closures in Lagos today and Lagosians are free to go about their normal businesses today, Saturday,” Lawanson said.

    He said adequate arrangement had been firmed up to ensure free flow of traffic but residents should expect tight security around the routes which the President is expected to pass through in the course of his visit and the venue of the rally.

    “We would just like to communicate that because we are expecting a high caliber personality no less a person than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the normal security precautions that attend a visit of this nature should be expected.

    “The President would visit Lagos tomorrow with the full retinue of security aides that protect him and his entourage but there will not be any road closures and there will be zero to minimal disruptions of normal activities,” the Commissioner said.

    He, however, said there would be huge presence of officials of the police, LASTMA, FRSC and other agencies to ensure free flow of traffic around the Surulere axis.

    “Around the venue of the rally which is the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and the adjourning streets are traffic management agencies such as LASTMA, FRSC, Police and other agencies that would support them tomorrow.

    “They will handle the traffic management around the venue tomorrow and so people can expect to see a huge presence of our traffic,” the commissioner said.

  •  Clerics predict peace,  prosperity in Buhari’s second term

    There will be abundance, surplus and serenity across Nigeria in President Muhammadu Buhari’s second-term, according to 100 Inter-faith Clerics.
    These 100 clerics had earlier predicted Buhari’s re-election at the February 23 polls after holding a 40-day prayer and fast last year.
    As forecasted, the incumbent emerged victorious, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
    In its usual trend of accurate and unbiased prophecies, the religious leaders have predicted enormous gains in the next four years.
    The 100 clerics who are members of the National Inter- Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace made the declaration at the grand-finale of the 3- Days Thanksgiving and Salat Al- Shukur held in Abuja.
    Speaking on behalf of the Islamic clerics, Sheik Ibrahim Bulama expressed that the co-inhibition of both religions is a testament of president Buhari’s impeccable personality.
    “ We prayed and fasted for 40 days seeking the face of God for divine direction for Nigeria in our quest for greatness. We identified with President Muhammadu Buhari with a firm conviction that he would take Nigeria to the promised land. We also backed up our belief with prayers and supplements to Allah the most merciful and beneficent.
    “ And he heard our prayers and supplication by granting unto us our heart desires by the resounding victory recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari at the elections. Consequently, I say we have all done nobly.
    “ I want you all gathered her that there would indeed be a reward for the sacrifices in making supplications on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari for his success at the polls.
    “ In our actions, we have exhibited a resolve that Nigeria under Muhammadu Buhari is on the path to glory. In our prayer sessions, Allah indeed made us understand the uniqueness of the personality of Muhammadu Buhari in terms of his uprightness and sincerity of heart and purpose.
    “ We have so far exhibited that resolve to identify with an upright man whose integrity is unquestionable. Those who submit themselves completely to Allah and do good have grasped the Firmest Handhold. The result of all affairs is with Allah. (Surah Luqman: 22)
    “ Muhammadu Buhari has submitted himself entirely to Allah, and this much has been exhibited in his words and actions since 2015. We are grateful to Allah for the rare gift of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria in whom we are pleased.
    “ My brethren, the uniqueness of this occasion is the fact that we have displayed a love towards one God and one nation in the interest of peace and tranquillity. And the anointing on President Muhammadu Buhari has reinforced our belief that we are on the right track on the journey towards greatness in this country.
    Speaking on behalf of the Christian clerics,  Arch Bishop (Dr) Julius Ediwe, added that anyone opposed to the president is challenging God’s authority.
    This is because Mr Buhari is the anointed choice for Nigeria as revealed during the 40-day prayer and fast.
    The cleric, Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, was particularly critical of some naysayers in disguise as prophets who forecasted defeat for the incumbent.
    “ Brothers and Sisters, let me make it clear here about statements coming from some supposed men of God describing the elections as rigged and not in the interest of the people. I am taken aback with such a statement, and in my capacity as the Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, I abhor such statement because God is not a man that he should lie,” he stated.

    Read Also:Lagos: group endorses Sanwo-Olu

    “ When it was revealed during the 40 days’ prayers and fasting that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections, where were they? Or are they insinuating that they have a monopoly of the Kingdom heritage?
    “ My brothers and sisters, I stand before you as a servant of God to say that God is indeed on the throne and for those that think otherwise should have a rethink. I say this with all authority that President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed Gods choice for Nigeria because I prayed and heard him clearly when he stated that Buhari is the chosen one to take Nigeria to greatness.
    “ I want to assume here today that one of the reasons for the display of anger because President Muhammadu Buhari won the elections might be as a result of the victory rally that was aired on the television stations across the country.
    Both groups, however, enjoined other Nigerians to pray and support the president to lead the country to greatness

  • Buhari, Osinbajo have done well, says VP’s Mum

    Mrs. Olubisi Osinbajo, Mother of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had done enough and deserved another term.

    Mrs Osinbajo, an 85 -year-old widow, disclosed this when his son, Prof. Osinbajo, visited her during the vice president’s house-to-house campaign in Somolu area of Lagos State.

    “They have tried. If anybody says they have not done anything, then you can say that man or woman is not in this world, such is in another world because they have tried.

    “What they (Buhari/Osinbajo) did in three years, people couldn’t do it for 16 years. We are praising God and we shall praise God after the elections.

    Mrs Osinbajo thanked God for sparing the life of his son, following the helicopter crash in Kogi on Saturday.

    “I am overwhelmed with this visit and I must thank God for everything that He is doing in my life.

    Read Also: Osinbajo calls for unity ahead of elections

    “Do you know that on Thursday (Jan. 31), I was busy thanking God and praising God. I didn’t know what was going to happen on Saturday (When Osinbajo Helicopter crashed in Kogi).

    ” I, have been praising God and I told my people I wanted to praise God on that Thursday until evening of that day not knowing that something would happen on Saturday.

    “That gift was given to me by Jesus Christ that I should be praising Him and that I will never be sorrowful. That was what God told me,” Mrs Osinbajo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo on Thursday moved his house-to-house campaign to Somolu to feel the pulse of the residents and seek support of the people for Buhari’s re-election.

    The Vice President, who visited some houses in Gbagada, Igi Olugbin and Ladi Lak areas of Solmolu, also engaged in “Road Show” on some streets to seek support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

    Osinbajo was companied by APC chieftains, including Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Ademorin Kuye, APC candidate for Somolu Federal Constituency and Rotimi Abiru, APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Somolu Constituency II.

    The team also visited the Palace of Oba of Somolu, Oba H.O.A Kassim-Bashua (Odu I).

    NAN

  • Lalong, Plateau’s only choice

    This coming Saturday is another historic day in the lives of Nigerians. The masses will throng out to enthrone another batch of leaders at the state level.  The euphoria is very visible among the people. Some candidates are seeking fresh mandates; while others are gunning for reelection or consolidation of their mandates.
    As usual, the political mongers or campaigners are out with the game. They  are out in the fields and very loud in trumpeting promises.  The contest freaks are eagerly plying their trade too. Both genuine and fake campaign messages are being reeled for public consumption. But the people are carefully distilling all the messages. They know the genuine and fake messages. The know which leaders deserve a comeback.
    Therefore,  in Plateau state, the people have heard all the rhetorics, but have unanimously resolved to again support Gov. Simon Bako Lalong to continue with his good works at the Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. He  is staging a comeback through the popular demand by the masses.
    The people’s perception of Gov. Lalong is that of a leader who is honest and committed to peace, security and development on the Plateau. His reign has brought respite and assuaged the pains  and exited the agonies which made life hellish on the Plateau.  The people are aware; they are very sensitive to their security and so far, Lalong has posted credible and commendable results.
    The Governor is celebrated as a leader whose mastery of leadership has gone beyond lip service or sloganeering. He is variously described by his people as selfless, committed and a focused leader, who sacrifices anything to give his people peace and security.
    Throughout the state, Gov.Lalong answers to the chants a pan-Nigeria, as excitedly recited by his admirers. They cherish him as a leader whom ethnicity, religion or political party affiliation have not influence his leadership decisions and government patronage of the people.  He believes everyone who lives in Plateau has a stake in the governance and treasures of the state.
    The insistence of the masses on the Plateau that Gov. Lalong should proceed beyond 2019 can only be properly decoded when one flashes back to the Plateau he met in 2015. Those who understood the severity of the problem of insecurity on the Plateau applaud Lalong’s peace initiatives. He has been able to change the face of leadership in the state through responsible governance.
    The Governor has launched the state on the progressive path of rapid infrastructural transformation, restoration of peace and security and its regeneration. Today, the sadness, disillusionments and disenchantments which characterized existence  on the Plateau have been replaced with celebrations, merriments, peace and security.
    Lalong has ended the years of  painful conflagrations; the torments of unpaid salaries, the dearth of infrastructures, the fear of ethnic dominance and mistrust, the religious suspicions and other problems that held back development on the Plateau famed as home of peace and tourism.  The Governor has returned the state to its originality, where all inhabitants   co-existed in peace and harmony. Those who deserted the state in the heat of  the crises have returned in droves.
    Every part of Plateau state has feeled the impact of Gov. Lalong’s leadership. Plateau state is the first state  in the North Central President Muhammadu Buhari  visited and commissioned projects in early 2018. Mr. President was regaled with Lalong’s scorecard in urban and rural roads, water projects, education and health sectors. Many never gave Gov. Lalong a chance of succeeding. But he has perplexed  his adversaries by sheer performance.
    In his security architecture, Gov. Lalong’s legacies  include the establishment of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, (PPBA) whose main mandate is the promotion of proactive consultative dialogue among the disparate segments and interests on the Plateau to nip potential conflict in the bud before they degenerate  into open hostilities. His administration is  credited with facilitating the establishment of two Mobile Police Force Barracks at Longvel, Shendam LGA and the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) 220 Base for Search and Rescue Operations in Kerang, Mangu LGA  to enhance rapid response to  security emergencies; while he has worked assiduously to return thousands of IDPs  back to their deserted villages.

    Read Also:‘How INEC staff exposed PDP rigging in Edo’

    Political pundits and those who have monitored the administration of Lalong assert confidently that the Governor has fulfilled nearly all his campaign promises to the people of Plateau State, the “Home of Peace and Tourism”.  Urban or Jos city roads like State Secretariat Flyover, the Angwan Rogo road network, the Tudun Wada-Kabong road network, Mararaban Jema’a -British America Highway, the Low-Cost Road network, the Rantya-Rafiki road network, the Rukuba road network, in just three years have projected  Gov. Lalong very distinctively. There are also rural l roads projects in each of the 17 LGAs of  the state  for which the Governor has expended N40 billion.
    The Plateau State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA) has arrested youths and women off the streets with numerous empowerment schemes. Plateau state students enjoy regular scholarship allowances. The Plateau State University Bokkos is properly funded and dead industries are being resuscitated.   In every sector, Gov. Lalong has left impressive imprints.
    Workers welfare is top priority. Accumulated seven months unpaid salaries have been cleared and workers receive salary  bank alerts before end of every month. Happiness has returned on the Plateau; there is peace on the Plateau under Lalong’s leadership. His enduring legacies’ are multiple.
     So for Saturday’s governorship election, Plateau people have indicated in body and soul that there is only one choice. The choice is Gov. Lalong is negotiable. Echoes that this Mr. Peace, Mr. Bank Alert and Mr. Infrastructure resonate loudly everywhere on the Plateau. Plateau  people have reached a consensus that they will not go back to Egypt again and so, the reelection of Gov. Lalong to oversee Government House, Jos March 9 is a deal divinely sealed.
    Agbese is a public affairs commentator and wrote from Jos.

  • Presidential poll will be walkover for Buhari, says El-Rufai

    The February 16 presidential poll would be a walkover for President Muhammadu Buhari, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has declared.

    He spoke when a pro-Buhari group, Forward With Buhari, led by its National Deputy Chairman (North), Senator Lawali Shaibu paid a him a visit in Kaduna.

    El-Rufai, who received the group at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Goverment House in Kaduna on Thursday said, he has no doubt that the President will be victorious in the election.

    He said: “Kaduna is the home town of the President. It is true that the President is from Katsina State, but he is more of a Kaduna state person.

    “Kaduna is more passionate about returning the President. We will not only return him, Kaduna people will give him 90 per cent of their votes.”

    While lauding the group for its efforts, he urged members to consolidate on what the party has done in terms of canvasing for votes in the coming elections.

    Shuaibu said the idea of the door- to- door campaign they are embarking on was influenced by brain cracking to ensure that Buhari comes out victorious in the forthcoming elections.

    Read Also: Choosing between Buhari and Atiku

    The Buhari -led administration, he said, deserves a second term judging by its performances in all sectors.

    According to him: “In the history of governance in Nigeria, APC under President Buhari has done tremendously well in all the six geo political zone. Buhari’s laudable projects have direct bearing on the lives of people in the country.”

    He explained their support was based on the President’s numerous achievements, saying that without any doubt Buhari will floor his opponents based on the support of Nigerians.

    “Buhari’s re-election would ensure continuity in the positive affairs of the nation.

    “What we are doing in Kaduna today is to add value to what the President has come to do when he visited the state for his rally sometimes ago, and with what we are seeing Kaduna seems to be a state that will give good number of votes to Mr. President in the coming elections.

    “Throughout our campaign in Kaduna, we are going to ensure that there is no use of hate speeches,” he stated

  • Trade Fair traders back Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Traders and artisans at the International Trade Fair in Lagos on Thursday declared support for the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential and governorship candidates President Muhammadu Buhari and Babajide Sanwo-Olu respectively at a mega rally.

    The traders, who staged a walk round the market and engaged in voter education exercises, said their support for the APC was as a result of the improvement the market had witnessed under the current government.

    According to them, they were particularly impressed by the leadership style of the Executive Director of the International Trade Fair Mrs. Lucy Ajayi, an appointee of Buhari, who had ensured peace, transparency and accountability in the market.

    Among those who partook in the rally were former executive members of the market- Chief Paschal Udeh, Chief Alex Odunukwe, Chief Oscar Odogwu and Comrade Uba Amechi.

    Speaking at the rally, Udeh said he was supporting the APC because of Mrs. Ajayi’s strides in the market, adding that they have been able to conduct their businesses without fear of violence since she took over.

    He said: “I have been in this market for many years and I know how violent it used to be. People used to be scared. There was hardly a day that there wasn’t a fight and bloodshed. But all that has changed since this regime came in.

    “I do not know Buhari but because of the good things Mama Lucy Ajayi has done in this market, I am supporting APC.

    “We have never had it so good. We have had several executive directors in trade fair in the past, they were not accessible. She has been able to achieve this much because she listens and has vision.

    “They have promised to do more especially provision of road and I belief they will do it. So, we are calling on out people to vote for Buhari during presidential and Sanwo-Olu at the governorship elections.

    “We do not want another party to come in and scuttle the good plans already on ground.”

    During an aside interview with reporters, Mrs. Ajayi said the people’s support for the APC was a testament of the party’s good governance, assuring that government would commence construction of bad roads in the market soon.

    She said the traders had also regained trust in the system and were paying their taxes and levies, which they stopped under the previous administration.

    “When I came in, I met N44 million but right now we have been able to generate over one billion naira into the federation account. Not just the Treasury Single Accounts (TSA) but also the consolidated account.

    “Before now we usually have N34 or N44 million as budget but right now over a billion was approved because at the budget presentation, I told the lawmakers that I have studied the market and we can generate more money,” said Ajayi.

    Read Also: High, low points of Lagos trade fair

    Mrs. Ajayi said she got the President’s approval to effect positive changes in the market, claiming that most of the youths causing trouble have been gainfully employed.

    “We had to work to bring back the glory of this trade fair. We had someone who ran the affairs of this place under the past administration and for nine years, no dime was remitted to the federation purse.

    “It was supposed to be a developmental contract or concessioning and it was obvious he did the opposite.

    “But since I came which is barely two years, I have been able to make a difference because my principal, President Muhammed Buhari gave me all the freedom to do all I need to do.

    “What I heard from the past Executive directors was that madam if you say anything against what that person was saying, you will lose your job.

    “He gives you a mandate and he gives you the freedom to execute that mandate. By February ending we will commence construction work on the five kilometer road that has been hanging on. That is a land mark victory because when I came in here the first thing the traders said was that they were in bondage and that they were made to pay unnecessary levies whereas, the roads are bad.

    “They complained about their trucks are falling and so, I did some palliative measures on the road to reduce incidences of falling trucks. I did not seek permission from anyone to do so and no one has penalised me because it was the right thing.”

  • Delta APC inaugurates 4,000 canvassers for Buhari

    The leadership of mainstream of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta State chapter has concluded plans to inaugurate 4,000 canvassers on Saturday February 9th in Asaba.

    Drawn from 270 wards in the state, the inauguration is part of efforts towards securing another four years term for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Leader of the mainstream Delta APC, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor in a statement, said: “One area where Delta APC has unity of purpose is that Delta must contribute to getting President Buhari get four more years in office.

    “To this end, I have been working assiduously with our party structure ably led by Chief Cyril Ogodo to ensure that we, the Mainstream of the party in Delta State contribute our own quota to getting votes out towards giving our dear President another four years in office.

    “I’m therefore, happy to announce to you that working with our party structure, we are organising a conference for the inaugural and commissioning of 4000 canvassers for a door to door campaign program in Delta State for the re-election of President Mohammadu Buhari.

    “This Conference is slated for Saturday February 9th, commencing 8am at Grand Hotel, Asaba.

    “The aim is to train a 4000 strong force of Canvassers and equip them with materials (Buhari Flyers, posters etc) to proceed on a door to door campaign in the 270 wards of Delta State.

    Read Also: APC seeks postponement of Rivers gov election

    “Each canvasser shall be charged to bring in a minimum of 100 votes.

    “The 4000 Canvassers are therefore expected to get out a minimum of 400,000 votes for our President.

    “This will be in addition to the expected efforts of our other party members and leaders.

    “The canvassers shall commence work on February 10th and shall canvass intensely for six days. The canvassers shall be supported by 10 Buhari branded campaign vehicles mounted with loud blaring speakers also distributing Flyers and Posters.

    “The vehicles shall operate one each, in the 10 Federal Constituencies in the State. These vehicles have been contributed to the campaign programme and shall also be launched at the conference.

    “Chief Cyril Ogodo is already reaching out right now to party structure and leaders as we seek to recruit the 4000 canvassers from among our members across the state”.

  • Buhari greets Ohinoyi of Ebiraland at 90

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr) Ado Ibrahim on the occasion of his 90th birthday celebration.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, joined family members, the good people of Ebiraland in Kogi State and other well-wishers in thanking the Almighty God for preserving the life of the eminent traditional ruler with good health, courage and passion to lead his subjects and community since he ascended the throne of his ancestors in 1997.

    Read Also: Buhari, Osinbajo under divine protection, says APC

    On the auspicious occasion, the President extolled the nonagenarian’s numerous contributions to national peace and stability, wise counsels to political office holders and constant show of concern and love to the less privileged in the society.

    He prayed Almighty God to preserve the life of his good friend and royal father to continue serving his community, the nation and humanity.

  • ACPN to Ezekwesili: Return our money or face court action

    The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has asked the former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili to return of all monies generated during her short stint with the party, threatening to issue an order of mandamus against her.

    National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima told a news men in Abuja that the former Minister thought that politics was like the bring back our girls project which she coordinated, adding that the accounts rendered by her to the party was unacceptable and was subsequently rejected.

    Both the party and its presidential candidate have engaged in the war of words following the later’s withdrawal from the race and the subsequent endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari by the party.

    Galadima said Ezekwesili only invested N100, 000 being the money she paid for her expression of interest form instead of N500, 000 which she was supposed to pay, but started sourcing for funds for her presidential campaign even before she joined the party and was given the ticket.

    He said the party “reject in entirety everything she submitted”, telling the former minister that a political party is different from a charity organisation or the #BringBackOurGirls where she belong too.

    “So, we are rejecting everything she submitted in entirety, we wanted to know all the content of the accounts and see the accounts because at the end of the day it is not the presidential candidate that INEC will hold responsible according to the law but the party, and whatever any candidate generated for his or her campaign belong to the party.

    Read Also: Ezekwesili resigns from ACPN

    “We are expecting that she will respond at the appropriate time. But if she doesn’t, we may be compelled to go to court to seek for order of Mandamus.”

    Galadima said from all indications, Ezekwesili does not have capacity to contest a presidential election, adding that ordinary Lapel that the presidential candidate wore on her chest and distributed to members was paid for by the national secretary of the party.

    “For somebody who want to contest for presidency, all you could generate for period of three months was just N43 million and spent everything by herself. She could not even disclose to the party the sources of the fund and how much she was able to generate.

    “We wanted to know the full details of all the accounts she opened because when you look at the statement she made available there are four difference accounts which we didn’t know anything about.

    “Look at the Omoyele Sowore, he publicly disclosed on a national TV recently that his campaign has been able to generate about N99 million for the party. In addition, he has also told the world how this money could be traced.

    “So why is there no transparency in madam Ezekwesili’s project? That is the bone of contention.

    “So, we are rejecting everything she submitted in entirety, we wanted to know all the content of the accounts and see the accounts because at the end of the day it is not the presidential candidate that INEC will hold responsible according to the law but the party, and whatever any candidate generated for his or her campaign belong to the party.

    “We are expecting that she will respond at the appropriate time but if she doesn’t, we may be compelled to go to court to seek for order of Mandamus.”

  • Only righteousness will elevate Nigeria – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Church to continue to stand for righteousness and truth, and preach against all forms of corruption.

    Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, made the appeal on Thursday in Makurdi at the 15th Biennial Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

    He said it was important for the Church to always stand on the side of righteousness and truth, as ”it is only righteousness that can elevate our country.”

    He lamented the recurring crises in Benue since 2011, and called on herders and farmers to sheath their swords and live in peace.

    Read Also: Buhari restates commitment to develop Nigeria

    ”It happens without exceptions. In fact without exceptions. But with your prayers there is peace and your meeting here is in peace. With your prayers it has been put under control.

    ”If it were before now your families would have discouraged you from visiting Benue because of the clashes. God will make Benue a point of contact to all nations,” the president said.

    On the forthcoming general election, Buhari said its outcome was in the hands of God and urged all Nigerians to play their part within the confines of the law.

    Earlier, National President, PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude, assured that the Church would continue to pray for the president and his administration.

    Omobude pledged that the Church would not leave the country’s leaders out of its prayers.

    NAN