The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Why I wrote book on Tinubu – Kaduna Corps member

    Why I wrote book on Tinubu – Kaduna Corps member

    A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Kaduna, Olayinka Olusuyi has written a book on the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, titled; ‘Our Hero Democrat’.

    The 248 page book chronicled the immense contributions of the former Lagos State Governor to Nigeria’s democracy, especially in face of fierce military dictatorship and opposition to advocacy for democratic rule.

    Presenting the book to newsmen amidst his colleagues, during their Community Development Service (CDS) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, Corps member Olusuyi said, though he is not a politician, as it is against NYSC rules, but he belongs to a NYSC CDS club which creates awareness on politics, economy, socio-cultural and religious issues, hence his resolve to raise awareness on the contributions of Tinubu to Nigeria’s democratic development.

    Olusuyi said, he decided to write on Tinubu for what he described as his sacrificial ideological, nationalistic theoretical, opposition activism, daring and selfless commitment to the struggle, enthronement and nurturing of the nation’s democracy, as well as his present struggle to keep Nigeria democracy in a modern shape.

    According to him, “I tilted my book, ‘Our Hero Democrat’ because Tinubu is our hero of democracy, due to his bloody sacrifice for Nigeria. Categorically, Tinubu is Nigeria’s Democrat by work, battle, sacrifice, struggle and resilient fight. I did not give him these titles, but he earned them on the political battle ground”.

    “I wonder when some people still condemn such a man who has sacrifice for this great nation. A lot of those who attack Tinubu today were nowhere to be found during the real struggle for democracy. It is unfortunate that we live in a country where people’s sacrifice for their nation is easily forgotten or never rewarded and most times victimised.

    “My question is, do Nigerians not remember the annulment of June 12 election and those who led protest that the presume winner be enthroned? Tinubu was a founding member and a kingpin in the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria.

    “The present government have tried to come to power times, but failed during election. Whether we like it or not, the truth can never be hidden. Asiwaju branded President Muhammadu Buhari. Asiwaju was almost crushed to death when he became a target during the Abacha led military government”, he said.

    Reacting to question on whether the book was politically motivated, the Corps member said, he has never met Tinubu or any of his close associates, not to talk of being contracted to write the book.

    He explained that, “Tinubu is a Nigerian who has contributed to Nigeria’s democracy Immensely. And I believe in whoever believes in Nigeria. He did not start promoting democracy when it was easy, he did it when others were scared of being arrested during military oppression.

  • NAFDAC workers begin warning strike

    The lingering management/staff crisis that has threatened the peace of National Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took another dimension on Wednesday as members of the institution’s union declared a two-week warning strike over what they called management’s deaf ear to their plight.

    The placard-carrying unionists who stormed the NAFDAC Headquarters on at Afprint Area of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, brought activity to a halt as motorists and passers-by on the road got interested in the solidarity of the activists.
    Among the placards read inscriptions like “President Buhari, give us Director General in NAFDAC”, “Impunity in NAFDAC must stop”.

    Chairman of the Federal Area Council of the Federal Ministry of Health Workers Union, Lagos, Comrade Attah Ibrahim, who spoke at the occasion, said the plight endured by NAFDAC workers across the country had posed serious danger to the health of the nation while calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene without delay.

    “NAFDAC is bleeding and bleeding seriously and if nothing is done to adequately address the suffering being encountered by the workers, the consequences will be disastrous for the country,” Ibrahim said.

    He listed the workers’ plight to include discrepancy in allowances with workers of Federal Ministry of Health which he maintained was grossly against the rules establishing NAFDAC in 1994, non-promotion of staff whose status had been due for uplifting since 2012, in addition to the absence of a NAFDAC board and appointment of a substantive Director General to replace the incumbent Mrs. Yetunde Oni who has operated on acting capacity.

    “We expect all these complaints to be addressed within the next weeks of this warning strike, failure which we will be forced to embark on indefinite strike,” Ibrahim added.

    Chairman of Lagos Branch of the NAFDAC Workers Union, Comrade Peter Anzaku, also said the role of NAFDAC in sanitising the nation’s health had made it expedient on the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing crisis.

    “We have written several memos to government on this regard since 2012 because of our quest for industrial harmony but no to avail, hence this unavoidable strike,” Anzaku said.

  • FG takes over educational, professional goals of 21 Chibok girls

    FG takes over educational, professional goals of 21 Chibok girls

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said that the Federal Government will henceforth take over the educational and professional needs of the 21 Chibok girls recently released by Boko Haram.

    He gave the promise while receiving the girls at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the girls have experienced the worst of life and now should be able to get the best the world can offer.

    Details later…

  • Buhari vows to provide counterpart funding for infrastructure development

    Buhari vows to provide counterpart funding for infrastructure development

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that the Federal Government is ready to provide counterpart funding for all agreements reached with the People’s Republic of China to fast- track ongoing efforts in closing infrastructure gaps.

    He gave the assurance while speaking with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian, at the presentation of Letters of Credence ceremony at the State House, Abuja.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, commended the readiness of the Chinese public and private sectors to invest in Nigeria, especially in areas that directly improve the livelihood of Nigerians.

    He said: ‘‘we really appreciate the efforts of the Chinese government and its people in supporting Nigeria’s development by always seeking to improve our bilateral relations.

    ‘‘We are also happy that China is working with Nigeria as partners in progress. We will work hard to always meet the counterpart funding for all the agreements reached during my visit to China in April, as we look forward to stronger ties,’’ the President said.

    He also noted that the relationship between Nigerian and China had over the years bolstered the country’s economy through technology and skills transfer in areas like rail, road and energy constructions.

    The President said Nigeria was ready to receive prospective investors from China who had signified interest in the country.

    Speaking earlier, the Chinese ambassador said he had been inundated with so many requests by investors from his country who had been ‘‘falling over one another” to explore business opportunities in Nigeria.

    Pingjian said the investors had been attracted by the ‘‘remarkable and audacious’’ change process that President Buhari’s administration implemented in safeguarding security, fighting corruption and restoring integrity and sanctity in all public sector transactions.

    President Buhari also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Mr. Warner Senfter; Ambassador of the State of Israel, Mr. Guy Feldman and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Mr. Jens-Petter Kjemprud.

  • Buhari greets Prof. Mabogunje at 85

    Buhari greets Prof. Mabogunje at 85

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated erudite scholar and quintessential public servant, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, who turns 85 on October 18th, 2016.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, joined family members, friends, professional colleagues and students of the octogenarian in celebrating the life of the National Merit Award recipient, whom he said has consistently served humanity through extensive research, teaching and consulting across many national and global institutions.

    The President believed the intellectual and moral strength of the renowned scholar prepared him at an early stage for the numerous leadership roles before him; paving the way for a rigorous and successful academic career, and contributions to infrastructure development, urban and regional planning and public sector banking.

    He commended the patriotism and commitment of Prof. Mabogunje in serving, with integrity, on several boards of the Federal Government over many years, sharing his knowledge and skills to reposition cities, and working tirelessly to alleviate poverty through partnerships with the World Bank and the United Nations.

    The President prayed that the almighty God will grant the renowned town planner longer life, good health and strength to continue serving his country and humanity.

  • Buhari to declare N/Assembly seminar on corruption open

    Buhari to declare N/Assembly seminar on corruption open

    President Muhammadu Buhari, will Tuesday declare open a two day seminar aimed at formulating a legislative framework for the anti-corruption fight in the country, the Senate said Monday.

    The seminar being organised by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on Anti-Corruption, has as its theme: “The role of the legislature in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.”

    A statement by the Special Assistant to Senate President on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, said that Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara will co-host the anti-corruption seminar.

    It said that Senate Committee Chairman on Anti-corruption, Senator Chukwuma Utazi, explained that “the seminar is to give legal strength to the anti-corruption fight of the present administration and to create legislative synergy for the anti-corruption fight”.

    “The seminar is aimed at making good the promise of the National Assembly that we are on the same page with the President Buhari led administration and in line with the legislative agenda, that there is a synergy between the National Assembly and the Presidency in the fight against corruption.

    “It is to reaffirm the point that you cannot clap with one hand. It is our way of saying that there must be a legislative strength to back the anti-corruption stance of the present administration”, Utazi said.

    The keynote address of the seminar, it said, will be delivered by Prof. P. L. O. Lumumba, Director General of the Kenyan Law School who is also an international scholar on the issues of corruption.

     

  • Buhari commends Red Cross over Chibok girls’ release

    Buhari commends Red Cross over Chibok girls’ release

    Says talks will continue with Boko Haram if international agencies are involved

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday commended the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the release of the 21 abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

    He also urged the organization to sustain the humanitarian interest it has in Nigeria.

    The President spoke when he met with ICRC President, Mr. Peter Maurer at the State House, Abuja.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that his administration is prepared to continue talks with the Boko Haram insurgent group, “as long as they agree to involve international agencies like ICRC.

    “We’ve seen the result of recent talks, 21 of the Chibok girls are back,” the President said, referring to the role played by ICRC in providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the girls, who had spent over 900 days in the hands of their abductors.

    He noted that Nigeria’s biggest problem was perhaps the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs), stressing that there “were over 2 million of them made up of over 60% women and children. About 60% of the children don’t know their parents, or where they come from. It is weighing heavily on government.”

    On rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure, the President said it was a priority of government, noting that the G7 had equally indicated support, which Nigeria heartily welcomed.

    “We appreciate all your efforts. I am pleased you recognized that our military is cooperating with civil authorities, and respecting humanitarian issues. It is a difficult time for Nigeria. About 27 of our 36 states couldn’t pay salaries when we came last year, and we are still struggling with that. But we will get out of it,” the President said.

    Maurer said their operation in the Lake Chad region is the second largest in the world, after Syria, adding that there are nutritional, health, water and sanitation issues in the North-east, in addition to rebuilding of infrastructure.

    “We are ready to engage and play supportive role in responding to crisis in Nigeria. Security is a lot better than it was a year ago, but humanitarian problems are serious, and don’t disappear so quickly,” Maurer said.

    The ICRC President also commended Nigeria for granting increased access to detainees, and exchanges with the Armed Forces.

    “Detention facilities have improved, there are fewer deaths, and things are better health-wise.” He stated

  • FG defends Buhari’s response on wife’s comments

    FG defends Buhari’s response on wife’s comments

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s remarks that the First Lady, Aisha, belongs in the kitchen, the living room and the other room, were nothing more than a joke, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has said.
    Buhari, asked for his response to a comment by Aisha that she would not support the President for a second term in 2019 except he changed his cabinet, had said: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other rooms.”
    The President’s response drew criticism from many quarters who thought it was not complementary of women.
    But Shehu on  his Twitter handle wrote: “My friends, can’t a leader get a sense of  humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made. He was obviously throwing a banter.
    “Politics sometimes should be spiced with humour. Those of us close to him knows there is never a dull moment with him.
    “Mr. President respects the place of women in our society. He believes in the abilities of women.
    “One of Nigeria’s most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs. Adeosun. This is an evidence of the confidence he reposes on women.”
  • Buhari to join Saraki, Dogara for national prayers

    Buhari to join Saraki, Dogara for national prayers

    President Muhammadu Buhari is to attend the 7th edition of the National  Prayer Breakfast organized by the National Assembly, it emerged Thursday.

    Buhari, who is to join the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers and lawmakers are expected to seek divine intervention for the nation’s challenges.

    The prayers, put together by Christian Legislators in the National Assembly under the auspices of Christian Legislators Forum (CLF) said the seventh edition of the prayers became necessary due to the socio-economic and political challenges the country is currently going through.

    President of the group, Sen. Barnabas Gemade said it was in view of the challenges that the theme of this edition was tagged ‘Tree and Its Fruits: Is Yours a Blessing or a Curse to Nigeria’ was chosen.

    According to Gemade, the event Thursday 27th October 2016 at the International Conference Center (ICC) Abuja would have legislators and other policy makers in the Executive branch of government as well as members of the Judiciary in attendance.

    “It is a non-denominational gathering of Christians to honour and praise God for his graces the nation and seek his face for the challenges facing it.

    “The purpose of the gathering according to its organizers is to build bridges of unity and to engender harmony and progress in the polity.

    “In a chaotic world like ours bedeviled with various challenges notably crisis situations, hard struggles and sufferings, we need God to usher us into a new Beginning.

    “This prayer would afford us an opportunity that reminds all persons that no matter how much responsibility we have or how much power we think we hold, we are imperfect vehicles.

    “We enjoin all patriotic Nigerians to join us to pray  God of creation to direct our nation as one where peace and justice reigns,” he said.

  • Buhari directs EFCC to release N10b recovered fund to NBC

    Buhari directs EFCC to release N10b recovered fund to NBC

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to release the N10 billion recovered loot to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    The fund was part of the proceeds from the sales of spectrum made by the past administration which was diverted.

    NBC Director General, Mr. Modibbo Kawu revealed this Thursday while briefing Journalists in Abuja on the forthcoming International Conference for African Broadcasters (AFRICAST) which is expected to be attended by more than 700 people from the continent.

    Kawu noted the agency is already processing the release of the money, which he said will be committed into the country’s digitalization process.

    He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari has gracious approved that the N10 billion be returned to NBC so that we can use it for digital transmission process.

    “The money will be  used as part of what we have being dong so far, I would not be letting out the secret  if I tell you that money that was taking from the account of NBC into the EFCC recovery account.”
    He also assured that going by the level of work, the country will meet up with the Digital Switch Over (DSO) 2017 deadline.
    “I am optimistic that we are going to achieve the 2016 digital switch over deadline.

    “Two or three weeks ago, the president was in United Nations when he met the captains of American industry, he did say something that Nigeria was willing  to use digital revolution as a major starting point for kick starting a revolutional approach to employment in our country, that includes digital broadcasting.
    “So at the very top level, the president and the people around him, understand that this is a very important process that we need to achieve.”

    On the coming 2016 AFRICAST, he said “We are thinking about a new future for AFTICAST, we plan to make it bigger and better.”

    He also noted that there are plans on ground to make it a yearly activity instead of the current biennial. we want Afriast to be a permanent industry activity on the global calendar. We also expect stronger and more visible-buy in into the AFRICAST, by the industry.

    On the possible financial benefit to the country, Kawu said “sometime when we talk about the benefit that Nigwria is expecting from the programme, he said sometimes, you don’t quantify everything in terms of Naira and kobo. If you are looking for bottom line every time, you might miss the critical point.

    But seriously, it is also an opportunity for networking and this will count in terms of procurement and possibilities of training and so many intangible that can help to develop our industry so it is not just about the money that is coming in, but about long term, short term and medium term possibilities, for broadcasting development in Nigeria and Africa.”