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Tag: President Mohammadu Buhari

  • It’s not compulsory for Buhari to preside over FEC meetings- APC

    It’s not compulsory for Buhari to preside over FEC meetings- APC

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have said that it was not compulsory for President Mohammadu Buhari to preside over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Gov. Nasir El- Rufai of Kaduna State made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, while addressing journalists on the outcome of the governors’ meeting with members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

    He also said the constitution made provision for the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to preside over such meeting in the president`s absence.

    El- Rufai, who was reacting to speculations that President Buhari could not attend the FEC meeting for the third consecutive time because he was ill, said the governors were not bothered by such speculations.

    “We are not worried yet and have no reason to be worried, but we however, urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the president to be in good health.’’.

    He said it was normal for the president to have medical challenge, considering the fact that he was over 70 years old.

    “Even me that is 57 years old, I still go for medical check up,’’ El-Rufai said.

    He, however, debunked insinuations that APC had internal crisis, stressing that the party was intact with a unified leadership structure, adding that contrary to speculations, its NWC was intact.

    El-Rufia explained that the reason the party was presently constrained financially was because it did not rely  on public funds to operate like some parties in government.

    According to him, the party is funded by private and cooperate donors who had been its sponsors before it came to power.

    He further said the party`s leadership was willing to return to such donors to raise funds to ensure that it was operated as expected.

    The governor said that the meeting discussed best incentives to reward loyal party members, in line with its constitution.

    El-Rufai also said that the governors, at the meeting, pledged their loyalty to the party`s leadership and promised to meet with its NWC members monthly.

    The move, El-Rufai said, became necessary to discuss ways of strengthening APC and move it forward.

    He said a date would be picked for the party`s National Executive Council meeting at the governors next meeting with the NWC members.

    The governor also said that the governors had committed to assist the Federal Government in delivering true dividends of democracy to the people.

    Earlier, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the APC National Chairman, commended the governors for attending the meeting, in spite the short notice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 APC governed states were represented at the meeting, the second in the year.

  • Buhari assure Nigerians of a better country

    Buhari assure Nigerians of a better country

    President Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday in Kano declared that the change agenda of the All Progressive Congress (APC) will no doubt reflect and create an enduring hope to better the lots of Nigerians contrary to insinuation from some quarter.

    Buhari in his message during the launch of the North West National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, (NCBSG) said that efforts and dedication of Nigerians will change our country for the better.

    The President’s message, read by Senator Ahmed Lawal said, “I’m happy to send this message of thanks and good will to all organizers and participants on the lunching of National Committee of Buhari Support group taking place today in Kano. Your effort and dedication are very well known to me. You are inviting this part of movement on the APC and change agenda. We must change our country for the better.”

    “We must stand by regarding ourselves as examples; change begins with you and I and then all of us in Nigeria. You should carry this message to all corners of our country. It is a bottom up operation in our country. Successes at your level is success for all of and our dear country.”

    “I wish you a very successful launching and I looking forward to getting up to date reports of your activities”

    The Chairman Board of Trustees of NCBSG, Senator Abu Ibrahim who represents Katsina south senatorial district  told the group from the north west zone that President Buhari is been endorsed for a major interest that will reflect the creation of a new hope for Nigerians in  which his committed and determined to achieve.

    According to him, “the group was   formed   with   the   mandate   to   coordinate   and organise the affairs of the various Buhari Support Groups that participated in the enthronement and ascension to office of President Muhammadu Buhari through the 2015 election.”

    “These   pre-existing   support   groups   piloted   the   grassroots initiatives via which our Dear President’s message of hope was delivered to all the nooks and crannies of the country and we intend to keep them as channels of outreach and feedback between the government and the citizenry.

    “It is   our desire   therefore   to   use this   gathering   today as   a platform to appreciate and express our profound gratitude to you all.

    “When we elected President Muhammadu Buhari into office, we did so with the conviction that our dear nation needed to be put on a new pedestal, for the dreams of our founding fathers to be realised.

    “We were convinced of the need to establish a firm foundation   upon   which   a   united,   peaceful   and   prosperous nation can be built by, and for, this and succeeding generations of Nigerians. It is in this regard that I must personally commend all of you for your patience and understanding as our Dear President steers us through the difficult steps necessary to achieve this objective.

    “The poor management of the country, especially under the watch of the now opposition PDP, is the reason we have had to endure a harsh economic climate. The signs of a decline in the economy   were   there   a   clear   two   years   before   the   2015 elections.

    “It is therefore inexcusable that those who had the responsibility of managing our affairs failed to save for the rainy day and freely helped themselves with our common patrimony, including funds earmarked for restoring peace and security in the land.

    “Recent gory news of the recoveries of stolen cash provides proof that some individuals behaved like delinquent juveniles, to paraphrase Mr. President, when they had the opportunity to lead this great nation.

    “We must stand firm and resolute to say NEVER AGAIN shall we allow the destiny of Nigeria in the hands of unscrupulous abusers of public trust, wanton riggers of elections and peddlers of thuggery. They should never be allowed to tie down the destiny of this   land   of   inestimable potential, to their whims and caprices.

    “As you and I know, when they fail to explain away their glaringly failed stewardship, they resort to name-calling. When that doesn’t deter you, they resort to outright blackmail and threats to life and property. It is our collective duty to restore this nation’s pride because we have no choice.

    “This land belongs to all of us and we must be proud to work tirelessly to make it better for our children and our children’s children. Let the naysayers know that we shall never give up this God-given right.”

    However, Senators from Katsina, Yobe, Ondo as well as house of representative members and some top government dignitaries and politicians graced the launching.

     

  • Buhari to launch economic recovery plan Wednesday

    Buhari to launch economic recovery plan Wednesday

    President Mohammadu Buhari will on Wednesday April 5, launch the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adeshina said the launch of ERGP is in furtherance of the current Administration’s drive to sustain and build on the successes so far recorded in tackling corruption, improving security and re-revamping the economy.

    Adeshina who said the event will take place in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 11 am added that, “The Medium-Term ERGP, which had earlier been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has amongst its broad strategic objectives, restoring sustainable, accelerated inclusive growth and development; investing in the people; and building a globally competitive economy.”

     

  • Buhari nominates NDDC members for Imo, Ondo, Abia

    Buhari nominates NDDC members for Imo, Ondo, Abia

    President Mohammadu Buhari has forwarded to the names of three new nominees for the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the Senate.

    The nominees are to replace the ones from Imo, Ondo and Abia that were earlier rejected by the Senate on the ground that they were not from oil producing communities.

    The new nominees are Lucky Omirisan (Ondo), Chuka Amawawa (Imo) and Nwogu N Nwogu (Abia).

    Their nomination letter from President Buhari was read on the floor of the Senate on Thursday by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

    The Senate had in October 2016, rejected three nominees from the three states, out of a list of 19 nominees forwarded to it by the President.

    Those that were rejected were Donatus Enyinnaya (Abia), Osita Izunaso (Imo) and Olatokunboh Ajasin (Ondo).

    Enyinnaya and Ajasin were rejected because they were not from oil producing areas of their respective states, while Osita Izunaso voluntarily rejected the nomination.

    The Senate has not given any date for the screening of the three nominees.

  • Governors must account for Paris Club refund, says lawmaker

    Governors must account for Paris Club refund, says lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Ikpoba-Okha/Egor Federal Constituency, Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to ensure that state governors were made to account for the first tranche of Paris Club refund they collected.

    Hon Agbonayinma said it was wrong for the state governors to collect the money with carrying local government along in the disbursement.

    In a chat with newsmen in Benin City, Hon Agbonayinma, said it was local government under the auspices of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) that engaged lawyers for the refund of the money.

    Agbonayinma said it was proper for President Buhari to know how the first tranche was expended before any new disbursement of the loan refund.

    According to him, “This money belongs to Nigerians but the local governments have not been carried along. The governors have decided to take local government for a ride. It is constitutional right for local government to exist.

    “It was the ALGON who engaged lawyers to see how the money can be refunded back to the Federal government. Having done that, the right thing was to involve those that made it possible for the money to be refunded and rather the money was paid to Governors Forum.

    Governors Forum is another parallel government. The governors should how back to their various states and provide governance. Some governors don’t have the interest of the people at heart. Some of the money paid in the first tranche went to voice mail. Some have gotten to private pockets. Some states have not paid salaries or pensioners from the loan refund.

    “Those who fought for the money to return to Nigeria should benefit from the Paris Club refund. This action of the governors is totally wrong.”

     

  • Borno CAN declares 7 days special prayers for president Buhari

    Borno CAN declares 7 days special prayers for president Buhari

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Borno State Chapter has declared a seven days special prayers and fasting to God for the health of President Mohammadu Buhari and the unity of Nigeria in general.

    Drawn from churches across Borno State and Maiduguri metropolis, Clerics and many Christians have on Monday started the special prayers and fasting at an interdenominational services  in the next 7 days  for Mr. President for God to heal him fast so as he returns to pilot the affairs of the country Similar prayers were offered by  Muslims  at 350 mosques in the state last Friday.

    The Nation recalls that  CAN National body  on Friday last week  in a statement signed by Evangelist Kwamkur Samuel, Director Legal and Public Affairs enjoined all  Christian bodies, and indeed all God-fearing Nigerians to declare special praying time for Buhari and the nation.

    On his part, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State  had in the same spirit directed the state Ministry of Religious Affairs to write the CAN chairman requesting prayers for the President’s health  in appreciation of his commitment to the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Borno State  CAN Chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga, Founder and Overseer of Biblican Christian Church (BCC) Gomari Old Airport in Maiduguri led other clerics and Christian faithful, where they offered prayers at Bulumkutu Church of Brethren in Nigeria a.k.a Ekkliziyan Yan’uwa a Nigeria (E.Y.N) in Hausa,  one of the zonal prayer meeting points to some residents of Maiduguri Metropolis, while similar prayers were offered in another zone at Saint Timothy Catholic Church, Shagari Lowcost area, near 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.

    Speaking with journalist after the service, Bishop Naga said that the fasting and prayers among all Christian denominations throughout the week, will be conducted at various designated churches in the state.

    “I want to seize this opportunity to thank God for making it possible to be alive today. Today (Monday) is a special day for us, as we have dedicated it throughout the week to offer fasting/prayers for quick and safe return of our Dear President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “This President and his team started very well in trying to position our country for the better. His commitment in the fight against Boko Haram in the north east, militancy in the Niger Delta Region has yielded positive results.

    “The ongoing fight against corruption which is devoid of any sentiments, religious or political consideration is highly commendable.

    “We are in trying moment, i want to implore all and sundry to continue to pray for this great country of ours. We don’t have any other country other than this. I also call on us to pray for the speedy recovery and good health of President Muhammadu Buhari, for him join us back home soon. As human being, President could be subject to health challenges or fell sick sometimes, and Buhari is not exceptional. I urge us to pray for Buhari, the unity and peace of this great country; to pray for understanding,” Bishop Naga said.

    In the same vein, prayers against economic recession, the menace of Boko haram terrorists attacking soft targets, Fulani Herdsman/Farmers clash among other issues were offered during the session for unity and progress of the nation.

     

  • CJN appointment: Onnoghen’s kinsmen plead with Buhari

    CJN appointment: Onnoghen’s kinsmen plead with Buhari

    Kinsmen of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen have appealed to President Mohammadu Buhari not to deny their person the opportunity of heading the nation’s Judiciary by sending his name to the Senate for confirmation in substantive capacity.

    Speaking under a group, the Cross River State Elders Forum (CRSEF), the senior citizens appealed to the President to comply with the provision of Section 231(1) of the Constitution by sending Onnoghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation.

    The group’s spokesman, Lawrence Alobi, a retired Police Commissioner in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, told journalists in Abuja yesterday that nobody from the southern part of the country had occupied the office of the CJN for the past 30 years.

    Alobi, who noted that the non-confirmation of Onoghen had started igniting suspicion and concerns, said the constitutionality of the appointment of CJN was already generating “a lot of controversy” across the country.

    Alobi said: “In keeping with his oath of office, Mr. President accordingly appointed Justice Walter Onnoghen as acting CJN.

    “We thank Mr. President for finding him worthy of appointment to the exalted office.

    “However, the president has not forwarded his name to the Senate as provided under section 231(1) of 1999 Nigerian constitution (as amended), and Justice Onnoghen has been acting for almost three months.

    “This has concomitantly raised suspicion and great concern among most Nigerians, bearing in mind that for the past 30 years no southerner has been appointed as CJN, which is contrry to principle of equity and fairness.

    “In fact, the issue of the constitutionality of the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen as substantive CJN, has generated a lot of controversy across our political spectrum, which of course is not healthy for the stability as a nation.

    “We therefore humbly and passionately appeal that the President and Acting President, as a matter of urgent national importance, should do the needful and forward Justice Onnoghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive CJN, in compliance with section 231(1) of 1999 Constitution (as amended),” he said.

    Alobi also pledged his people’s “loyalty and support” for the Buhari-led administration’s efforts “to checkmate corruption, fix our economy and also enthrone moral leadership at all levels of government to promote integrity in our polity and public institutions.

    “We, the Elders of Cross River State Forum, pray that the Almighty God should grant President Muhammadu Buhari a speedy recovery and a safe return to the country in good health,” Alobi said.

  • Lottery Trust Fund donates sports equipment to C’River schools

    Lottery Trust Fund donates sports equipment to C’River schools

    The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) on Thursday in Calabar donated equipment worth millions of Naira to 38 public primary schools in Cross River, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The NLTF’s Executive Secretary, Mr Habu Gumel, said the donation was in line with the Federal Government’s gesture to equip public primary schools for sporting excellence.

    He said the donation followed the Federal Government’s decision to provide sporting equipment to about 2,000 public primary schools nationwide in May 2016 in Abuja.

    He said the equipment donated in Calabar, which covered nine different sports as well as those in states so far visited by the NLTF, were worth several million Naira.

    According to Gumel, the gesture also reaffirms that Government is passionate and committed to advancing, uplifting and promoting grassroots sports in Nigeria.

    He said the government was determined to equip public primary schools with quality sports equipment through funding from the national lottery.

    According to him, this is a clear demonstration of government’s desire to foster better inclusion of the most vulnerable segments of our society especially school children.

    “We are confident that this intervention programme will lead to the discovery of new talents in sports that abound in our communities and rural areas and also assist their physical and professional development,” he said.

    Gumel charged the benefitting primary schools to put the equipment to good use in and ensure their proper security.

    Speaking at the occasion, Mr Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said President Mohammadu Buhari was determined to channel available resources to develop Nigeria’s economy.

    He said that the renewed focus on the lottery industry was consistent with the Federal Government’s economic blueprint aimed at diversifying its economic base.

    “Government is determined to harness needed resources wherever they may be found in order to continue to develop our economic potential and apply them to the generality of Nigerians.

    He said government is determined to devote full attention to the industry to ensure it performance meet the revenue and development aspirations of our people.

    He said government has identified sports as a major revenue earner and capable of contributing significantly to our gross earnings outside of oil.

    Lawal was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Dr Amina Shamaki,

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River, who received the equipment at Tinapa Resort, decried a situation where Nigeria was only represented in very few sports at global sporting events apart from football.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, said the gesture by the Federal Government through NLTF would meaningfully engage youths in other sporting activities.

    He said that there were no doubts that with the equipment presented by the NLTF young people, who take to sports and education, would excel

    He urged the benefitting schools to share what they have with neighbouring schools, who had none and ensure the equipment were put to effective use.

    The sports equipment donated were in nine sports: football, badminton, handball, table-tennis, volleyball, basketball, athletics A, athletics B and Taekwondo.

  • 2017 Budget will be passed in good time – Saraki

    2017 Budget will be passed in good time – Saraki

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Thursday promised that the 2017 Budget will be passed in good time, unlike the experiences with past budgets.

    President Mohammadu Buhari is expected to lay the proposal before the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Saraki said that much consultations have been carried out on the soon to be presented 2017 Budget proposals.

    According to him, the National Assembly is ready to receive the President as soon as communication is received from the Executive.

    He also said that the issues concerning the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) will soon be resolved.

    He said: “We are ready. Once the document comes to us, we are ready. I think this time around, a lot of work has taken place behind the scene, there is a lot of more collaboration and you will see the result of that in the time frame it will take after the president will have presented it.

    “I came for consultation with the President on a number of national issues. We are all getting towards the end of the year, getting the budget. Just regular consultation,” he stated.

    On MTEF, he said: “That is still a work in progress. I am sure that very soon, that matter will be concluded. But I am very optimistic that this year’s budget will be passed much more sooner than what we saw in the past.”

    Asked if he can give details about the budget, he said: “Well, I haven’t seen the details until the president lays it. I am sure within the next ten days, it will be presented

    He maintained that the decamping of a lawmaker on the floor of the Senate was democracy at work.

    “It is democracy at work. The opposition party has its views about the defection of a senator to the APC. Normalcy has been restored to the house and we are one family again,” he said.

  • Reps consider Buhari’s N180b virement request

    Reps consider Buhari’s N180b virement request

    The House of Representatives is set to consider the request of President Muhammadu Buhari for the virement of N180b.

    The request which came through a motion by the Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila was passed with no resistance from the floor on Wednesday. 

    President Buhari had in a letter dated Tuesday, 25 October 2016 to Speaker Yakubu Dogara requested for virement of funds in the Appropriation Act, 2016.

    The request was in respect of virement of funds appropriated for special intervention  (Recurrent) and special intervention (Capital) to fund some critical Recurrent and Capital items.

    According to the President,  the request was necessitated by a number of reasons, including shortfalls in provisions of Personnel cost, the inadequate provision for the Amnesty Programme,  the need to sustain the war against insurgency and the depreciation of the Naira.

    The letter that came together with the $90b loan request on the same day  was read on the floor while the Speaker said it will be  listed for debate the following week.

    Following the rejection of the President’s requests by the Senate, the House clarified it’s position that it has not rejected the letter but would  rather consider it through a substantive motion.

    The Majority Leader, while justifying the need for the House to consider the motion said in the course of implementing the Appropriation Act, 2016, several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) presented issues pertaining to salary shortfalls as it affects the MDAs that are not under the platform of Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), and some MDAs that are under the IPPIS platform wpuld be locked put as their Personnel Cist budgets would not cover salaries for the rest of the year.

    “Also the Nigerian Air Force needs to cover the foreign exchange differentials in the procurement of its critical equipment and augment the contigency vote, and also to provide for inadequacy in the provision for the National Youth Service Corps in 2016, among others,” he added.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun, who referred it to Committee on Appropriation and other Committees to which the virement relates to serve as sub-committees of the Committee on Appropriations.