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Tag: PRESIDENCY

  • Presidency knocks Jonathan’s view on corruption

    The Presidency yesterday rejected former President Goodluck Jonathan’s claims that there is more corruption in the country than when he left office in 2015.

    A statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the claim was absolutely untrue.

    He said: “The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account.

    “He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions achieved on account of corruption.

    “Also, this is the first time a ruling party is convicting high profile citizens, including former governors, who are members of same party.

    “This is the first time the international community is acknowledging the efforts of a government of Nigeria in this regard as manifested by the selection of President Buhari by the African Union as the Anti-Corruption Champion of the continent.

    “For the records, this is the first time a ruling party is investigating ranking officers of the administration, including some at the very top,” Shehu said

    Apart from the many firsts recorded by President Buhari’s administration, he said, the government has introduced a lot of changes, considering that the laws relating to the fight against corruption cannot reasonably be static.

    In line with its aspiration to be ahead of the growing sophistication of corruption and financial crimes, he said that the administration initiated new legislations and proposed amendments to various sections of laws.

    The laws, he said, included the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017; Anti-Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017; Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill 2017 (NFIU); Proceeds of Crime Bill 2017.

    Others are the Public Interest Disclosure and Witness Protection Bill, 2017 and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2017.

    He added: “Owing to these efforts and support all of relevant stakeholders, NFIU Act has been passed and President Buhari gave his assent on July 18, 2018. The administration is currently working with the legislature for an expedited passage of the Proceeds of Crimes Bill to make the anti-corruption war more effective.

    “Nigerians should dismiss Dr. Jonathan’s hollow boast that he, not President Buhari, introduced schemes, such as the Biometric Verification Number (BVN), the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS).

    “Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?” he queried.

    The former president is claiming credit for the Single Treasury Account (TSA), the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) being implemented by the Buhari-led government.

    He also said in his book “My Transition Hours” that corruption under his watch was a child’s play compared to what is happening under Buhari administration.

    Since President Buhari assumed office, Shehu said, Nigerians are witnesses to the huge success recorded through the implementation of the TSA where some government agencies that had over the years remitted peanuts or nothing at all are now periodically pumping billions into government coffers.

    “Prominent among these remittances include the ones made by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customers Service (NCS) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    “While it is also true that the BVN was introduced in 2014 to ensure that all bank accounts have biometric identification of their owners, the lack of will and capacity under Dr Jonathan stalled implementation.

    “Today, BVN covers nearly all bank accounts. There are still some individuals who have shielded their identity and are now afraid of enrolling on the BVN platform as this will expose them and their corrupt actions. The law is going after them.

    “President Buhari’s administration introduced the whistle-blower policy as a veritable tool against corruption as it gives individuals an opportunity to expose corruption, fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconducts, government assets and any other form of corruption or theft.

    “Within six months of introducing this policy, over 5,000 reports were made through various channels, 365 actionable tips were received out of the 5000 reports. So far, more than N200 billion has been recovered.

    “As the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation,  Abubakar Malami (SAN),  said yesterday, the former President does not have the facts to claim that there was any serious effort on the part of his administration to fight corruption.

    “As at 29th May, 2015, when this administration came into office, the EFCC recovery account had only N19.5 billion as revealed by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. After one year of the new anti-corruption drive by the Buhari administration, this figure had gone up to N279 billion, and since then a lot more has been recovered.

    “Finally, as evidenced from a fleeting look at the book, the former President had nothing to say about his own achievements. If there was a recession, and yes we had a moment in it, was it due to one year of President Buhari’s government?

    “In his efforts to blame everyone but himself for his failures, Dr Jonathan heaped the blame for the predictable economic recession on President Buhari, ignoring the seeds sown under him through mismanagement and the process set in firm roots for the decline of the economy. Evidently, he did nothing to avert the situation.

    “As we have explained over and over, the recession in 2016 was caused by years of mismanagement and corruption. In the 16 years of PDP, and earlier than that, the country solely relied on oil, the price of which was as high as $140 per barrel under their watch. Government simply reticulated oil revenue through personal spending by corrupt leaders, wasteful expenses and salaries; rather than investing in what would grow the economy. There was no investment in infrastructure as President Buhari is now doing in seaports, airports, power plants, railways, roads and housing.

    “The oil windfall for the country was mismanaged, and Nigeria’s greatest opportunity for growth was turned into a tragedy. More worrisome, there were no savings. And to compound the problem and compromise growth of the economy, the previous government borrowed heavily, owed contractors and international oil companies. When President Buhari came into power in 2015, the country had accumulated debt, which took it back to the level it was before the Paris Club Debt forgiveness. Nigeria did not have fiscal buffers to withstand an oil shock when oil prices fell to as low as $28 .

    “The oil shock should and could have been foreseen. When visionary Nigerians and economists foresaw this and warned of the dangers ahead, Dr Jonathan hounded such men as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 and Professor Chukwuma Soludo. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance under Dr Jonathan’s administration also warned and she was rebuffed.

    “The former President and his party have nothing to say about achievements. They ruled the country for 16 years and what is their record on jobs, power, rail, seaports, airports and internal security, including the crippling disaster of terrorism?” he queried .

     

  • Osinbajo won’t be distracted, says Presidency

    THE Presidency yesterday said recent attempts to smear the person of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will not distract him from empowering and protecting Nigerians in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the presidential aide on political matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

    The statement reads: “Recent desperate attempts to smear the person and reputation of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will not deter or distract him or the Buhari administration from the work of protecting and empowering every Nigerian.”

    He said the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) probe report, which social media account said might have been outlined at a meeting in a foreign country, was one of such efforts plotted to attack the Buhari administration by tarnishing the vice president’s image.

    Ojudu said: “We have read reports in the media that the meeting of the major opposition party in a foreign country was centered on trying to attack the Buhari administration by targeting the vice president, using different tactics.

    “It is now evident through the NEMA report that the opposition is indeed making frantic efforts to tarnish the image of the Vice President,” he said.

    He explained that even after Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Ali Isa had publicly admitted that the vice president was not mentioned in the report, the opposition still found it expedient to continue, attacking the reputation of Prof. Osinbajo by claiming without proof or evidence that fraud was committed in the N5.8 billion Emergency Food Intervention Fund for Northeast.

    Giving more insights on the issue, Ojudu said contrary to insinuations in some quarters, there were no violations in approval of N5.8 billion Emergency Food Intervention Fund and the then Acting President did no wrong in approving fund for the emergency intervention.

    He said the presidential approvals were well within the clear constitutional authority of the then Acting President.

    “First of all, the action was in response to the threat of hunger and starvation based on strong warning received from the United Nation World Food Programme in April, 2017. The organisation had issued a warning that it would be reducing its vital support to about 1.8 million IDPs by as much as 85 per cent, due to the corresponding reduction in funding by the donor countries. Around the same time, the United Nations Commission for Refugees in Geneva also warned of the growing risk of mass deaths from starvation among people living in the conflict areas.

    “Secondly, it is also important to note that the procurement process was not ignored in the release of funds, as alleged. Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act makes provision for emergency procurement, in which case the procuring entity is allowed to engage in direct contracting for goods and file a report thereafter with the Bureau of Public Procurement.

    “Also, the BPP issued a ‘certificate of no objection’ to NEMA on the emergency procurement and this addresses all issues relating to the alleged breach of due process,” Ojudu said.

  • Osinbajo won’t be distracted, says Presidency

    The Presidency on Wednesday said that recent attempts to smear the person of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will not distract him from empowering and protecting Nigerians in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
    This was contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Aide on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
    The statement reads “Recent desperate attempts to smear the person and reputation of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will not deter or distract him or the Buhari administration from the work of protecting and empowering every Nigerian.”
    He said the recent NEMA probe report which social media account say may have been outlined at that meeting in a foreign country, was one of such efforts plotted to attack the Buhari administration by tarnishing the image of the Vice President.
    He said “We have read reports in the media that the meeting in a foreign country of the major opposition party was centered on trying to attack the Buhari administration by targeting the Vice President using different tactics.
    “It is now evident through the NEMA report, that the opposition is indeed making frantic efforts to tarnish the image of the Vice President,” he said.
    He explained that even after Hon. Ali Isa, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness had publicly admitted that the Vice President was not mentioned in the report, the opposition still found it expedient to continue, baselessly, to attack the reputation of Prof. Osinbajo by claiming without proof or evidence that fraud was committed in the N5.8b Emergency Food Intervention Fund for North-East.
    Giving more insights on the issue, Sen. Ojudu said, contrary to insinuations in some quarters, there were no violations in approval of N5.8b Emergency Food Intervention Fund for North-East and the then Acting President did no wrong in approving fund for the emergency intervention.
    He said that the presidential approvals were well within the clear constitutional authority of the then Acting President.
    “First of all, the action was in response to the threat of hunger and starvation based on strong warning received from the United Nation World Food Programme in April, 2017. The organization had issued a warning that it would be reducing its vital support to about 1.8 million IDPs by as much as 85%, due to the corresponding reduction in funding by the donor countries. Around the same time, the United Nations Commission for Refugees in Geneva also warned of the growing risk of mass deaths from starvation among people living in the conflict areas.
    “Secondly, it is also important to note that the procurement process was not ignored in the release of funds, as alleged. Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act makes provision for emergency procurement, in which case the procuring entity is allowed to engage in direct contracting for goods and file a report thereafter with the Bureau of Public Procurement.
    “Also, the BPP issued a ‘certificate of no objection’ to NEMA on the emergency procurement, and this addresses all issues relating to the alleged breach of due process,” Sen. Ojudu said.
    The presidential aide said the action of the opposition in the ensuing political drama indicates that the NEMA probe report is being politicized and only a lame attempt at ruining the good works of the Buhari administration.
    He said the Vice President will however not be distracted by the naysayers’ actions to discourage the Buhari administration from providing for the common man or to abandon the Social Investment Programme which it has budgeted half a trillion for in the past two years.
    He said that the administration will continue to cater for Nigerians especially those at the bottom of the ladder, regardless of the antics of the opposition party.
    “We know what is happening, but the administration will not be distracted. Our goals and objectives to put Nigeria on the solid path of greatness is now unstoppable and Prof. Osinbajo will not relent in that effort,” he said

  • Presidency tackles ex-UK official over comment on Buhari’s anti-graft war

    •’Fed Govt achieves 1,360 per cent success rate than PDP’s 16 years’

    THE Presidency has condemned the comment by former United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for International Development Ms Priti Patel attacking President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption.

    It described Ms Patel’s comment as  wicked proposition lacking in substance and devoid of merit in empirical evidence established by facts.

    Patel had in a published statement, while using Transparency International (TI) report, called on investors to be wary about investing in Nigeria.

    But, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu said her claim that despite the President’s public anti-corruption platform, Nigeria has not seen any reduction in corruption, “is a false fabrication that cannot be supported by the facts on the ground”.

    Garba, in a statement yesterday, said: “By the time President Buhari was sworn in and took office, the only amount in the anti-corruption recovery account over 16 years of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was only N2 billion.

    “This account has succeeded in netting over N400 billion as of today, translating to 1,360 per cent increase. This cannot amount to nothing in terms of progress.

    “When it comes to policy decisions, this government has put in place instruments that have extraordinarily and unprecedentedly reduced corruption and corrupt practices.”

    The statement said the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has led to greater visibility and control of government funds by way of consolidating government’s resources in an account as against the past, where such accounts are scattered.

    The statement added: “The Bank Verification Number (BVN) scheme has equally helped the government to prevent money laundering, financing terrorism and illicit cash transfers.

    “This administration has introduced the IPPS, which implementation has led to an extraordinary reduction of ghost workers, saving the treasury billions of Naira every month. The Whistle Blower mechanism put in place has yielded enormously to the treasury and reduced corruption.

    “In addition to several and urgent legislations targeted at the reduction of corruption, the administration has equally signed a number of highly rewarding Mutual Legal Assistance with a number of countries that have translated to tremendous recoveries.”

    Garba added that the issue raised by Ms Patel about the lack of security of investment was equally false and untenable.

    “Nigerian has recognised the right of the investor, both local and foreign, as enshrined in our constitution, which states clearly that no investment can be taken from its owners without recourse to the law. Given the constitution, you don’t even need international protection for assets held in this country.

    “In addition to the constitution, there exist several laws allowing protection for investments.

    “Beyond this, this administration has moved forward by recognising arbitration processes. The judiciary in the country has a Practice Code to give legitimacy to awards and arbitration clauses in agreements.

    “Cumulatively, we have established a proper climate of investment on account of which, the nation has gained 24 points of excellence in the global ease of doing business index.

    Read also: FG seeks private sector investment from UK

    “As for the specific case of the agreement in 2010, between the NNPC and the P&ID for a 20-year contract to create a new natural gas development refinery, which appears to be her main issue, a project that fell through after a past Nigerian government reneged on its contractual commitments, we do not wish to plead the government’s case in the press.

    “Suffice it to say that the government of Nigeria, in recognition of the sanctity of the judiciary, has submitted to the jurisdiction of a court in the United States to determine the issues in dispute.

    “What we can only say at this point is that Nigerians need to pity their own country for the way things were done in the past,” the statement said.

    It added that before the coming of the Buhari administration, there existed in the country a racket encompassing elements in the three arms of government – the executive, legislature and the judiciary – “through the activities of which artificial, engineered and factored breaches of contract are made, judgments are obtained, appeals are delayed and the penalty imposed is paid and shared”.

    It added: “In the fullness of time, more will be said by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation.”

     

     

  • Presidency to former scribe of Int’l Devt in UK: You goofed over Buhari’s anti-corruption fight achievements

    The Presidency on Tuesday night faulted the former Secretary of State for International Development in the United Kingdom (U.K), Ms Priti Patel over her claims that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption has not recorded remarkable success.
    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, declared that she goofed over the allegation.
    He said that Buhari’s administration in three years has achieved N400 billion anti-corruption recoveries, which is 1,360 percent increase over N2 billion recovered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 16 years.
    The Presidency also said that the Buhari’s administration has made giant strides that saw the introduction of the IPPS, which implementation has led to an extraordinary reduction of ghost workers, saving the treasury billions of Naira every month.
    The Whistle Blower mechanism put n place by the administration, the statement said, has yielded enormously to the treasury and reduced corruption.
    It reads “The Presidency wishes to respond to Ms Priti Patel, former secretary of state for International Development in the United Kingdom (UK) who, in a published statement called on investors to be wary about investing in Nigeria.
    “This wicked proposition is lacking in substance and devoid of merit in empirical evidence established by facts.
    “Her claim to the effect that despite the President’s public anti-corruption platform, Nigeria has not seen any reduction in corruption since Buhari took office, trumpeting a so-called Transparency International report is a false fabrication that cannot be supported by the facts on the ground.
    “By the time President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in and took office, the only amount in the anti corruption recovery account over 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was only two billion Naira (N2 bn).
    “This account has succeeded in netting over four hundred billion Naira (N400 bn) as of today, translating to 1,360 percent increase. This cannot amount to nothing in terms of progress.
    “When it comes to Policy decisions, this government has put in place instruments that have extraordinarily and unprecedentedly reduced corruption and corrupt practices.
    “For example, the Treasury Single Account, TSA has led to greater visibility and control of government funds by way of consolidating government resources in an account as against the past where such accounts are scattered.
    “The Bank Verification Number, BVN scheme has equally helped the government to prevent money laundering,financing terrorism and illicit cash transfers.
    “This administration has introduced the IPPS, which implementation has led to an extraordinary reduction of ghost workers, saving the treasury billions of Naira every month. The. Whistle Blower mechanism put n place has yielded enormously to the treasury and reduced corruption.
    “In addition to several and urgent legislations targeted at the reduction of corruption, the administration has equally signed a number of highly rewarding Mutual Legal Assistance with a number countries that have translated to tremendous recoveries.
    “The issue raised about the lack of security of investment is equally false and untenable.
    “Nigerian has recognized the right of the investor, both local and foreign, as enshrined in our constitution which states clearly that no investment can be taken from its owners without recourse to the law. Given the constitution, you don’t even need international protection for assets held in this country.
    “In addition to the constitution, there exist several laws allowing protection for investments.
    “Beyond this, this administration has moved forward by recognizing arbitration processes. The judiciary in the country has a Practice Code to give legitimacy to awards and arbitration clauses in agreements.
    “Cumulatively, we have established a proper climate of investment on account of which, the nation has gained 24 points of excellence in the global ease of doing business index.
    “As for the specific case of the agreement in 2010, between the NNPC and the P&ID for a 20-year contract to create a new natural gas development refinery, which appears to be her main issue, a project that fell through after a past Nigerian government reneged on its contractual commitments, we do not wish to plead the government’s case in the press.
    “Suffice it to say that the government of Nigeria, in recognition of the sanctity of the judiciary, has submitted to the jurisdiction of a court in the United States to determine the issues in dispute.
    “What we can only say at this point is that Nigerians need to pity their own country for the way things were done in the past.
    “Before the coming of the Buhari administration, there existed in the country a racket encompassing elements in the three arms of government, the executive, legislature and the judiciary through the activities of which artificial, engineered and factored breaches of contract are made, judgments are obtained, appeals are delayed and the penalty imposed is paid and shared.
    “In the fullness of time, more will be said by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation.” it stated

  • By-election results shatter PDP’s return plan, says Presidency

    The Presidency yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) electoral victories in the three House of Representatives by-elections have shattered assumptions of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s return to power.

    A statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity Garba Shehu described the victories in Katsina, Kwara and Bauchi states as signs of things to come in the 2019 elections.

    The statement reads: “In the by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, November 17, 2018, the APC swept the seats in three federal constituencies in Katsina State, Kwara State, and Bauchi State.

    “This victory should be a blow for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaigners who have maintained that by merely claiming that they have rebranded, Nigerians will have forgotten all the mess they left behind in 2015.

    “By voting overwhelmingly for the ruling APC, Nigerians have shown their confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, and their willingness for continuation of this government and its policies.

    “This clear show of support can only be a synopsis of what Nigerians should expect in the forthcoming elections, at all levels.

    “I would like to use this opportunity to remind Nigerians that there will always be a winner and a loser in every election, an individual and a party with the highest votes and another with the lowest.

    “That is what democracy is about. Therefore, all aspirants should approach elections with the mindset that they could either win or lose.” he said

    He said that accepting results only when one wins and challenging results each time one loses, is not the right attitude.

    “It is certainly not what democracy is about.” he said

    He added “On behalf of President Buhari, I thank the people of Katsina, Kwara and Bauchi States for their show of support over the weekend.

    “I thank Nigerians all over the country for believing in this government and in its determined effort to pull our nation out of the mess left behind by 16 years of PDP government, and into the greatness that is our destiny.” he said

  • APC bye-election victories have shattered PDP’s return myth – Says Presidency

    The Presidency on Sunday said that the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) electoral victories in the last 24 hours have shattered any assumptions of a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) return.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the bye-elections victories in Katsina, Kwara and Bauchi states are signs of things to come in the 2019 elections.

    The statement reads “In the bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, November 17, 2018, the APC swept the seats in three federal constituencies in Katsina State, three in Kwara State, and another in Bauchi State.

    “This victory should be a blow for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaigners who have maintained that by merely claiming that they have rebranded, Nigerians will have forgotten all the mess they left behind in 2015.

    “By voting overwhelmingly for the ruling APC, Nigerians have shown their confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, and their willingness for continuation of this government and its policies.

    “This clear show of support can only be a synopsis of what Nigerians should expect in the forthcoming elections, at all levels.

    “I would like to use this opportunity to remind Nigerians that there will always be a winner and a loser in every election, an individual and a party with the highest votes and another with the lowest.

    “That is what democracy is about. Therefore, all aspirants should approach elections with the mindset that they could either win or lose,” he said.

    He said that accepting results only when one wins and challenging results each time one loses, is not the right attitude.

    “It is certainly not what democracy is about,” he said .

    He added “On behalf of President Buhari, I thank the people of Katsina, Kwara and Bauchi States for their show of support over the weekend.

    “I thank Nigerians all over the country for believing in this government and in its determined effort to pull our nation out of the mess left behind by 16 years of PDP government, and into the greatness that is our destiny,” he said.

  • Calls for suspension of TraderMoni deceitful — Presidency

    The Presidency has said that calls for the suspension of the TraderMoni, one of the Social Investment Programmes of the Buhari administration is a direct confrontation with millions of Nigerians benefiting from programme and several others.

    The Vice President’s spokesperson, Laolu Akande, said in a statement in Abuja that the calls by some individuals under the auspices of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum were deceitful and a disservice to the over 2 million Nigerians who will benefit from the loan.

    Akande, who was reacting to news report credited to the group, said: “It is deceitful for anyone or group to accuse the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, of advance vote-buying through TraderMoni, a micro-credit scheme designed to assist the bottom of the pyramid petty traders nationwide. This was the false claim contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the leadership of a group called Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum recently.

    “We do not think the Nigerian people are up for sale, nor can they be bought. Such suggestions are an insult on our collective identity. And calling for the suspension of a scheme that improves the businesses of ordinary, hardworking Nigerians, like petty traders, is not only unfair, but an attack on the common man.

    “The Social Investment programme of the Buhari administration started in 2016, and the TraderMoni scheme is a part. So, it is false to even insinuate that the scheme was meant for advance vote-buying when it was conceived two years ago.

    “TraderMoni, which is part of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) under the SIPs, is designed to assist petty traders across the country expand their trade through the provision of collateral- and interest-free loans from N10,000. The loans are repayable over a period of six months.

    “Also, it would seem naysayers cannot withstand the fact that this administration is fulfilling its promise. Would they rather share the funds among themselves instead of supporting petty traders? Afterall, in some few instances, a combined sum of N100 Billion was shared under the former administration.

    ” If that N100 Billion had been given to petty traders as loans, like the Buhari administration is doing now at N10,000; 10 million petty traders nationwide would have been beneficiaries.

    “We will not choose to engage with the notion that Nigerians and their loyalty are for sale. This administration has proven over and over again that it is committed to the welfare of everyday Nigerians, the common man. That is why we started the largest Social Investment Programme in the history of our country. And we will not relent in staying connected with our people.

    “This is a major reason why TraderMoni, which has since been formally launched in 33 states and the FCT, will continue nationwide as we intend to reach 2 million Nigerians by the end of the year. Over 809,000 Nigerians are currently beneficiaries of the microcredit scheme.”

     

  • Minimum Wage Saga: Stiff judgment awaits you at polls, Presidency tells Atiku group

    The Presidency has criticised the concocted controversy over President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on proposed N30,000 by some political actors to score cheap political goals, saying “stiff judgment awaits them at the polls’’.

    Mr Femi Adesina, made the condemnation in a statement in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to comments apparently made by the Atiku media office.

    In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku had allegedly claimed that “President Buhari cannot be trusted to implement the ‘new’ minimum wage of N30, 000’’ recommended by the Pepple tripartite committee.

    Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said “Buhari may not have the political will to implement the new wage’’.

    However, Adesina said: “Those who have latched onto the concocted controversy to play cheap politics, we appeal to them to remember that elections are not won through loquaciousness, and trying to demean the President at every drop of a hat.

    “But then, it is not surprising, as they have nothing else to sell to Nigerians, if they don’t ride on the name of the President. Stiff judgment awaits them at the polls.’’

    The presidential aide therefore frowned at the recurring reports alleging that Buhari had reneged on earlier acceptance of the N30,000 recommended as the new National Minimum Wage by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee.

    Read Also: Salvador urges APC’s unity ahead of 2019

    He noted that these reports were contrary to what transpired on Tuesday when the committee presented its Report to the President.

    He said the president, while acknowledging the concerns raised by government on affordability and labour’s focus on meaningful increase, stated clearly in a speech, which was made available to the media that:

    “In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas.

    “Our plan is to transmit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time. I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.

    “As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report. I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”

    Adesina observed that: “From the above, and throughout the report-submission ceremony, the President never mentioned any figure. What he committed himself to was a new minimum wage, and only after the Report of the committee has been reviewed by the executive and legislative processes of government and an appropriate bill presented to him for assent.

    “Until the proposed minimum wage has gone through the whole gamut of law-making, President Buhari, who is a stickler for due process, will not be caught in this unnecessary web of controversy, which amounts to putting the cart before the horse and hair-splitting’’.

  • PDP’s diversionary tactics disgraceful, says Presidency

    The Presidency yesterday said the diversionary tactics of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had become disgraceful.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, was reacting to the comment by the PDP and its plan to go to court over the President’s West African School Certificate (WASC).

    He said: “We have read that the failed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is going to court to challenge the President’s West African School Certificate (WASC).

    “This is a waste of time because we have the record of this and of higher qualifications obtained by hard work and truly merited by Mr President.

    “This certificate story is an old one. As Femi Adesina stated clearly, it is a settled issue in the courts. To approach the court to pursue a matter long settled by the temple of justice is an abuse of the judicial system.

    “It is shameful, disgusting and disgraceful. It is clear to all at this time that the PDP, facing an imminent humiliating defeat wants to sow division and chaos by seeking the destruction of the institutional structures that support our young democracy.

    “They are attacking the courts and the police, they are molesting INEC commissioners. They are theatrical in spreading falsehoods against persons including the President.

    “By doing these, they assume that they can take away attention from the discussions on issues gaining momentum in the country; the issue of internal security which has been jeopardized by years of near-zero investment under 16 years of the PDP; the provision of long-delayed infrastructure which the President is pioneering; corruption to which the PDP is incurably tied and the sustenance of the prevailing good days in the economy, a business-friendly government working day and night, creating more jobs and affordable life for the poor.” he said.

    According to him, the coming election is not about the settled issues of certification.

    “No matter how honeyed their sweet words, don’t believe them.

    “Their evil record can never be washed away. The PDP set a record of murdering opponents of government and corruption on a scale never seen anywhere before.

    “They put the national security at stake by diverting huge budgetary allocations to service their greed. Don’t believe their honeyed promises,” he added.