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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari to Tarabans: I will complete Mambilla hydropower project

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday promised the people of Taraba State he would complete the Mambilla hydropower project, if he is re-elected.

    Buhari spoke at the Jolly Nyame Stadium during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and governorship rally in Jalingo -the Taraba State capital.

    “The Mambilla hydropower project is the main project that will bring accelerated development in your State; it will generate enough electricity for you to do businesses and improve your living standard. I will complete it, if you re-elect me,” he said.

    Buhari, who recognized the fact that Taraba is an agrarian State, said he will tackle poverty and make sure Taraba farmers access fertilizer at subsidised rate during cropping seasons.

    He disclosed he would continue his fight corruption and will make sure he fights Boko Haram to finish.

    “No religion permits corruption, violence and injustice,” Buhari noted.

    Read Also: Buhari restates commitment to develop Nigeria

    APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, described Buhari as the only honest man among the presidential candidates.

    He said the PDP had died and decayed since 2015 and should not be expected to resurrect at the polls.

    He said: “PDP will fail. They had fallen and they died in sin. The Bible tells us that he who perishes in sin shall never resurrect.”

    The APC national chairman received decampees. Among them were: Emmanuel Bello (former Public Affairs aide to Governor Darius Ishaku), Abba Akawu, (former commissioner of Poverty Alleviation) and Emmanuel George (former Special Adviser to the governor on Youths Development).

    Sani Abubakar Danladi, Who is the Taraba APC standard bearer, called on Taraba people to come out in mass and vote for Buhari on February 16.

    “Taraba is APC, and Buhari and I are going to win Taraba,” Danladi said. He urged President Buhari to “provide enough security at the polls, to ensure the election is not rigged.”

     

     

  • Nigerian army and Buratai’s pleasant surprises

    Troublemakers have no hiding place in Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. Those propelled by veiled dark forces, who think Nigerians should not have peace will be haunted by their own nightmares. There is no sane reason any person or armed gangs/militias should feel Nigeria should be deprived of peace or never to have peaceful elections.

    Quite unacceptably, the penchant for violence has compelled President Muhammadu Buhari to consistently deploy soldiers for internal security. Though, it is not unlawful; but however, it is a subtle excessive use of the military, which should be preserved for insecurity threats to the nation from external aggressors.

    An African adage says, “ a child who does not allow his mother to have a blissful night rest, also deprives himself of sleep.” The troubleshooters in Nigeria can plot their evil. But the incumbent political leadership of Nigeria is not tired of checkmating their destructive excesses either.

    And the armed criminals and electoral fraudsters are unfortunate now because the leadership of the Nigerian Army under the guidance of the COAS and henchman of the counter-insurgency operations, Gen. TY Buratai is not a leader who brooks such insecurity threats. He is ever prepared to meet such incensed miscreants at their door steps and dungeons.

    Gen. Buratai doesn’t fail to comply with any presidential order to its last word. And he surprises Nigerians by executing such directives on the civilian populace with decency and utmost respect for the sanctity of the human rights and lives of Nigerians. He restricts himself to only armed gangs. Law abiding citizens are usually on the same page with him because they savour the protection the soldiers offer them.

    When President Buhari directed the COAS to deploy soldiers in aid of civil security to checkmate armed and violent electoral fraudsters in the 2019 general elections, some dissenting voices vibrated from suspicious quarters. But they were not strong enough to wane his determination.

    Those who misunderstand this Army Chief thought they could intimidate him by whipping empty sentiments about over militarization of the electoral process. But Gen. Buratai led soldiers on this outing and came out shinier than their adversaries thought it possible.

    Gen. Buratai gave them food for thought. He countered the detractors with a stronger warning that those who are intent on snatching ballot boxes might be doing it for the last time in their history of politicking. He sounded harsh; but was very civil in the operations of safeguarding the ballot of February 23, 2019. Before this hour, many Nigerians who listened to him concluded that soldiers are on another mission of bloodletting.

    But they were wrong.The Army Chief was only concerned that no Nigerian should be hindered from casting his vote in the election on account of brute force. He did not conceal his disposition even to Army personnel whom he sternly cautioned that those unwilling to comply with his orders or unready to be loyal to the Army leadership must retire from service before February 22, a day to the elections.

    So, even within the Army his tough utterances left many shuddering. Even this writer was skeptical about consenting to soldiers’ participation in the electoral process. The phobia of the likelihood of soldiers on election duty freely spilling blood on election day was benumbing.

    It caused instant prayers for God intercession and also, stimulated a research on what soldiers do in other African countries when deployed on election duty. The experiences of Liberia and, Sierra Leone were not commendable. The Egyptian experiences during the Arab spring too were also not pleasant.

    But the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Buhari had given an order. And no one else could withdraw it, except him, in spite of the public apprehension over it. And the COAS too could not violate it by failing to comply. Nigerians resigned to fate, with minds fixated on seeing the worse of the army in supervising the electoral process.

    Luckily, Gen. Buratai surprised every Nigerian. Soldiers mostly adorned in their civil friendly khaki uniforms manned the elections, even in the most remotest parts of Nigeria. They were civil, friendly and accommodating to all civilians. Those who incurred their wrath were the armed gangs and electoral fraudsters spotted in some places, who were bent on thwarting a genuine ballot.

    But rather than visit them with brutality, soldiers arrested the culprits quietly, who were handed over to civil security for prosecution. No blood was spilled. No Nigerian was tortured or held hostage by by soldiers in the barracks. Nigeria benefitted more as the people had the freedom to exercise their civic responsibilities without molestations or intimidations from armed political thugs.

    Thus, it dawned on Nigerians, as real, the publicized, pleasant character of Gen. Buratai. Through actions, the Army boss has again demonstrated that he is a loyal officer and patriotic soldier. He has shown that he is more interested in the defence of the security and peace of Nigerians to enable them engage in legitimate pursuits, wherever they may reside in the country. It is a statement that as long as he remains the head of the Nigerian Army, no armed group would be allowed to feast on the liberties, security and peace of Nigerians.

    Read Also:Russia, Nigeria collaborate on nuclear energy

     

    Gen. Buratai who is touted as the “Peoples General,” again confirmed through his actions that he an enviable human rights ambassador and holds such principles to very sacrosanct in all his interactions or engagements’ with the Nigerian public. He has never spared any soldier reported to have infringed on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

    Nigerians must necessarily know that Nigerian soldiers of today are remarkably different from what obtained prior to 2015 and before the appointment of Gen. Buratai as COAS. The Army leadership now does not condone unethical conduct or any professional malfeasance. Indolence in the line of duty is resented like a plaque. Every soldier now sticks to prescribed creeds and professional decorum at the times.

    In the immediate past, such standards of excellent professional conduct were impossible. Many Nigerians lost confidence in soldiers and never appreciated them. It was before the Buhari Presidency when they shirked before Boko Haram terrorists and failed to protect Nigerians and the territorial integrity of the country.

    But the recent victorious outings of soldiers against insurgents have changed such negative perceptions. Every Nigerian should join the rest of the world to say, bravo to the Nigerian Army.

    Ugo wrote this article from the United Kingdom.

  • 3,000 food vendors in Oyo declare support for Buhari/Osinbajo

    No fewer than 3,000 food vendors in Oyo State have declared their support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The vendors had on Wednesday staged a peaceful rally in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, to declare their support for Buhari and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the food vendors, drawn from the 33 Local Government Areas in the state, were those under the Federal Government Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

    Mrs Toyosi Ajobo, the State Coordinator, said they decided to endorse and declare their support for Buhari, having measured the impact of the feeding programme on their lives and their children.

    “We want to say to President Muhammadu Buhari that we are so grateful and we wish him good health. We, the food vendors in Oyo state, are so grateful for his kind gesture.

    “As parents, we got the job to take care of our families and it is also good for our children from Primary 1 to 3.

    “The number of school children is increasing and they are all happy staying in school as they eat free food.

    “With all these, we are sure that Mr President wants progress for all Nigerians. With this food, children come to school early and even stay in school. We are grateful, as parents and as the vendors,” she said.

    Ajobo also noted that the Buhari-led administration had done well in the area of agriculture, another reason for which the vendors were supporting the president’s second term bid.

    Read Also: Oyo: Gunmen kill one, injure others

    “Agriculture is improving. Before now, when farmers have excess produce, what they fail to sell end up as waste, which often discourage them from farming.

    “But when the Federal Government started this initiative, farming has gone to another level and all farm produce are now in abundance and selling fast.

    “We patronise the farmers and poultry producers who are always happy for creating the market to help mop up their farm produce. We are grateful to PMB for the efforts,” she said.

    She thanked Gov. Abiola Ajimobi for allowing the state to be part of the first batch to accept the programme, saying they are grateful and better for it.

    Mrs Bola Ajagbe, the State Financial Secretary of the group, expressed happiness that despite not being a politician or card-carrying member of any party, she was shortlisted to be a beneficiary of the scheme.

    According to her, the transparent and non-partisan nature of the selection of the vendors makes the initiative a truly national project in the interest of the people and the country as a whole.

    NAN reports that other road users suffered traffic gridlock as the vendors stormed the street with placards, singing various solidarity songs in support of Buhari.

    NAN

  • Buhari assents to Federal Competition and Consumer Protection bill

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2019.

    This was contained in a statement by the Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.

    He said the Act establishes the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Consumer Protection Tribunal to try violations.

    The law, he said, is to promote economic efficiency, maintain competitive market in the Nigerian economy, protect the Nigerian economy, protect the interest and welfare of consumers by providing consumers with wide variety of quality products at competitive prices as well as prohibit restrictive or unfair business practices in the Nigerian economy.

    Read Also: Buhari promises adequate security for poll

    He said: “This law repeals the Consumer Protection Council Act and sections 118 – 128 of the Investment and Securities Act.

    “Further functions of the Commission include, among others:

    “(a) initiate broad-based policies and review economic activities in Nigeria to identify anti-competitive, anti-consumer protection and restrictive practices which may adversely affect the economic interest of consumers and make rules and regulations under this Act and any other enactment with regards to competitions and protection of consumers;

    “(b) advise the Federal Government generally on national policies and matters pertaining to all goods and services and on the determination of national norms and standards relating to competition and consumer protection;

    “(c) report annually on market practices and the implications for consumer choice and competition in the consumer market;

    “(d) eliminate anti-competitive agreements, misleading, unfair, deceptive or unconscionable marketing, trading and business practices;

    “(e) resolve disputes or complaints, issue directives and apply sanctions where necessary;

    “(f) create public awareness through seminars, workshops, studies and make available information with regard to the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions to the public;

    “(g) regulate and seek ways and means of removing or eliminating from the market, hazardous goods and services, including emission, untested, controversial, emerging or new technologies, products or devices whatsoever, and cause offenders to replace such goods or services with safer and more appropriate alternatives;

    “(h) publish, from time to time, list of goods and services whose consumption and sale have been banned, withdrawn, restricted or are not approved by the Federal Government or foreign governments;

    “(i) encourage trade, industry and professional associations to develop and enforce in their various fields quality standards designed to safeguard the interest of consumers.”

    This Act, he said, has accordingly, upon assent been remitted to the National Assembly/Appropriate Authorities as law of the Federation.

  • Buhari’s Mega Rally: Lagos restricts movement in 18 major routes

    Ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign visit to Lagos on Saturday, the State government in conjunction with the Transport sub-Committee of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign on Wednesday said vehicular movement would be restricted around Surulere axis.

    It advised market women, residents and transporters to stay away from the axis on Saturday.

    Chairman, Sub-Committee on Transportation for the campaign, former Minister of State for Defense, Mr Demola Seriki stated this at a Travel Advisory press briefing he addressed at the Secretariat, Alausa on Wednesday.

    The committee also disclosed that over 500 officials of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority, 150 Federal Road Safety Corps officials and other police and Department of the State Security, DSS, personnel are expected to manage the traffic and security in Lagos during the presidential campaign.

    To reduce and manage vehicular movement into the state and especially in the axis, the FRSC has also banned movement of trucks and tankers into the state between Friday and Saturday.

    At the rally, the Transport sub-Committee said that over 100,000 people are expected at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the mega rally.

    Areas to be affected are: National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadia, Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lawanson/Itire Road/Tejuosho Road, Apapa Road Costain, Abebe Village/Eric Moore Road, Eko Bridge/Apongbon,  Marina Road, Ikorodu Road, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Old Toll Gate/Third Mainland Bridge/Obalende, International Airport Road, Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway,Agege Motor Road, Jibowu, Yaba-Muritala Mohammed Way Iddo/Otto, Herbert Macaulay Way – Adekunle, Ijora Olopa/Ijora

    Briefing journalists on the planned traffic diversion and other logistics put in place to ensure a hitch-free presidential campaign rally, Seriki appealed to Lagosians to stay off Surulere axis on Saturday.

    Seriki, who was in company of other members of te committe like the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Ladi Lawanson,  the  General Manager of LASTMA, Wale Musa, the state FRSC sector Commander, Hygenius Omeje and other stakeholders in the state, said that the roads would be shut between 10 am to 6pm.

    Read Also: Lagos on the march again

    He said: “The visit, billed for Saturday, February 9, 2019 will afford the President opportunity to meet with the people and address them directly about his plans and programmes for them if re-elected into office in the forthcoming general elections. As is usual, especially at this time when elections are in the air, coupled with the fact that the President has a large following across the land whose throng to the venue of the campaign visit at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, will expectedly affect the traffic situation in the metropolis.

    “In the light of this, we have, in collaboration with all the concerned and necessary agencies of government, designed a programme to ensure free flow of traffic while the visited lasts. Accordingly, this Travel Advisory is hereby issued to advise members of the public on alternative routes to ensure that all those who will not be at the venue of the campaign do not get stuck in traffic on the following routes that will be affected”

    He added that the traffic will therefore either be closed or diverted on the 18 major routes.

    “Alaka (by Lanre Shittu Motors) on the service lane inwards stadium will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to the stadium bridge on the main carriage way. Shitta inwards Stadium and Stadium inwards Shitta will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele Extension. Traffic from Baracks to Stadium on Funsho Williams Avenue will be diverted to Stadium Bridge on the main carriage way to Alaka,” Seriki said.

    Also speaking, the General Manager, LASTMA, Mr Wale Musa said that 500 officials of the agency would be deployed to manage traffic on the day while the FRSC boss, Omeje said that trucks and tankers had been warned to stay away from Lagos from Friday to Saturday.

    Asked what alternative routes were made for the trucks coming into Lagos from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Omeje said that the FRSC had discussed with the various unions on parking outside Lagos, saying most of the truck had been informed to make use of Ogere and other places along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    “Alaka (by Lanre Shittu Motors) on the service lane inwards stadium will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to the stadium bridge on the main carriage way. Shitta inwards Stadium and Stadium inwards Shitta will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele Extension. Traffic from Baracks to Stadium on Funsho Williams Avenue will be diverted to Stadium Bridge on the main carriage way to Alaka.

  • Obaseki okays construction of Ugun-Amahor Road

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured residents of Igueben Local Government Area of his administration’s resolve to mobilise contractors to commence the construction of Ugun-Amahor Road, a step he said would scale up agricultural and other economic activities in the area.

    He said this while addressing supporters of the APC at the party’s campaign rally in Igueben, on Wednesday.

    Obaseki said: “I have decided to construct Ugun-Amahor Road to open up the area and boost agricultural and other economic activities.”

    He persuaded voters in the area to come out in large number to cast their votes for their son, John Inegbedion, the APC senatorial candidate for Edo Central senatorial seat, describing him as a trustworthy Edo son he has known for over 10 years.

    He also urged the residents to vote for all APC candidates, adding that victory for President Muhammadu Buhari would translate to victory for him and added: “Having your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is not enough but coming out to vote for APC should be the focus.”

    Earlier, Obaseki visited the paramount ruler of Igueben, the Okaigun of Esanland, His Royal Highness, Ehizojie Eluojierior, where he introduced the APC candidates and solicited for the traditional ruler’s support to ensure victory for APC candidates in the elections.

    Among the APC candidates contesting in the forthcoming elections in the area are: Mr. Ephraim Aluebhosele, APC Edo State House of Assembly candidate for Igueben Constituency seat; Deacon Idiake Patrick, APC candidate for Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency; and Hon. John Osagie Inegbedion, APC candidate for Edo Central Senatorial District.

    Receiving new members who decamped from other parties to the APC at the campaign rally, Chairman, Edo State chapter of APC, Barr. Anselm Ojezua, urged residents of the area to come out en mass to support the emergence of APC candidates at the polls, to sustain the socio-economic growth being experienced in the area under the APC-led government.

    APC Chairman in Igueben LGA, Mr. Sylvester Odia, commended governor Obaseki for deepening development in the state, especially efforts at fast -tracking the accreditation of the College of Education, Igueben, adding, “We are happy to receive you in Igueben and we see your giant strides in infrastructural development.”

  • Buhari promises adequate security for poll

    President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to provide adequate security to guarantee the conduct of the forthcoming general election in the country.

    Buhari made the promise on Wednesday in Makurdi during the Presidential campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Aper Aku Stadium.

    He appealed to the electorate not to be intimidated by turning out massively to vote for APC candidates at all levels during the election.

    The president said the APC was the only party that has the capacity and political will to tackle challenges in the country.

    Buhari reiterated his commitment to improving agriculture saying that recent policies had already made the sector attractive.

    Read Also: Buhari arrives Makurdi for campaign rally

    Speaking on the fight against corruption, the president admitted that it was quite challenging but assured that he would not relent until the country is rid of corrupt elements.

    Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman, APC, said the primary role of governors was to encourage diverse groups in their domain to coexist peacefully.

    Oshiomhole, who advised the people to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Emmanuel Jime, said if given the mandate, he would pay salaries promptly.

    NAN

  • 2019 polls will be hitch-free, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured that the 2019 General Elections will be credible and peaceful

    The Governor said so far, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have shown their commitments and preparedness for a one man, one vote.

    Akeredolu spoke on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Strategic Stakeholders’ Dialogue On Peaceful and Violence free General elections in Nigeria at International Centre for Culture and Event (The Dome), Akure, the state capital.

    The programme was organised for South West States by the United Nations Development Programme and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ondo State Government.

    The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, lauded Buhari for the facilitation of the early release of fund to INEC, which he said would enable the commission to exhibit high level of independence, objectivity, transparency and high standard of professionalism in the delivery of its primary mandate.

    He also reassured the gathering that the Buhari’s administration is committed with other tiers of governments and relevant stakeholders in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the coming elections.

    Read Also: Akeredolu restates commitment to Ondo development

    According to him “the President has assured Nigerians and the global community that the processes leading to the general election will be open and devoid of political interference”.

    Akeredolu charged both the foreign and local observers to work with INEC and security personnel and to also ensure they act and be seen to act with impartiality.

    “I implore local and international journalists, media, organizations, social commentators, to be more objective in their reportage and provide equal access to media platforms for all political parties and candidates in order to promote political fairness”, he stated.

    Stakeholders at the event included, representative of Governor of Osun State, Security Chiefs, Political, Traditional and Spiritual leaders, representatives of INEC, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others.

  • Insecurity: Stop globetrotting, commit resources, energy in resolving conflicts – group tells governors

    Nigerian Governors have come under attack over their perceived cold attitude towards the endless killings and unrest in the region.
    Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG), while calling on governors in Nigeria to wake up and take a decisive action over the spate of killings, kidnappings and criminality , said the lukewarm attitude of the Governors and stakeholders in the country  is becoming worrisome, to say the least.
    The Leadership of Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG) and members gave this charge after an emergency meeting to cross-examine the unending crises in some sections of the country.
    It tasked them to commit resources, energy into resolving conflicts and stop globetrotting.
    The group, which met at Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, Thursday, April 25, 2019 in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said it was pained with the unprovoked invasions of our communities by armed assailants in parts of the country , while governors in the areas watch without swinging into action to end the meance.
    The group in a communiqué signed at the end of the emergency meeting by Prince Raymond Enero President, MBCG  & Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee (CDC) and Dr. Paul Itodo, Secretary- General, MBCG &, Communique Drafting Committee (CDC), condemned the killings; the untold hardships, dislocations of communal life, the pains, and agonies, now experienced by otherwise peaceful communities and the fate of our people or survivors who are now compelled to go through this undeserved accidental physical and psychological trauma.
    They called on the state governors in the country  to rise up to the challenge and end the protracted crises, which had claimed many lives and valuables.
    The communiqué reads below.
    The meeting unanimously identified with our people’s pains of losing beloved ones, displacements of people and the connected inconveniences imposed on them by these attacks from satanic and heartless souls. We collectively prayed for the souls of our departed brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the senseless carnages and wished that may Almighty God grant their innocent souls eternal rest in His bosom.
    The forum stated clearly that the people of Middle Belt are communally bonded or are united by the same blood, cultures, traditions and a common destiny in Nigeria, especially in the land our forebears dwelled, which we have inherited.  And that the preponderance of violence and  the brazen extermination of our kith and kin  in this region are against the spirit of our ancestors.
    Therefore, all actors, passive or impassive must sheathe their swords for peace and security to reign in this region.  And indeed, in other parts of Northern Nigeria, where violence has replaced peace and harmonious co-existence as members of the same ancestry.
    We also resolved to advise all communities to learn to amicably settle all disputes, rather than the prevailing trend of impulsive resort to violence and killings of one another.  We sincerely commiserate with our people over the sad crises, which most or all of the times reflect our dilemma as a people or communities abandoned by our respective failed state leaders. They mask as State Governors for politicking sake and thereafter, go in pursuit of a worthless and unlucrative lucre abroad, while in public service.
    MBCG reached a consensus resolution to caution and even warn the State Governors of States domiciled in the Middle Belt and other parts of Northern Nigeria, such as those of Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Zamfara, Katsina states and others to stand up for their first and foremost Constitutional responsibility of securing the lives and property of their citizens.
    The resolution also reminded these State Governors to understand, the 2019 electioneering campaigns/elections and the brawl-beating or escapism from the leadership they seek are over now. It’s enough that these “failed politicians” who have retained themselves back to power or planted stooges, must necessarily warm their seats in offices to focus on governance, than striking enmity with main rivals and supporters.
    A resolution also reminded these State Governors that the first port of call when there is a breach of security in their respective states is to arrest it with the hundreds of millions in security votes they collect every month from the federation account to tame the tide. The idea of “pocketing” security votes, instead of channeling it to nip crisis in the bud before it escalates only to look unto to the Presidency to deploy the military for damage control is unacceptable onwards.
    We resolved that these State Governors must begin to commit States resources and allocations, especially, security votes, collected on behalf of the people into resolving security issues and desist from misappropriating same for globetrotting and purchase of choice properties in Abuja, Dubai, China and in other parts of the world.
    Added, the meeting resolved that these State Governors should initiate peace and reconciliations parleys within the divisive political clans in their various states. It’s obvious the renewed violence and killings in the Middle Belt and armed banditry in the Northwest are instigated by these politicians/ state leaders.
    We appeal to these politicians with over- bloated ego to the extent of overlooking the security of lives and property to bury their pride and seek citizenship protection by whatever means possible for us to be safe.  It behooves on these state leaders to evolve home-grown solutions by consulting and collaborating with the traditional, community, opinion and religious leaders to find enduring solutions to these crises, which are peculiar to the different geographical entities and cannot be solved centrally by using one approach alone.
    It’s clear to us that  in the build-up to the last general elections, these politicians ”armed youths to snatch ballot boxes,”  but were not allowed to exercise this might because of the heavy presence of security  for Nigerians to cast their lawful votes unmolested or harassed. Its time for them to call for armistice and disarm the youths they empowered with guns to kill and maim for political reasons.
    We commended the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) led by President Muhammadu Buhari by its proactive reactions through the instant deployment of troops to curtail some of the outbreaks of violence and killings in most of these states.  It’s an applauded demonstration of compliance with his oath of office to protect lives and property of Nigerians, despite the apparent slack and dereliction of duty by some of these state Governors/leaders.

     

  • Southwest Muslims endorse Buhari

    A Muslim group in the South West, Trust Alliance Foundation for Change, (TAFC), has endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari for re-election in the forthcoming general election.

    Its Coordinator, Dr. Morufu Afolabi, said, the endorsement of Buhari from its part was hinged on the policy-driven and ethical government that has been entrenched in the country since the coming on board of the President and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    At a news conference on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital with members from the south-west states, Afolabi berated the statement credited to the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on the alleged plan to sell off of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) to his “friends”.

    This he noted had revealed that the former Vice President cannot be trusted with governance.

    He said “We base our decision to work and vote for the success of Buhari/Osinbajo in the forthcoming presidential election on the level of integrity and achievement in the fight against corruption, infrastructure development.

    “We are convinced that the expected Modern Nigeria is achievable if we have the like of Buhari as Governors and Chairmen in all the 36 States and 774 LGAs in the federation.

    Afolabi urged Nigerians, particularly the south-west electorate to ensure that President Buhari is re-elected during this month’s presidential polls, adding that the region would benefit more.

    He said”Nigerians should look beyond Buhari/Osinbajo winning the 2019 Presidential Election and be more concerned about how to get similar credible candidates who will take over from them after expiration of their term in 2023.

    The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro said “Buhari will win the election hands down as no credible candidate is available to defeat him.

    “As regards PVC, we have sensitised the public on the need to obtain their PVCs as it is the only mean to determine who govern them. We have informed the public to shun vote buying as this could be disastrous to the survival of our nationhood.”