The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari approves Mambila power project, 40 yrs after

    Buhari approves Mambila power project, 40 yrs after

    President Muhammadu Buhari at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council(FEC) meeting, approved the award of the contract for the engineering, procurement and construction of the 3050 MW Mambila Hydro Electric Power Project, thus reflecting his strong commitment to the development of infrastructure in the country.

    The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola speaking on the Mambila project, said  “it will have a transformational effect on all of Nigeria’s socio-economic development. During its construction and upon completion, and subsequent operation, it will have considerable positive impact on electricity supply nationwide, productivity, employment, tourism, technology transfer, rural development, irrigation, agriculture and food production in the area and beyond.”

    The contract which was given to a consortium of three Chinese Companies, Messrs CGCC-SINOHYDRO-CGOCC Joint Venture, came after more than 40 years on the drawing boards. He stated that the work which started in 1972, as part of a preliminary study carried out by Moto Columbus, and confirmed by an indigenous water resources consultancy, Diyam Consultant led by distinguished Nigerian engineer, the late Malam Salihi Ilyasu, had recommended the construction of a hydropower project with a rated capacity of 3,960 MW.

    The project which will cost the country the sum of US5,792,497,062.00 inclusive of taxes, environment utilization, works, as well as project land acquisition and compensation to about 100,000 people who will be resettled, came as a result of President Muhammadu Buhari discussions with the President of the Peoples Republic of China during his State Visit to that country.

    “One of the achievements of the visit was the bilateral agreement between the two governments to cooperate on the project and in particular, for the Peoples Republic of China to prioritise Chinese financing of the Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project using Chinese contractors”.

    He also stated that the formation of the Joint Venture by the three companies, CGCC, SINOHYDRO and CGCOC under the guidance of the Chinese authorizes was at the request of our government and significant in breaking the deadlock caused by litigation, also ended needless competitor wrangling’.

     

     

     

  • President Buhari arrives Daura amid cheers

    President Buhari arrives Daura amid cheers

    Thousands of people thronged the Daura airstrip in Katsina State to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari, who has arrived his hometown for Eid-el-Kabir.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Airforce helicopter conveying the president and members of his immediate family landed at the airstrip at 4:45 p.m on Wednesday.

    The president was received by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, politicians and thousands of well wishers.

    Buhari, looking much healthier and radiant, smiled as he waved to the mammoth crowd. He walked from the airstrip to his residence in the GRA of the town.

    Inside the town itself, Buhari’s arrival excited many people, who broke out in prayers for his good health.

    Malam Aminu Shehu, a trader who could not control his emotion, described the arrival of the president as a relief to Nigerians, especially his kinsmen who spent a year without seeing him.

    He praised God that the president was looking happy and not fatigued.

    “we will continue to pray for the well-being of the president’’.

    Hajiya Nana Mohammed, a politician from Maiadua Local Government Area, said the president was back for the better, describing his arrival as an unprecedented home coming and “we wish him well’’.

    Alhaji Abdurrahaman Danmalan, a politician, and the Danmadamin Daura, described the numerous reforms introduced by the present administration as a welcome development.

    He said the president was pursuing the reforms on agriculture, education, security and infrastructure with vigour.

    On his part, Mr Musa Mohammed, the Chairman of the Daura chapter of the NURTW, thanked God and well meaning Nigerians for their sustained prayers for the recovery of the president

    He said his members would book for an appointment to see the president to formally greet and interact with him.

    Alhaji Ali Rabe, the Chairman of the Daura Emirate Amalgamation of Political Associations, also told NAN that arrangement for a thanksgiving service had been concluded.

    Rabe disclosed that the event would hold two days after Sallah. NAN also reports that VIPs such as governors and ministers followed Buhari into Daura.

    Massive security has been mounted in and around the ancient town.

  • Buhari arrives Katsina State

    Buhari arrives Katsina State

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday arrived his home state, Katsina State.

    It was his first home coming after returning from the United Kingdom on August 19.

    The President had spent about 103 days in the UK on medical ground.

    The President’s plane landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, in Katsina State in Nigeria Air Force plane 001 around 4:03 p.m.

    He was received on arrival by Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, Emir of Katsina and other top government officials of the state.

    A chopper immediately took him to his home town, Daura.

  • Buhari mourns Kanti-Bello 

    Buhari mourns Kanti-Bello 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday extended heartfelt condolences to the Kanti-Bello family as well as the government and people of Katsina State on the death of Senator Mahmud Kanti-Bello.

    The President, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, also commiserated with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the passage of their distinguished colleague and former Senate Chief Whip, who served two-terms in the upper legislative chamber.

    As Senator representing Katsina Central Constituency/Daura Senatorial zone from 2003-2011, President Buhari recalled that the late Senator Bello was a very outspoken and courageous patriot, who worked hard to ensure that all levels of government in the country were responsible and accountable.

    He believed that Senator Bello’s effective representation of his people at the national level and commitment to the unity of Nigeria will be long remembered and honoured; and will continue to serve as inspiration to many others.

    President Buhari urged Senator Kanti-Bello’s family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values of honesty and accountability, which served as his reference point throughout his public service.

    The President prayed that Almighty Allah will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest.

     

  • Unbreakable bond

    Those still in doubt about the closeness between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo might have seen a clearer picture penultimate weekend.

    After 103 days in the United Kingdom on medical ground, President Buhari returned to Abuja that Saturday.

    First to welcome him as he stepped down from the plane at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was the Vice President.

    With the way Buhari gripped Osinbajo’s hands with one hand and waved to the crowd with the other hand, it reflected the deep love and bond between them.

    If not for protocol, the President would probably not have hesitated from hugging and carrying the Vice President in his hand as he was so pleased with the way Osinbajo steered the ship of State in his absence.

    The length of period of the President’s stay in London was not only enough to give an over ambitious deputy some selfish ideas, but more than enough time to perfect plans with other influential elements for political gains.

    This was the main reason most past leaders stay tight and never give their deputies opportunities to act in their absence,  even for a day.

    But President Buhari in his previous 50 days stay in London on medical ground, between January and March, didn’t think twice before communicating to the National Assembly to pave the way for Osinbajo to be Acting President in his absence.

    Osinbajo even remained more committed in the latest President’s 103 days in the UK.

    In the two instances, the Vice President did not let the politics of the day get into his head as he remained focused and not letting his eyes off the ball.

    Although Buhari and Osinbajo have severally claimed that the relationship between them was a father to son relationship, the bond between them has proven to be more than that.

    While there have been several stories where sons go to the extend of betraying their biological fathers one way or the other, the case of Buhari-Osinbajo has been different.

    Osinbajo has proven to all that his loyalty to his superior can never be in doubt.

    Even when there were reported controversies on whether the 2017 Appropriation bill will be taken to London for the President’s assent, Buhari had insisted then that Osinbajo, who was the Acting President should sign the bill into law.

    Because of his respect for the rule of law and the bond between them, Buhari was even reported to have sent back some top government officials who took files to him in London for approval.

    Osinbajo, who is a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), have no doubt exhibited the fruits of the spirit found in the Holy Bible in Galatians chapter 5: 22-23 including love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

    So, President Buhari’s firm grip on Osinbajo’s wrist on his arrival at the airport on that Saturday really spoke volumes about the unprecedented relationship between the number one and number two citizens.

    Speaking on the President’s return, Osinbajo said: “As you can see from the many Nigerians who lined up on the road to receive the President as he came back, many Nigerians are happy that the President is hail and hearty and that he has come back.

    “It was a natural reaction, most people heard of his arrival only a few hours before then, but as you can see, the response was so spontaneous. So, I think that people were so excited and very happy.” he said

    On the message to Nigerians, the Vice President said “Oh, the message to Nigerians is that, the recovery and recuperation of the President is in some sense symbolic of the recovery of Nigeria.

    “Nigeria is going to recover. We are on the path of strong economic recovery and this is an excellent sign that the country is on the right side.

    “There is great hope, there is great excitement and we are going to make it as a nation.” he stated

    Commending Osinbajo on how he ran the country in his absence, Buhari said “The efforts by the Vice President are commendable. He used his intellect to run all over the place. I was seeing him 24 hours on NTA.

    “I congratulate them and I allowed him to come and see me to thank him personally for what he has done.” he stated

    This relationship of peace and harmony at the top will no doubt reflect positively on the development of the country.

    It is also hoped that such will continue to the end of the administration and the future number one and number two citizens that will come after them.

  • Defunct CPC members approach Buhari for SGF position

    Defunct CPC members approach Buhari for SGF position

    Members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) from the southern part of the country on the platform of Southern Mandate of Nigeria on Monday told President Muhammadu Buhari that they were hungry and angry at the President for marginalizing them.

    The group is also demanding the appointment of one of its key leaders as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to replace Babachir David Lawal who was suspended for alleged corrupt practices.

    The CPC is one of the legacy parties that teamed up to give birth to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ikonomwan Francis said none of the key members of the defunct CPC is occupying any position in the present government.

    Comrade Francis said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that the challenge facing the government would not have been there if the President had appointed key persons who planned with, and work for his success at the poll into his government.

    Comrade Francis said key Leaders of the defunct CPC who were the driving force of Presidential bid and consistently mobilize 12.5 million votes for him in 2003, 2007, 2011 and repeated same in 2015 general Elections are conspicuously absent in his government, pointing out that these are the persons the President needs at this critical moment of our National History to help strengthen his government for the benefit of Nigerian people.

    He said the only visible member of the defunct CPC in the present government is the President himself, saying other members of the party who have been abandoned are “hungry and angry”.

    The statement reads: “We, core members of the defunct Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) from the seventeen Southern States of Nigeria wish to remind President Mohammadu Buhari of the Marginalization of Core members of the Defunct Congress of Progressive Change in his Government, even as we welcome him back Home from his Medical trip Abroad. We give God the Glory for bringing him back Home Hale and Healthy.

    “As you have returned, we want you to urgently address the burning issue of marginalization of Core members of the defunct CPC which led to our advocacy for the appointment of the core member of the defunct CPC as a replacement for the suspended SGF.

    “It is pertinent to remind Mr President that there are persons that started the struggle, stayed with him all through the hard times, some of them who were his co-visioner and who encouraged him to come into politics since 2003. When Mr.

    President came into politics, these persons planned with him, strategies for him and at last won for him.

    “They are Men and Women of implacable and steering character, just like the President himself. We believe that the challenge this government is facing now would not have been there if the President had appointed these key persons into his government.

    “These key Leaders who were the driving force of Mr. President and consistently mobilize 12.5 million votes for him in 2003, 2007, 2011 and repeated same in 2015 general Elections that gave him President of Nigeria Today.

    “These persons are conspiqiously absent in his Government. And these are the persons he needs at this critical moment of our National History to help strengthen his government for the benefit of Nigerian people.

    “Some members of his cabinet and his personal Aides have no business been part of this government. They have created a vacuum between his government and the people.

    “Southern Mandate of Nigeria (SMN) is strongly of the view that only his co-visioners of President Mohammadu Buhari can assist bridge this gap. We are afraid that if urgent steps are not taken to tackle the Present increasing Security, Political, ethnic, and Social challenge , it might take an uncontrollable negative dimension in this Country.

    “We are hungry and angry. The core members of the defunct CPC who are your immediate constituency, staked our lives and properties to make you President today, has been abandoned and left to feed on scrumbs. We share in your vision and mission to make Nigeria great again. We are ready to give you the needed support to rescue this great country.

    “Time has come for Mr President to listen to patriotic voices of which we represent, for the overall interest of our great country. It is mind blowing that the government we laboured to build, most of our key Leaders are not in government and hirachy of the party at all Levels.

    “Today, the only visible core CPC member is Mr President himself. It is worthy of mention that Nigerians had a high expectation from this administration to right the wrongs of the PDP for sixteen years of misrule in this country. But we are sadden that the government that enjoyed massive goodwill just two years down the line has become a government of ridicule by same people, both at home and abroad.

    “This call for retrospect on the part of Mr. President to salvage our dear country Nigeria from the present socio-political quagmire. We make bold to advice Mr. President to appoint one of these key persons to replace the suspended SGF so that this government can bounce back as truly government of the people.”

  • Buhari congratulates D’Tigress on African Basketball victory

    Buhari congratulates D’Tigress on African Basketball victory

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the national female basketball team, D’Tigress, on winning the 2017 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Mali and qualifying for the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain.

    Buhari also joined other sports-loving Nigerians in saluting the heroic performance of the victorious D’Tigress over their Senegalese counterpart in the final of the 2017 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament on Sunday.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, commended the players for displaying uncommon strength, confidence, skill and dexterity in their victory over the defending champions.

    He urged members of the team and their handlers to remain focused and dedicated even as they prepare for greater glory to Nigeria at the forthcoming FIBA World Cup.

    The President assured the team, its managers and the Nigeria Basketball Federation of his support and that of the Federal Government to ensure that they excel against other top competitors in Spain.

  • Buhari, governors meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which took place in the Council Chamber, started immediately after the President observed his jumaat prayer in a mosque beside his office.

    Some of the Muslim governors also joined the President for the prayer.

    During the meeting, which included governors from all the major political parties, the President commended Osinbajo for running the country with intellect in his absence.

    He said: “I have just addressed members of APC and PDP senior officials that came to welcome me back. I thank you very much for the national approach in your leadership, those who are leader at political level and those who are chief executives in their respective states.

    “I had so much time to watch television, especially NTA 24. I heard so much information about the states. I am very pleased with the states, you are all doing your best and you are lucky. Your best is proving to be good enough on agriculture and solid minerals. You are succeeding in agriculture because I think people cannot afford foreign food.”

    “The devaluation of the naira is not our making. It may not favour us, but it is something we cannot change. Some people were asking me if we should be more strict on the borders, but I want to thank God last year and this year is better than what it used to be.”

    “The efforts of the vice president are commendable. He used his intellect to run all over the place. I was seeing him 24 hours on NTA.

    “I congratulate them and I allowed him to come and see me to thank him personally for what he has done.”

    The President said he was very happy with the national prayers that were held for him, noting that they crossed various religions and ethnicity.

    On the protesters abroad who called for his resignation or for him to return to Nigeria, he said: “In fact some groups in London came and sang the national anthem and asked that I should go back home, indeed I have come back home. I hope those who went there are not stuck there, they will come back and join us.

    “Those that are stuck there with the Brexit, I hope they have weighed the implications that it won’t affect them including those that have properties there and those who are not paying tax here.

    “I hope when they sale their properties there they will bring some of the money here. We need it very badly here.

    “I thank you very much. My morale has been raised greatly by the love shown to me and the security of the country.”

    Speaking on behalf of the governors, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, commended the President for always bailing the governors out of economic challenges.

    He noted that many states at the inception of this administration owed up to 28 months workers’ salaries.

    He said the consistent release of bailouts have assisted states to clear salary backlogs.

    On his part, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, assured President Buhari of the governors’ support in the bid to transform the country.

    He also commended the President for always treating governors equally, irrespective of party affiliations.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, said: “First of all we thank God Almighty, we thank the good people of Nigeria and those outside the country who stood firm behind Mr. President and the country.

    “Our President went to take care of his heath and now he is back healthy and healthier than before. We are here to appreciate him. We thank almighty God that he is back safely. We equally thank his able lieutenant, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who held the country firm in his absence.

    “That is the demonstration of team work. It has equally shown that Nigerians selected the best and elected the best in 2015 general election and today Nigeria is better for it.

    “We thank people across the world who really stood firm behind the country in the absence of Mr. President. He is back and we are celebrating life. We are celebrating health.”

  • Buhari, PDP, APC leaders meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, PDP, APC leaders meet in Aso Rock

    …We will give you a run for your money, PDP tells Buhari

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which took place at the new Banquet Hall of the State House, had the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun and the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmad Makarfi, in attendance.

    Speaking during the meeting, the President said “I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home.

    “This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.

    “Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.

    “I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.” he said

    Odigie-Oyegun said that the President has demonstrated that he is the father of all irrespective of political affiliations.

    He said: “I want to say on the lighter note that people were surprised that the PDP and the ruling party the APC were coming together to felicitate with you Mr. President at the joint meeting.. Most were suspicious that we are going to announce another grand measure.

    “I want to thank you for the uniqueness of today’s event.  We have not only come jointly to welcome you back and wish you well.

    “You initated this unique day and you are sending a message, a very clear message all over the country that you have come back in spite of all that happened,” he said

    Makarfi, on behalf of the party, thanked God for the recovery of the President from his health challenges.

    According to him, his party was constantly praying for the President’s recovery while he was still in the United Kingdom.

    He said “Mr. President, it is with a deep sense of gratitude to God Almighty, that the entire family of the Peoples’ Democratic Party joins our compatriots in welcoming you back home from your medical vacation.

    “We thank Him for your recovery even as we pray that He continues to guide and guard you as well as give you greater strength to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of your office, for the betterment of our country.

    “It is on record Mr. President that while you were away, being the major position party in the country did not stop us from praying for your quick recovery and return to Nigeria.

    “This is because we honestly believe that the President of our country, whatever party flag he or she flies, is our president; and his or her health, is substantially linked with the nation’s health in so many ways. So a prayer for your health Mr. President, we believe is a prayer for the good health of our country. This was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others, irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers

    “In any case this PDP firmly believes that opposition is no madness; it will therefore never wish ill of anybody, let alone the person saddled with the responsibility of leading our country. Mr President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.

    “Mr President, having welcomed you back and prayed for you, let me seize this opportunity to assure you, and through you, the entire country, that the PDP having assumed the leadership of the opposition in this country, is poised to play that role energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of responsibility.

    “This we shall do by giving you a good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this country better

    “We assure you of our cooperation as much as the opposition can possibly give to enable you give your best in the process navigating the ship of our state into of a better tomorrow. We are glad to note that already the legislators of our party are cooperating with those of the majority party in both arms of the National Assembly to ensure a smooth legislative sail for the system.” he said

    Makarfi added “We are also proud of the contributions of our governors to the deliberations and other activities of both the National Council of State and the National Economic Council.

    “Mr President, I want to reiterate our offer and assurances of PDP’s cooperation with the government on any programme sincerely designed to take Nigeria to higher levels. We identify with, and will continue to support the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes that have sneaked into our consciousness like kidnapping and banditry, as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes and other crimes camouflaged as such and all other anti-social vices that slow down our nation’s wheels of progress.

    “We also offer our support for the fight against corruption and appeal that the institutions saddled with this onerous task be given a necessary encouragement and independence to do the right thing. This will help in further strengthening our institutions and insulating them from undue political interferences.

    “It will also help give them a more credible outlook in the eyes of the public. There is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity of civilized nations until we rebuild our institutions and imbue them with the necessary independence and confidence that will improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry.

    “The government should lead the charge in this regard by, especially, exhibiting greater respect to judicial pronouncements as well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

    “The PDP as a great believer in the unity of this country will also partner with the government in any way(s) that will strengthen our historic bond and rebuild bridges of our beautiful relationships that seem to be cracking at the moment,” he stated.

     

  • ‘Buhari’s return shames critics’

    A Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to the country after over 100 days in the United Kingdom on medical vacation has shamed his critics who wished him dead.

    The president left Nigeria on May 7 for London for the continuation of his medical treatment of an undisclosed ailment. While in the UK, some people peddled rumours that he had become incapacitated and called for his resignation.

    Speaking at his Umuahia residence in Abia State, Apugo said it was a thing of great joy for him, his family, APC members in the state and Abians in general that President Buhari not only came back to the country alive, but also fully recovered.

    The Ibeku prince said while Buhari was away, so many things were said about his health with some saying the president was on life support machine while others said he was incapacitated and should resign.

    Apugo was of the view that the beauty of the president’s return to the country was that his critics have been silenced and put to shame.

    Describing Buhari as a man of integrity, the APC chief noted that the president’s return will oil and reinvigorate the machinery of government and called on him to re-jig his cabinet to bring in fresh blood that will better the lot of the people.

    “Buhari is a man of integrity, I have no doubt that his coming back is going to oil and reinvigorate the machinery of government. My advice is that he should do a cabinet shakeup to inject new blood into the administration for the benefit of the masses.”

    Apugo condemned the activities of the group that campaigned that the president should either return home or resign, stressing that it was insensitive and out of place to force the president home when doctors had not certified him fit to resume duties.

    Describing the group as a tool in the hands of the opposition, the APC chieftain said since Buhari complied with the constitutional provisions before he travelled out for medical attention, the group’s protests became a thing of concern to all well Nigerians.

    “It is quite unfortunate that the group, whatever their name is, did not act wisely. When someone’s father is sick and went to the hospital for medical attention, you don’t force him back home, unless you don’t love him and want him dead.

    “We know that those who embarked on the protest acted a script written by the opposition, but I’m happy that the president has returned not on the weight of the so called protest, but based on his doctors’ advice.”

    Apugo said the APC family and indeed all Abians are happy with the return of the president to the country and pledged total support for Buhari as he strives to reposition the nation for good.