The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammed Buhari

  • Account for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to urgently account for all Nigerian pilgrims in the aftermath of last Thursday’s disaster at Mina.

    The Presidential directive followed conflicting reports on the number of Nigerians who died or suffered injuries in the catastrophe which claimed over 700 lives.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, was said to be very concerned that days after the unfortunate incident, some Nigerian families are still grappling with painful uncertainty over the fate of their relatives who traveled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

    He expected the National Hajj Commission to work with the various state pilgrim boards, Islamic organisations and private travel agencies involved in Hajj operations to speedily provide a confirmed and verifiable report on the status of every Nigerian pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.

    President Buhari has also directed the Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to give all necessary assistance to Nigerians who are still receiving treatment for injuries suffered in Mina.

    He continues to pray that Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the dead, comfort bereaved families, heal the injured and bring all surviving Nigerian pilgrims safely home.

  • Buhari: trial of NNPC looters to start soon

    Buhari: trial of NNPC looters to start soon

    Government will sanitise the oil industry and free it from corruption and shady deals, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Sunday in United States.

    He said those responsible for the corruption in the giant oli firm will soon be prosecuted.

    The president spoke in New York during a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the side lines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations.

    He said the first step in this direction had already been taken with the appointment of a new management for the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsequent reorganisation.

    He said that the prosecution of those who misappropriated NNPC’s revenue under past administrations will soon commence.

    Buhari commended President Xi for China’s assistance to Nigeria to curb the theft of crude oil.

    He applauded China’s interception of shipload of crude oil stolen from Nigeria which was to be sold and their proceeds paid into private accounts.

    “We know your stand on corruption and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated, ” he said.

    Buhari told his Chinese counterpart that under his leadership, the Nigerian military had been re-trained and re-equipped and was now making steady gains in the fight against Boko Haram.

    President Xi said China was involved in the development of Nigeria in diverse areas like construction of railways, airports, agriculture, Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others.

    He promised that China would increase its investment in Nigeria’s agriculture sector to boost food security.

    Xi also promised that his country would invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and assist in the development of human resources.

  • Buhari appoints new FIRS Chairman, DG Budget office

    Buhari appoints new FIRS Chairman, DG Budget office

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appointed Dr. William Babatunde Fowler as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    Fowler’s appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

    Fowler will serve as Acting Executive Chairman of FIRS until his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

    Before his appointment, Dr. Fowler was the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue from 2005 to 2014.

    The statement reads: “He had his higher education in the United States where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Business Administration degree from the California State University.

    “Before joining the service of the Lagos State Government, Dr. Fowler worked in the banking sector for about 20 years with long stints at Credit Lyonnais Nigeria Limited and Chartered Bank.

    “Under his leadership, the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue reportedly achieved a sharp increase in internally generated revenue from an average of N3.6. billion per month in January 2006, to an average of about N20.5 billion per month in 2013.

    “Fowler, who holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree of the Irish International University, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Business Management Association of the United Kingdom.” It stated

    President Buhari has also appointed Mr. Aliyu Yahaya Gusau as Director-General , Budget Office of the Federation.

    Gusau’s appointment, the statement said, is with effect from August 18, 2015 and is for a term of four years, renewable for another four years, unless he attains the retirement age of 60 years or completes 35 years of pensionable service.

  • No nation can beat terror in isolation, says Buhari

    No nation can beat terror in isolation, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night said that Nigeria and neighbouring countries must stand together to defeat the terrorists group, Boko Haram in the sub-region.

    He made the remark at a state dinner in Yaounde, during his two-day working visit to Cameroon.

    Buhari said that countries in the sub-region cannot afford to falter in their resolve to get rid of the evils of terrorists.

    He said: “We recognize that none of us can succeed alone. In order to win this war we need the collective efforts of each one of us, standing together as a formidable force for good, to defeat and end these acts of terror against our people.”

    He also informed guests at the dinner hosted by President Paul Biya that the security situation in the region presented an opportunity for Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin to work together for their common security, peace and socio-economic development.

    “Let me assure all of my relentless pursuit of all possible means to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect the lives and property of our citizens as well as my commitment to continue to collaborate with Cameroon and our neighbours, within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

    “The Federal government of Nigeria is committed to respecting international norms to resolve this matter and to restore normalcy to all the affected areas as soon as possible,’’ he said.

    Buhari, who had earlier on his arrival on Wednesday held a closed-door session with his host, thanked President Biya for providing refuge to Nigerians who had fled their homes because of the insurgents.

    He also commended Cameroon for its support to Nigerian military and security personnel in the fight against terrorism and offered his condolences to the families of the victims of terror in both countries.

    He also announced Nigeria’s willingness to expand economic partnerships with Cameroon, through increased joint ventures in infrastructure development, transport and commerce, among others.

    Buhari welcomed the achievements so far recorded by the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission and all the landmark agreements signed between both countries.

    Describing the relations between both countries as excellent, he recognized the roles played by past and present leaders and Nigerian citizens in sustaining friendly relations with Cameroon.

    Biya, while congratulating President Buhari for a successful inauguration into office, said that Buhari’s electoral victory has provided an opportunity for him to preside over the “destiny of Nigeria.”

    He said: “Mr President, a dark cloud is looming over our countries even as we welcome you; we are facing the same threat, which may rock the foundation of our two nations.

    “This danger bears the name of Boko Haram, its atrocities and crimes are jeopardizing peace around Lake Chad and especially in our two countries.

    “The number of dead and victims are rising, economic activities have been crippled in affected areas, the number of refugees and displaced persons are ever increasing.

    “We cannot allow this cancer to spread, we must pool our resources and forces and share our experiences,’’ he said.

    President Biya, who reaffirmed Cameroon’s commitment in the fight against terror, welcomed the “fresh push” on economic ties between both countries through easing of trade.

    “I strongly believe in your readiness to work towards that goal and your visit to Cameroon as well as the discussions we have had have strengthened my conviction.” he said

  • Buhari can’t perform magic, needs time – Tinubu

    Buhari can’t perform magic, needs time – Tinubu

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that President Muhammadu Buhari cannot perform magic to bring instant changes to the country.

    He said that Buhari needs time to plan, examine, re-evaluate what is on ground towards taking accurate steps that will bring about the changes Nigerians desire.

    Tinubu spoke to State House correspondents after meeting President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, Nigeria has had many problems because of policies that were created without adequate and effective planning.

    Responding to a question on delayed changes expected by Nigerians, he said: “Excuse me! Let us calm now here. How long ago? May 29th was when this president was sworn in. It is an international norm all over the world, there is an honeymoon period, at least minimum of 100 days honeymoon.

    “And you won’t allow honeymoon at all? You said change is not coming, change is not by magic it is driven by the people, the spirit and the character and the planning.

    “You see, we have had so much problem in this country in the past because we run into policy blind folded without adequate and effective planning you don’t have results unless you plan well,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “The time it takes you to plan, examine, rejig, re-evaluate is more important than the time you just rush into taking action because you are either being sentimental, being emotional and being driven by other forces that are not expected.

    “It is not fair to jump into those conclusions. There must be time to plan, to review and even listen to people. There is a separation between a campaign period, articulating your vision, expressing the promises to Nigerians, there is a time to look at wholistically what you inherited, analysis it, distill and then take action.

    “Even in 100 meters race, there is a time to say on your mark, set, ready, go. So you don’t even want a time to be on your mark, set and go? No no no. You are not being fair.” He added

    He said that the purpose of his visit to President Buhari is to ensure that the right tract is maintained.

    He said: “The purpose of this visit is to see my president and our leader. The purpose is to ensure we are on the right tract and coming back from a very successful trip to United States of America.”

    On the report that the President’s meeting with APC members in the House of Representatives on Monday was deadlocked, he said: “That is the conclusion of the press. Deadlock if we are going for literally translation that is people’s opinion, I have not read any comment from the parties whether it was deadlock or not, that is the media conclusion.

    “But the question is a political process it needs to develop its own life to be worked upon to really stabilize and continue to serve the interest of the populace. As a matter of fact when the National Assembly job starts, the job of lawmaking in earnest, the president needs to step in once in a while as he did to let people to understand the import of the expectations of the public and particularly of the international community on various Programmes and institutions.

    “We need to build the institutions, make it viral and effective for the entire country. To step in to douse any conflict is not a wrong thing or do you think is wrong?” he queried.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” tag=”Tinubu, APC” count=”6″ show_more=”on”]

  • Photo: Buhari meets South West Youths

    Photo: Buhari meets South West Youths

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress , Chief John Oyegun; and APC Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during a Town Hall Meeting with South West Youths, in Lagos…..Thursday Photo :Bola Omilabu
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress , Chief John Oyegun; and APC Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during a Town Hall Meeting with South West Youths, in Lagos…..Thursday
    Photo :Bola Omilabu
  • Jonathan greets Buhari at 72

    Jonathan greets Buhari at 72

    President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) General Muhammadu Buhari on his 72nd birthday anniversary which comes up on Wednesday, December 17.

    In a congratulatory letter addressed to the former Head of State, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty should grant him many more years of good health and personal fulfillment.

    “As you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary, I write, on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to extend warm felicitations to you.

    “I join your family, friends, and well-wishers to thank God for your life and to pray that He continues to guide, guard and prosper you even as He blesses you with many more years of abounding health and personal fulfillment,” President Jonathan wrote, according to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati.

     

  • 2015: Obasanjo, Buhari differ on muslim- muslim presidential ticket

    2015: Obasanjo, Buhari differ on muslim- muslim presidential ticket

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disagreed with the All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential aspirant, General Mohammadu Buhari, on the need for religious consideration in the choice of Presidential and Vice – Presidential candidates for the February 2015 polls by political parties.

    While Buhari believes that what the country and the citizens genuinely need now are president and Vice – President that would place Nigeria first and also pull it out of the brink regardless whether the duo are of muslim -muslim or christian – christian ticket, Obasanjo thinks otherwise.
    According to Obasanjo, a Muslim-Muslim or christian – christian presidential ticket at this time of the nation’s precarious unity is not only absurd but also out of tune with the present day Nigeria.

    The former President who was apparently reacting to Buhari’s position on the issue , said “it will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.”

    Buhari had in an interview with The Cable, an online media, said he saw nothing wrong with Muslim- Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket, adding that this does not in any way makes him a “fundamentalist.”

    But in a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta, Obasanjo said given the current peculiar situation of the country, it is pertinent that any leader or political party should run away from the idea of muslim – muslim or christian – christian ticket in the forthcoming presidential election slated for February next year.

    Obasanjo said: “sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.

    “It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.

    “Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of islamization or Christianization. The idea of proselytization in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.

    “Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the
    highest order but will also amount to,” Obasanjo stated.

  • Photo: Amaechi’s 7th anniversary rally

    Photo: Amaechi’s 7th anniversary rally

  • Buhari warns of looming anarchy

    Buhari warns of looming anarchy

    Former Head of State and National Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari has warned of a looming anarchy in the country which is beyond the ability of the President Goodluck Jonathan led government to control.

    Buhari spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the party’s National Convention to merge with other top opposition parties including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

    “Anarchy is knocking on the door of many sections of this country and the Federal Government has not demonstrated that it has the good sense to understand what is going on, or the competence to check it.

    “The nation is hopelessly adrift. But, if we are to survive, this vicious circle of violence that has engulfed this nation must be brought to an end; and we implore the National Assembly to take the lead in this quest for peace,” Buhari noted.

    He said the patience of the nation and the various communities has been severely tried and stretched to its limits and urged well meaning Nigerians to explore every opportunity to save the country.

    Buhari emphasised that the only way to stabilize the country is for opposition parties to merge and oust the ruling PDP noting that all the parties joining to form All Progressives Congress (APC) are coming in as equals.

    The opposition parties, he said have resolved that henceforth all votes must be counted.

    “This is a historic moment when several different political parties have resolved to come together to change Nigeria for the better and stop the mindless drift that has been going on for the last fourteen years. We must understand and accept that we are here gathered to make history or forever stand accused and condemned by it.

    “The government has failed in almost everything. It has proved unable to secure the nation’s internal environment: there is widespread and rising poverty and unemployment across the length and breadth of the country. There is spiraling lawlessness all over the country. There is a complete and total decline in the quality of social services and an irremediable dilapidation in the nation’s socio-economic infrastructure across board,” Buhari said.